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 Bang for Your Buck$$$ - 2017 Buick Envision
  By Paul - March 5 - 5:27 am

  I have owned other mid-size and smaller SUVs and this one is as good or better than those that cost almost twice as much. I made riding in my Rav4 or CRV seem like I was in a tractor. Typical smooth Buick ride with all the techno upgrades. We have 3 smaller grandchildren and we all love it!!!

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  Great car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CXL - March 4 - 2:36 am

  I purchase a new vehicle every two to three years. This is my favorite car. It has a very quiet ride. It has many options included. I like them all.

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  Su-purr - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By zeke - March 3 - 11:24 am

  This car really purrs. Quiet inside with a strong exhaust note. Accelerate to 65 and slam the brakes. Great stopping time, no pulling left/right. gGas mileage? Who cares. Finally an American car that really looks like something people will buy. Watch the reaction from Acura TL and Altima owners. That says it all.

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  A home run - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Rod - March 2 - 1:30 pm

  I new I wanted this car before it hit the market. My dealer told me this was coming out in the spring of last year and when he showed me a picture, I was sold. I ordered one as soon as I could. The ride is very smooth, handles well and is very quiet. It definately attracts attention everywhere I go. People are always asking me about it. The Enclave is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Not an old mans car anymore - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mark R - February 28 - 3:50 pm

  I bought the car two weeks ago and have put on 1200 miles- mostly highway and Illinois tollway in Chicago area. Averaging 26 mpg with avg speed of 48mph. Looks great, runs great, best value for the money so far. I have had Bonnevilles, a Seville and a Saab and this is the best of the lot.

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  Performace - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By wroblewski - February 27 - 2:46 am

  This is a first class luxury vehicle in everyway you can think off. The driver information center is easy to view. The power liftgate is a plus. The Buick accessories help to make this a world class looking vehicle,and at a reasonable price. The ride is exceptional. The transmission shifts often with city driving, but it is smooth. This, I think helps with fuel.

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  I love this Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Connie - February 13 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle 2 months ago and l. With 3 boys and all their friends, it has enough room for eveyone. It is sporty yet elegant. You get noticed in this car. I have yet to see another one. It handles great and for a 6cyl, it has the power. I wanted to purchase the 2nd row console, but nobody can tell me when it will be available. This car is very comfortable and quiet. I shopped around for months before I found something I love. My kids love the DVD player. My husband loves the telescopic steering wheel. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have a hard time seeing at night, the headlights light up everything.

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  2008 Buick CXL - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By joe168 - February 11 - 9:44 pm

  I have owned many Buicks over the years. They have all been great cars, but this one may be the best. I love the looks, the smooth, quiet ride, and the quality finish. I have had the car for more than three months now and have driven almost 6,000 miles. I am still enjoying it.

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  Finally Buick makes a vehicle worth its - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Vandilizer - February 7 - 4:24 pm

  Excellent SUV it fits everywhere, it very fuel efficient, and the rear door opens up so you can really stuff the hell out of the back. love taking it out for long weekend gateways. I look forward to keeping the SUV for 8 years so I still a year and a half to go. So I think I will upgrade to the Enclave. Since I am really impressed with Buick.

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  A Very Classy and Stylish Buick SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By AC - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Very nice SUV for Buicks first try in this market segment. Has nice looks and standsout from the crowd. Very pleasing interior with many nice touches. Fit and finish inside and out is good. Rides extreemly nice and is extreemly nimble for an AWD vehicle. Has great gas milage for its market segment. With a wife and two young daughters I needed the room and safty features this vehicle provides. Overall a classy alternative to a Minivan.