Overview & Reviews

Owned by General Motors, Buick is one of this country's oldest brands, with a rich tradition of innovation that dates back more than a century. Though long known for catering to retirement-age customers with its full-size sedans, the automaker's lineup now includes SUVs and sport sedans designed to bring younger buyers into the showrooms of Buick dealers.

The company was founded in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick, a Scottish industrialist. He built his first car in 1904; called the Model B, it had a two-cylinder engine with an advanced-for-its-time overhead-valve cylinder head design. In 1907, Buick unveiled its first four-cylinder production car, dubbed the Model D. The following year, the Flint, Michigan-based Buick Motor Company was bought by William C. Durant as part of a new company called General Motors. By 1914, all Buicks were built with six-cylinder engines and purchased primarily by upper-class professionals, thus earning the nickname "doctor's cars."

The manufacturer proved itself a trailblazer in the early 1920s when it introduced four-wheel brakes. This technology had been seen before on custom-built cars, but Buick was the first to figure out how to successfully apply it to mass-produced vehicles. Eight-cylinder Buick cars emerged in the 1930s and became immensely popular; these advanced engines received steady improvements for several years. The '30s also saw Buick's introduction of the industry's first rear turn signal to use a flasher.

Models such as the Estate Wagon and the ever-popular Roadmaster kept Buicks happily ensconced in driveways all across the nation in the 1940s. In 1948, Buick introduced Dynaflow, the first torque converter-type automatic transmission offered in U.S. passenger cars. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed Buick continuing to zoom ahead of the curve; it was among the first to offer vehicles with power brakes and steering, and 12-volt electrical systems. The marque was also behind the introduction of the first American V6 passenger car engine and introduced the Riviera personal luxury coupe in the early '60s.

On the whole, though, Buick had made its name as a manufacturer of stately land yachts such as the Electra 225. To meet the changing times, the automaker downsized its full- and midsize models during the 1970s and began offering compact and midsize sedans for the 1980s. During the latter period and into the '90s, Buick changed things up by introducing the Regal Grand National muscle car and Reatta luxury coupe and convertible. But its core product continued to be luxury sedans aimed at an older audience.

Today, Buick specializes in sedans and crossover SUVs and is modifying its philosophy in the hopes of attracting younger buyers. Luxury and class are still common themes, but newer models have European influences in their handling and ride dynamics. As such, many modern Buicks, such as the compact Verano sedan provide a more entertaining drive and more contemporary styling than people might expect from this "old" nameplate.

User Reviews:

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  RodeMaster Takes on the Ultra - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By RodeMaster - May 30 - 10:00 am

  If the classic Buick Port Holes, dont grab your eye, the unbelievable performance of the supercharged engine will. I love this car. I scoff at the Edmunds reviewer who called the ride floaty. The Ultra package provides excellent tires and handling, but still provides a comfortable ride. The BOSE sound system was great. Mechanically, perfect--no warranty or other work, great gas mileage and the supercharger offered up excellent mileage. While certainly appealing to a true Buick buyer from the looks, the leathers were very nice, and the interior fit and finish were excellent.

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  Best Car Ive Owned So Far - 2004 Buick Regal
  By R. T. Brandon - May 29 - 1:07 pm

  I average 28-29 mpg on the highway if I keep it under 65 and city mileage isnt bad either (usually just under 20 mpg). My Regal is comfortable on long and short drives. My only complaint is road noise. It can get loud on grooved pavement. After 40000 miles the body is still tight with no squeaks and rattles. The 3.8 liter engine is peppy for a V6 and acceleration is adequate enough to enter freeways and pass other vehicles on 2-lane highways. I have enjoyed this car and hope to drive it for many more years.

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  Lucerne is a Pretty Darn Good Car! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Joe - May 28 - 8:15 pm

  Bought this car one year old when my Avalon started acting up down in Florida. Drove 800 miles one day heading North, never could have driven that far with my Avalon and the horrible seats. This Lucerne is far superior to my old Avalon. Have had new Caddys Saabs, and my Toyota Avalon, this is by far the best car I have owned!

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  My big bad boat - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Roadmaster - May 28 - 12:11 pm

  I bought this car from a priviate owner for my kid that was getting ready to graduate and end up keeping it for myself. The only problem i have had with it was, the radiatior drain plug came out on me. It was rough looking, but a very sound car.

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  Buick Enthusiast - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Buick Enthusiast - May 27 - 12:12 pm

  Smooth and quiet ride, just what you would expect from Buick. The features of am import luxury car in an SUV.

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  Comfort and Class - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By frank - May 24 - 10:07 am

  Use this car as my sales office. Had a 2005 Lacross CXS, wanted a bit more room. Ride is very quiet and comfortable. Handling is what you would expect from a luxury cruiser of this size and price. The V6 is suprisingly quick and have never felt underpowered merging on the Freeway, once at cruising speed you have to watch your speed because 90 sounds and feels like 70. Memory seats, heated steering wheel and seats and very comfortable and supportive seats makes long distance drives easy. Get it with the premium sound system, worth the money.

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  Cant Believe I Bought a Buick! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dee - May 21 - 2:50 am

  I truly cant believe I bought a Buick. This is my first American car. I love this car. I have never had so many people give me compliments and ask "What car is that?". The ride is very quiet and the captains chairs are fantastic. The car looks fantastic and also to drive. My son loves the DVD with the wireless headphones. I fell in love with the turn by turn directions which I use a lot and the emergency phone in the car via OnStar can be very helpful if you are in a jam. Lastly, I use the remote start a lot as I live in FL and it gets very hot and it cools down the car before I get in with my toddler.

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  Perfect - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ziebab - May 20 - 12:43 pm

  Bought used with 24,000 miles. It has been the perfect SUV for us. Tried out a Ford Escape after we test drove the Buick, not even close, plus the Escape was more money. My wife loves the Rondezvous. Lots of room all around, easy access to everything, great vision, comfort, reliablity, ride is slightly rough but not a big deal. No major problems, just the usuall maint. One ignition problem but covered by warranty. We are at 65000 miles, just put on a new set of tires, running great and still looks like new. Too bad they discontinued them, would buy another one when the time comes.

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  Excellent car - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Regalman - May 19 - 8:21 pm

  Getting 29 on the highway. Will get even better than that when I put ZMax in it. Excellent quality and reliability. Quiet smooth ride. Very comfortable. Classic American Luxury for the right price.

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  Yomoffs Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By yomoff - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I rate the following as great features: Good riding, steering, visibility, AC, comfort, ease of loading passengers and baggage, opening of cargo space, towing small trailer, storage, sound system, On-star and no hands cell phone.