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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  229,000 miles and counting - 2000 Buick Regal
  By doulos - February 15 - 11:20 am

  Bought the car used in 9/02 with 45,145 miles. Now it has 229,200 miles. This is a very reliable car! It never broke down or left me stranded. There is one thing that you must fix if you buy one of these cars with the 3.8L, and that is the lower intake manifold and gasket. I had mine fixed at 94,000 miles and never any problems. The only other thing I changed out was the front and rear brake rotors due to warped rotors. Do the scheduled coolant and transmission flushes and it will serve you a long time. Then just change the oil, tires and brake pads as needed. The leather interior has held up well, no rattles and there is no visible exterior rust!! Thank you Buick for a great car!

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  No problems here - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By kirkdouglas - February 13 - 12:58 pm

  I Got this van at a low cost, so i was willing to check it out no matter what other people said in there reviews. I have to say that it has been nothing but good times for me and my family, no problems to speak about.

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  09 Enclave - CXL Great Crossover!! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Bob - February 12 - 2:21 pm

  This one sweet Crossover. Buick hit a homerun with this vehicle. We have made 3 trips from NJ to FL in all kinds of weather and the Enclave was secure, comforable and pleasent to drive. It is extremely quiet and rides like a limo. Highway Gas milege was 18-21 with car loaded and averaging 70-80MPH. We rode through both snow and rain storms and it performed excellent. I would highly recommend it to anyone. We had a Lexus RX350 and the Buick beats it hands down in all areas. GM has finally woke up!

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  Love my Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By tomahawk - February 10 - 12:31 pm

  Was on my way to lease a Pontiac and my wife suggested we stop at Hub and check out the Buicks. We feel in love with a red Rendezvous. Great ride, features and size. Went to lease another one this year, we lease new every 3 years, and was sad to hear that they dont make the Rendezvous any more. They tried to get us into an Enclave. Enclave is 17 inches longer and $15,000 more. We are keeping the Rendezvous.

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  Comforable and quiet ride - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By MarkZ - February 8 - 11:07 pm

  Have drive car 54000 mile with no problems. Very advanced handling and braking system. A pleasure to drive long distance in the front seat rear is a little tight for adults for more than couple of hours. Could have made rear seats and leg room more accommodating. take front the long front end of car or add couple inches to vehicle, Wish I had bought the lacerne. Love the heated seats in colder climates and cool mornings. Would like heated front window orwipers snow and ice collect under windshield wipers. Previous cars Buick Park Ave,Toyota Previa,GMC savannah. Gas mileage could be better(24MPG)200HP traded for power. High performance tires noticeable improvement in ride and handling.

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  Amazingly Quiet - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Rich - February 8 - 2:06 am

  We purchased the Enclave because we often drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and need something more comfortable for the long drive. We are amazed on how quiet and comfortable it is. The engine is very strong and never has to struggle to go up the hills. Passing is very easy as well. You only have to press the accelerator lightly to get a quick response.

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  I love my SUV! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Charlie - February 5 - 9:22 am

  I was indecisive in choice. Acadia, Traverse, Murano and Enclave were my top 4. Value for price paid made me select the Enclave hands down. Acadia was second, but for $550 more it was a no brainer for the luxury SUV. The quiet ride is so impressive, as well as the power. My only disappointment is the cargo room (lack of) when the 3rd row is in use. Where is my spare tire??? lol I still cant find it! My only problem is that I cannot fix why my FOB doesnt recall my drivers seat and side mirrors.

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  Major Disappointment - Goodbye GM - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By flash - February 4 - 11:20 pm

  20+ years of faithful GM ownership. Purchased the 2008 Lucerne brand new, thought I couldnt go wrong. Lets see..... thermostat problems, took 2 attempts to fix that. The trunk that leaked in the rain and to top that the dealers service center couldnt get to it for a week (smell that, would ya?). Then theres the gas cap that just fell off. Wish I paid closer attention to the poor turning ability and less to the cushy seats. Great economy but such poor acceleration, I am hesitant to make any sort of assertive move for fear the car will be left behind! I will never pay $35K for such a vehicle again!

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  edmonds needs to do more research - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By 2intoit2 - February 4 - 11:14 am

  I find that the Buick LaCross is more than just a "car", it is a true pleasure to drive and experience.

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  Love it!!! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Love it!! - February 3 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car, after so many months of research this is it! I am in love with this car, I use to own a Mercedez and was looking for an affordable yet luxurious crossover and found this, you will not be disappointed, the rides are quiet and smooth, love the style and all the luxury inside and out. Thank you Buick!