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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  Best American Car Ever - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By Mike - April 12 - 11:54 pm

  The 1999 Buick Riviera is a beautifully designed and built car that can compete in every way to the Japanese or European carmakers. In the 1980s and 1990s the Riviera became something of a highly decorative boat anchor, but with the supercharged 3800 it jumped into the performance car category. The 3800 alone is the best engine out there and to supercharge it , you have the combination of performance and reliability. Overall this is the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned a lot of cars.

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  This isnt Your Grandmas Car! - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Babs - April 12 - 8:34 pm

  The only time I really replace a car is when theres an accident, or in 1 case, stolen. So, after my brother smashed my Oldsmobile, I went to my local GM dealership, and bought a 2001 Buick LeSabre. This is beautiful car to look at. The body is in great shape, no rust or dings. The interior is nice, and comfortable. The stereo is thumping. I have the Concert Series II. It really puts out a big sound. Definitely not for Grandma. I get great mileage for a big car. I get 31 miles highway, and 25 city. Thats important now that gas is over $3 a gallon. This car is comfortable for passengers. It will fit 5 adults comfortably. I have a remote starter, for cold and snowy Minnesota days.

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  Great Car, Great Handling - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy Driver - April 11 - 9:19 pm

  Great overall vehicle. AWD is handy feature. Quiet, smooth ride for all passengers. 3rd row seat has just enough leg room/head room for 510" person. Lower clearance, although not great for huge snowfalls, is nice for disabled parent to enter/exit. Good storage.

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  great car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MattRivera - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I think that this car is amazing. with its luxurious intereior and third row seating make this feel like a real luxury suv. i believe that this suv is among the best in its class

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  Still impressed almost 3 years later. - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By J C Glover - April 8 - 10:36 am

  After having driven Japanese cars for almost 20 years, I purchased a GM car with trepidation. Amazingly, GM got it right with this car in 2005. When I turned in my Lexus in Aug 05 I felt deprived but the LaCrosse had all the luxury features and more!

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  How could we be more happy! - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Beverly Brown - April 5 - 8:13 pm

  Bought our car, in Flint, Michigan, left for our winter home in Arizona, and what a ride! We had forgotten how wonderful it is to drive and ride in a Buick. We took it in and got it all "gussied, " up and wow is it cute! It is not only pretty it is sharp! Added a sharp spoiler and now its even more sharp. I get a kick out of tTgers commercial, "a Buick was always a car for my parents age." Well that fits us but this Buick of ours is not 1970! It is a ride that has no competition, and the 2008 we purchased, more than surpasses any other car on the road.

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  Want another! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Happy in Idaho - April 4 - 11:14 pm

  Purchased at 20000, now has 150,000. Needed alternator and new cruise control but worth it. Car accelerates at 65 like no ones business and gets excellent average MPG on highway of 29-30 on open road. Trim around door is shrinking and expensive to replace. Love this car and will definitely keep it til it falls apart. Excellent car!

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  Virtually flawless as the miles pile-on - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dave - April 2 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased 2WD-CXL - Mar 2003. I average about 11000 miles per year. 5 yrs later, no mech problems tires & brakes in excellent shape. All fluids (ABS,p/s, coolant, oil, trans) were changed 3 wks ago. My family & I enjoyed 10 days through the Desert Southwest including TX, NM, & AZ. The highlights were The Grand Canyon & Tombstone. Smooth, comfortable, trouble free, 22-25 miles/gal - 75 mph avg car was fully loaded! Maintain, rotate tires, wash & wax, change all fluids as scheduled, and you, too, can enjoy a terrific SUV. Summertime, I tow the jetski to and from many lakes. I almost traded for an Enclave. My SUV is paid-for & still looks brand new. Wife talked me out of it. Thanks!

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  the best better than cadillac - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By dolphinsinus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  the best suv ever a must drive experience, buik did it again. If it lastsas long as my lasabre i will be amazed

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  Best Luxury SUV/Minivan - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By New Driver - March 28 - 7:36 pm

  This is the best SUV I have ever owned. The traction control works like a pro. The ultrasonic parking aid is help, because I like to back up in my driveway, and there is a gate and it lets me know when I am close enough. The third row seat is a nice addtion as well. The front seats are first class. The rear seats a first class as well they recline, and and you can push them forward and back.