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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  Satisfied customer - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Michael Small - May 27 - 10:47 am

  This is my second vehicle and I am completely satisfied. I wish they had put in a little larger engine, such as the 3.6 litre V6, which would have made it perfect. It would also have increased the fuel economy. In the past three and one half years, I have only had one service call, and that was due to a short that occured after adding a trailer hitch.

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  96 Regal GS - 1996 Buick Regal
  By SoBig - May 26 - 1:16 am

  Ive owned my 96 Regal GS for 3 years now and its been a joy to own and drive. The only major fix was replacing the fuel pump a few years ago but, other than that, have just performed regular maint. Its got good power and performance with great gas mileage for the vehicle type. Even with it being 9 years old, its still in excellent condition and looks better than the newer Buicks on the road.

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  Review of 93 Buick - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By V. Liem - May 24 - 2:21 am

  The car is very good in general. I have only two problems:the remote-controlled door and ABS stopped working right after passing 36,000 mileage, the warranty was just expired. I left these problems until now because of high repair cost. The engine is still very good until now, with mileage 252,600. I drove the car across the country at least 10 times. Air conditioning system still working very well in driving through desserts. If I do not have problem with the ABS and remote doors, I would definitely buy another Buick.

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  Extended Warranty Required - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robert - May 23 - 8:24 pm

  A great SUV....but it does have its quirks. At 37,123 (after the warranty) the left wheel bearing (lots of this according to GM and Buick) went out and the headers leak coolant. In for repairs, a major expense but I had Extended Coverage and saved BIG money. I am told that A/C goes out frequently also. Cannot customize factory presets. Annoying. Cant adjust door locks or running lamps or other warnings or features. Buick decided for you.

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  A very dependable automobile. - 2000 Buick Century
  By Mr. A. Tobin - May 20 - 11:37 pm

  We purchased this vechile because we had always wanted to own a Buick. We were not disappointed. Excellent fuel economy and comfort at a very resonable price. The only blemish with this car is the fact that the tires(all four) have been replaced four different times due to excessive cracking and abnormal wear. We were not impressed with the General Tire Company.

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  2002 Buick Centruy - 2002 Buick Century
  By coffee412 - May 15 - 4:41 am

  One of the best cars I have driven in a while. I first drove this car as a rental on a 800 mile trip to the east coast and thru the blue mountains. I was quite impressed with the handling and ride comfort that I bought one. The ride is very comfortable. The layout of the dash/interior is good. Mileage is good also. I now have 115K miles on it and it still does a good job. Only repairs to car were to replace windshield wiper motor and then catalytic converter. Not bad.

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  Smokin Sleeper - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Red Weasel - May 14 - 11:46 pm

  Bought in 2002 used with 49k miles, trading it in now 05/2005 with 109k miles. Very fast car, youd never expect it and it always shocked everyone. I can be rolling 10mph, punch it and still smoke the tires. Sorry to see Buick stoped making the GS. Engine is great, no problems, oil still clear after 6,000 miles. Big drawback is fuel economy which totally stinks in city driving. But car has lots of gadgets, very comfortable, a hot rod and a luxury car combined. Monsoon stereo system is awesome.

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  My First Car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By jay99 - May 13 - 12:22 pm

  I bought my 99 Regal as my first car. It has overall been a good car. The only complaints I have had are the low fuel economy (I expected much higher), and the unexpected failure of the transmission at 120k miles. My suggestion, which my friends tell me is good on any car, would be not to buy one with over 100k miles, or just get ready for problems.

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  Ranier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By richards - May 12 - 3:39 pm

  The ride is the best! So smooth and lots of power and very quiet.

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  So far, so great - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By ED - May 8 - 2:07 pm

  Bought this car Sept 2004. 8 months later, and no problems yet. Has only been in shop for routine maintenance. Roomy. Good acceleration. Nice understated looks. Decent sound system, and good handling for a big car round out a very nice package! LeSabres devalue quickly, so they make an excellent used car buy.