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:

• 

  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cincy - July 16 - 10:13 am

  I love my Rendezvous. Its perfect for daily travel, with a very comfortable ride and great visibility. I love having the 3rd row seats that can hold 7 passengers or for extra storage. Unfortunately, when the 3rd row seats are up, theres very little storage but for an umbrella stroller. Im averaging about 17-20mpg Hwy, and thats with construction and stop and go traffic. Its better on longer stretches on the highway. Its a great vehicle for a small family with all the extras and not the huge price tag.

• 

  2005 LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L - July 15 - 10:57 pm

  The car is very good on the road. It has a very quiet interior, and you dont hear road noises. I believe the gas consumption is about 18 to 20 miles in the city, and on the road it is 25 to 27 miles to the gallon.

• 

  Love My Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Steve - July 13 - 2:25 pm

  The only problem with my car was squeaking brakes, and GM had a fix for it at no charge. The dealer has been excellent and the AWD works very well in NH winters. It handles well on the highway, and gas mileage is decent. I get many positive comments about the style.

• 

  I Love this Pain - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By RM - July 11 - 4:00 pm

  I just stumbled upon this beauty in a Dodge Dealers used car lot, and got a great deal because I guess nobody wanted a big car. Lucky me! This car is my favorite ever. Power, handling, fun, and a real head turner. Its not like all the other cars that all look the same. Ive been asked countless times to sell it, but I wont. Shes got 140K now, and drives like the day I bought it. The engine is great. one warning, fun costs money! The car is expensive. Since its 10 years old, things are starting to break, but Ill just get it fixed and keep driving.

• 

  Good Solid Family Sedan - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ktgister - July 10 - 11:26 pm

  Have had the car for three years with only a single problem - one of the window mechanisms broke. Other than that it has been as reliable as any Honda or Toyota I have owned. I have not had to get it tuned up, replace the tires or any other issue. I think anyone looking for a car of this size would do well purchasing a Buick LeSabre. The only real issue I have is the resale price - it seems to drop faster than I would like. Your best option could be to buy a used one about two years old.

• 

  First SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kathy - July 9 - 2:49 pm

  I have driven a Buick Riveria or LeSabre for the past 20 years, so am used to the luxurious ride. My new Rendevous meets the challenge. Have used it for three long trips in the last 3 months and find it thoroughly enjoyable. I wish the gas mileage was better though.

• 

  Bought used, new to me - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Ms Jones - July 9 - 1:04 am

  I love this car, and bought used w/ 41k, with oil changes and gas needed. Im disappointed in the economy on the streets, but highway driving is better . It has a smooth ride, but I kept thinking something was wrong with the tires. I get a whining noise. Also, the low tire light has started to malfunction, and it stays on even though I have tires properly inflated. The climate control display comes and goes when it feels like it. If you can overlook some minor things this is a great car. Its stylish and can be souped up just like those other cars. On the brake system, use ceramic. It doesnt need brakes, just sounds like you do. Oh yeah, great stereo system. I almost replaced it, but decided to keep it. Great sound. Id recommend this car to anyone

• 

  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By RoccoM - July 7 - 4:11 pm

  The steering takes a little getting used to after driving for many years with power steering. The panel lighting is great, and the automatic lights on/off function is welcomed. I like the safety feature of the daytime running lights. A year of free OnStar is enough to get me to pay for it when it comes up for renewal even though it is rather expensive. Fuel economy could be better as could the rear seat room which is very tight especially in terms of head room. All in all a very good card with a great appearance (especially in cardinal red metallic).

• 

  Good Idea-Poor Implementation - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Basil - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned this SUV for 9 months. I drive 300-500 miles per week on highways. Ignition switch was defective from the first day. Engine lacks torque/power. Intermittent rattles in dashboard and steering column. Some features of Driver Information System are unreliable. Seems to have defective electronics. Good SUV idea that was cheaply implemented but carries a hefty MSRP of $34,000. Hopefully parts will be less expensive Japanese SUVs. Horn sounds like a toy.

• 

  2000 BUICK PARK AVE - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By BANG DO - July 1 - 1:50 pm

  THE VERY FIRST TIME WE DROVE IT OUT AND BEFORE EVEN FINALIZING THE DEAL THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS WE DROVE HOME ON A SATURDAY EVENING. ONLY WENT 2 MILES FROM DEALER. AFTER TAKING IT BACK FOR REPAIR. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER ANOTHER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING SOME OTHER SENSOR WAS ALERTING US WITH THE BELLS AND LIGHT. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART SO THEY TOOK ONE OFF OF ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE BUICK.