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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  Like repair bills? - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Darlene - March 6 - 12:37 pm

  I loved this car BUT have had SO many repair problems. Lets see, wheel bearings, brakes, air conditioning twice and "3" Yes I said three manifold gaskets! Now I just had to have a head gasket replaced and Oh, the gas gauge does not work and I cannot afford to have them pull the gas tank and fix it! Has anyone had any luck with help from Buick?

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  Look out Lexus! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By shkspier - March 5 - 9:33 pm

  Ive only had my car for a few weeks but am LOVING it. Im a youthful 43 year old man and never thought Id own a Buick. This vehicle oozes class, style and performance, all for about $10K less than a Lexus. The ride is comfortable, but tight -- nothing like the "marshmallow" suspension Ive always associated with Buicks. A bit nervous about the reliability of a GM but willing to give it a shot with the new upgraded warranty (finally). Ive always owned Toyotas, Lexus, etc but glad to say I own an American vehicle now.

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  Still Rolling - 2001 Buick Century
  By Mart - March 5 - 2:09 pm

  Purchased used in 2003 with 38K. Previous life was a rental. Now with over 150K all types of things have gone wrong in the past 12 months. Intake manifold leaking, cruise control out & gas gauge undependable. However I have not had any brake, exhaust, or tranny problems, and the car always started! No rust on body either. Time to trade in or give to charity, but it was a very good investment.

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  Overall outstanding car with few flaws - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - March 3 - 4:24 pm

  Ill sum up the good points first: 1) Style: This car looks better than a lexus, mercedes, audi, or bmw. Hands down. 2) Interior style: I love the accent lighting, the displays, the information center with radio 3) I love the bluetooth for cell phones. Totally worth it dont skip it. Trust me. 4) Engine: I love the power and the auto-stick feature. Fun! What I dont like: 1) Drivers seat is not deep enough. It also has a hard plastic portion that sticks out. Youll bruise your thigh getting in an out if not careful. I learned the hard way. 2) Small trunk 3) USB/Power outlet in center console 4) Gas tank on wrong side (can be good for busy gas stations)

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  nice car - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By lei - March 2 - 2:02 pm

  one year ago I bought a used 2008 Lucerne and was so pleased with it, Its ubiquitous 3.8 litre engine provides all the power one could want unless they are a "drag racer" and the car handles beautifully. I have always gotten 30-35 MPG at the 55-65 miles per hour on the high way and 20-24 mpg in local driving which amazes me in so big a car.then the Lucerne is the most satisfactory one I have ever owned.

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  Great ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By don - March 2 - 12:52 pm

  I bought this vehicle after I read 50 reviews and some test drives. Other folks have done a great job of describing the joys of an Enclave. I have experienced mileage as high as 28 on flat road 55mph and no traffic. Typical on interstate at 70 is 23-24 if you keep your foot steady. 2 complaints- tires extremely noisy on some roads. I drive with both feet and periodically, if my foot is resting on the brake when I accelerate, the vehicle jumps. Have had a couple close calls. I now make sure my foot is off the brake. Dealer says my brake foot is confusing the throttle computer causing it to feed in more gas. One Toyota has same problem.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Marc - February 28 - 8:31 pm

  Bought a month ago, so far great vehicle. Bought Cocoa Mist FWD CXL-2, hard color to find. DVD player works great for the kids, seats move easily (my 5 year old can move them). ONstar is a great feature. Fuel economy could be better,but its exactly what the sticker says, so really cant complain. Couple of snows so far and it has performed as well as our Jeep. We are starting to see why we are seeing more and more of these on the roads and know why.

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  Love This Car! - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By NeuroDoctor - February 27 - 4:09 pm

  This a great car. Its qualities are very well done. It is beautiful, inside and out, quiet, luxurious, and has an understated quality that very well fits someone who is not about ostentation. While one might think me biased because a long time relationship with Buick (three generations of Buick owners), I believe that this is the best Buick I have ever owned! Once again, Buick (for me) has created the perfect doctors car!

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  IT HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Ricardo Jimenez - February 27 - 4:00 pm

  I bought it with 40,000 miles, the transmission blow off after one month, it was replaced by the dealer and I just paid $300.00. After that, the heater was fixed, it was blowing cool air by the driver vent, it was fixed @ $700.00, the driver bearing has been replaced and after that, no problem in 3 years. Im using synthetic oil and maintenance by the book, I drive 104 miles a day because of work. The cassette player never works

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  Not bad for THIRD hand car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By ty - February 27 - 3:04 pm

  Not the prettiest design, but not completely horrible. Just a simple blue collar (as my boss likes to say) car. Because its an American car, the used car price was better than buying a comparable but smaller Japanese family sedan. Only some minor problems, which I expect from American cars. The dash and radio console looked like it hasnt been updated since 1985. I saw a 2004 Honda Accord with more modern design. The driver side speaker blew out after a month I owned it. And a month later the gas gauge stopped working so I have to estimate when to fill up gas. No big deal. I will drive this car into the ground. As long as it keeps running Im happy.