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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  Typical Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By C .Sheppard - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  Very comfortable and quiet.Interior roomy,nice leather.Exterior style boring, especially the rear! CXS should handle bettera sports sedan its not!A handling disappointment over the Olds Intrigue I traded.

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  Buick Ren - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By DRWingnut - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Have leased the 2002 and would lease/buy the next one. Very nice to drive, my only wish is that it would get a little better than the 20 mpg.

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  In the Shop Before 1,000 Miles - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By DKS - July 26 - 6:10 pm

  I love my Enclave but have had to have the overhead cams and head replaced in the engine. The engine light kept coming on and going off. I had it in the shop 4 times before Buick fessed up to a problem with the cam shaft being milled too much. As far as comfort and fun to drive I couldnt find anything better. I was afraid of buying a Buick and we will see if this major replacement will change my mind.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jondaley - July 25 - 1:04 pm

  My wife likes this car so we got it. I was not thrilled with it at first. I like the ride and power train of the Chevy Equinox better, by my wife likes the comfort of the Buick. It fits the kids and stuff well. We took it on a short road trip, and I began to like it more and more. It is a great highway car, stable and smooth. Somewhat underpowered, but I can compensate for that. Quiet and smooth. No initial quality problems.

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  Last of "big Regals" - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Morty - July 22 - 11:29 pm

  Aside from GMs decision to cut weight in the wrong places & start to make "pewter" brake rotors in all sedans from the mid-90s to the present, this car has been fabulous ! No maintenance expense aside from recomended chart routine. Im getting great gas mileage on the interstates. Its made my previous Grand-Am seem to ride like a buck-board! Im keeping it till the wheels fall off!

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  Expensive Repairs - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sherry Powell - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My job requires me to be on the road over 70% of the time. Very comfortable ride and the gas milage is ok at 18mpg. However, any repair has been expensive. I purchased an extended warrenty that expired 1K mi ago. And then the igintion switch went out.. a part that is combined with the steering wheel and steering column.. To the tune of $1,600 to repair. Parts take up to two or three weeks which adds to the costs since I had to rent a car to continue working. Also, tires do not last past 40k and Ive experienced several repairs covered under warrenty. Cant wait to unload this over priced SUV

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  93 3.3L Century Custom - 1993 Buick Century
  By Rachel - July 20 - 12:13 am

  Have had this car for quite a while. The 3.3L has probably been its saving grace. Now at nearly 13 years old, its still going. Original motor and transmission at almost 270k miles. No real major repairs save the harmonic balancer pulley and the heater core. It has enjoyed eating alternators in the past 5 or so years-- 3, I believe. And the cruise control stopped working, but would require a new computer and simply would not be worth it at this point. All in all a great car, especially considering how long weve had it and how many miles its traveled. Will only hope the next car I purchase will be as reliable.

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  So far...So good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By NAU02 - July 19 - 8:07 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 8 months now. It had 22k miles on it when purchased as a used rental vehicle, and now at 30k, there are no problems yet. I love the handling and the comfort. Im not too crazy about the outside looks, and being 25, male, and single w/out kids, Im the only person in my demographic with this SUV. I Upgraded the stereo and it sounds wonderful. I tested almost every mid-size SUV out there and nothing compared to the ride and interior stylings of the Rendezvous!

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  The 3800 engine is a proven keeper - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By James Crawford - July 18 - 8:04 pm

  On smooth pavement, this car is very quiet. The dual zone climate control works very well. Engine cruising rpms are surprisingly low. My new Buick has 1,000 miles on it and I can average 25+ MPG on the interstates of Florida & Georgia while set on cruise control at 75 - 80 MPH. The ABS brakes are very controllable for coming to a smooth, non-diving stop. All-around visibility (windshield, side windows, side mirrors, and a really wide view via the automatic day/night rearview mirror)is the best Ive ever had. The rear bumper resident back-up warning system helps give me back some of the sense of depth perception that Ive lost with age! Ive been in Fords for 30 years. Im in Buicks to stay.

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  Last sharp-looking Buick - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By LarryMit - July 18 - 4:45 pm

  I finally got my Riviera since lusting after the 1963 model when it came out. This is the best looking American car since 1963 and the last good-looking one. If only Buick would make another Riviera like this, Id consider buying another Buick. Oh, well!