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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  Happy Driver - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian Ritz - April 7 - 10:13 pm

  We have only had the vehicle for 2 months but we are happy with the comfortable ride and the roominess inside. We test drove many SUVs and while this one wasnt rated the best, we both liked the ride and how it handled. We feel it has adequate power and the gas mileage is no worse then my 1995 Mercury Mystique. We got 24 mpg on the highway trip we just took and are getting 17/18 mpg in city driving. The vehicle still has 24,000/2yrs of bumper to bumper warrenty left. We like the styling of the vehicle, doesnt look like all the other SUVs on the road.

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  Cheap compact luxury w/ lots of techs, sucky relia - 2012 Buick Verano
  By Stan - April 5 - 11:30 am

  Engine developed rocking at low RPMs (<1000 when in idle, sitting at the traffic light, goes away when you drive) at 70K, recently started seeing Reduced Power to Engine, Service Stabilitrak warning on the dash and partial power loss. On 4-year-old car, at less than 100K engine - its pretty pathetic to have go into shop for major diagnostics, GM. AC went again, even though refrigerant shows pressurized to proper level. Bumper cover started falling off at the point of attachment (fixed myself), and inner insert fell of twice (had to JB weld it). This car is a cash cow for dealerships and mechanics and nightmare for a DIY owner (unless you dont mind buying it at full price at the dealership and just driving it in and getting a loaner vehicle and paying lots of $$$ every time something goes wrong). Did I mention that even license plate indent is not shaped right? (made for European, skinny plates). A lemon. After my reliable-as-AK 2001 Buick Verano that I only sold because of severe body panel rust issues and worn-out-to-shreads leather driver seats after 10 years of cold Michigan winters and hot summers, I am bitterly disappointed in Buick products. Probably my last Buick ever.

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  Park Ave Sucks - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By degucken - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned fords, gm , mitsubshi, and never have I had so much trouble with a vehicle, i have been in for major repairs (+$500.00) MORE THAN TEN TIMES since I purchased it new including computer, front wheel hubs, twoheatewr blowers, manifold never will I buy another GM product

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  Ambivilent - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Disappointed in PA - March 26 - 10:57 pm

  Replaced my Lexus RX300 with an American car. Love the drive, size of cargo space but disappointed with the navigation system. Had 3 other cars with navigation previous to this. This car I have to replace my CD with the Nav disk. What a pain. The sticker said it had a 6 CD changer but when I checked it out the navigation system had replaced the 6 CD changer. How dispointing. Then the Nav system requires you change areas (NJ and PA are not in the same districts). Shame on you GM. DONT BUY THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. It is not worth it. Get an external one if you must have it. Cant believe we got ripped off but love the car and only drive it around town luckily.

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  Minor quality issues - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By cyrhere - March 24 - 7:59 pm

  After 18000 miles, a trip to Florida from NY with the family, I would have to say it is a good vehicle. Some minor issues with the hatchback, and the rear wiper motor had to be replaced already. Handling is good except in tight high speed turns where it feels top heavy. Over all I love the vehicle, especially the all wheel drive in winter. I would buy another if they held thier value better, but after losing half the value of the purchase price in one year I would advise against buying one unless you plan on keeping it around for at least 4 years. Plenty of power and room. The sound system lacks alot. Road noise is a little more than expected, but tollerable.

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  My Big Bad Buick - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Family car - March 23 - 12:53 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and have not had any trouble with it. It is my first car since having a van for many years and thought it was a great switch for a family car. The back seat is comfortable and plenty of room. It makes you feel safe and comfortable for a good price. I have had some lemon cars before, but I lucked out with this Buick (and I bought it used).

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  That car that wont die - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Jedirye - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car with 172,000 miles for only $950. Aside from peeling pant, bad radio, old AC charge and a few interior defects from a smoker being previous owner, the engine and transmission has been the one of the best I have driven. I am at 182,000 miles now. When my dad and I looked at it and tested the oil and transmission fluids, it was almost like new. And this "granny mobile" with the 3.8 v6 will haul the mail! I have driven other 3.8s an a 4.2v8 and only the Caddy with the V8 will beat this car off the line. I suspect this car will go (with a few repairs and refurbs of detail work) until I literally drive it into something.

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  2005 Rendezvous a great vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Auntie - March 19 - 12:20 pm

  Very reliable vehicle,excellent and ample carrying space. This is the second model Rendezvous that I have owned, handles road well, excellent control in snow.

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  Comfy ride - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Kim - March 18 - 10:36 pm

  I havent had it long. I had a 96 Blazer before moving up to this SUV. It is very comfortable and handles well. It has a lot of luxury features the my other SUV did not have. It is quiet. You dont hear a lot of extra road noise. It is a very smooth riding vehicle. I love it!

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  Be cautious - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By VeryDisappointed - March 18 - 11:23 am

  Gas mileage is WAY below rating. Sticker was 18-28 and actual highway is under 18. Not even close. I hate to think what around town driving will be.Dealer/GM says thats the best that can be expected, despite sticker rating. Electronic features have been a constant source of aggravation and repair- Navigation system, radio,climate control, mirrors,horn, etc. Very quirky and inconsistent. Never sure if they are going to work. Dealer has been very helpful, but its hard to reproduce (and fix)intermittent problems. VERY frustrating.