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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  A Truly Stunning Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By MichaelB - January 15 - 3:14 pm

  After one week, I am even more glad that I waited an extra six months until I get could one. The 2010 LaCrosse is so far ahead of any other Buick product I have ever owned, including my wifes 09 Enclave which we love. It surpasses Lexus interior design and quality, moves along at a whisper and handles with a decidely European feel. The dashboard and ambient blue lighting is a marvel of design and the doors sound like a Mercedes when they close. Tight fit and finish, luxurious and definitely draws stares from admirers. The transmission is silky smooth, steering tight and the interior is roomy and tranquil. The wood tones are warm and realistic, fine leather, gorgeous wheels. A home run Buick

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  Buicks foever - 1994 Buick Century
  By buick lover - January 15 - 10:12 am

  Inherititsed this car in 06 with 28000. Always garaged and well maintained. Presently has 69000. Other than a little overnight sitting starting problem.this car is a gem. Having its 60000 tune up this weekend. Its a V6 gets 28mpg highway. I will give this to a nephew or garaged it forever.This puff is staying in the family.Keep up the good work. Interested in the new lacross

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  Over-hyped - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Trav1 - January 15 - 9:11 am

  I had this as a rental on a business trip from Detroit to Louisville. I find this to be a great way to really test drive a vehicle. Very nice vehicle but the EPA MPG rating is not even close. Actual pure highway MPG 20 at best. This was with the cruise control with average speed around 65- 70. The vehicle had around 1500 miles on it. The transmission tends to shift at lot which I found anoying. This is a very nice highway vehicle. Overall quality appeared to be high. Great vehicle for entertaining clients.

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  Transmission Ruins Enjoyment - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Monica Ryan - January 14 - 2:36 pm

  I bought the Enclave after two suburbans and wanted a more luxurious vehicle with better gas mileage. I have been quite disappointed on both points. The transmission shifts randomly and feels like the entire car is going to stop at times. It is currently being repaired and I plan to sell it as soon as I can get it to run better. The car makes an awful grinding noise under the hood on acceleration and in turns which I have been told is normal. I have had two people ride with me lately and ask me what is wrong with the car. The car does not leave one with a feeling of confidence or satisfaction.

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  ...Not a bad car, but ...... - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Bureaucrat - January 14 - 11:36 am

  ..purchased (used) in March, 2005, at 18,100 miles BTW, this car was made in Canada, not the U.S.A. Was a single- owner vehicle. Now has over 90,800 miles - has had two major electrical failures now on its third rack-and- pinion assembly vent. fan assembly conked out in the first month ignition switch broke after fourth year oil pan leaked badly and cost almost $300 to fix (a support strut has to be removed first!) Fuel economy is so-so nothing spectacular. Transmission has been serviced every 30,000 miles and looks and acts like new. Seats are the most comfortable of any car ever owned. Overall, not a great car, but a good one. Will keep it until it "croaks" for good!!!

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  Great Car!!!! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jamie R. - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  I saw the Buick Lacrosse in car magazines and couldnt wait to see and drive. Test drove the Hyundai Genesis,Infinity G37, Volkswagen CC and Ford Taurus. Lacrosse was hands down far superior in styling,interior features, comfort and ride quality. Bought car for my wife now she wont let me drive it.

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  Am I driving a Buick or a Lexus? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lexus vs LaCrosse - January 11 - 8:34 pm

  Ive had my new LaCrosse for a week now. This is a company car for me, so Im not assessing a purchase...Im just offering some honest feedback from my first week. Overall, I love the car! Looks, feels, and sounds just like a previous Lexus I owned. But if I was spending my own money, Id still buy the Lexus ES350 because it all comes down to two things for me: 1. Reliability (which the jury is still out on the new LaCrosse), and 2. resale value. Lexus has both...GM has neither. However, I want to see GM succeed, so I hope the LaCrosse is the first step to many prosperous years for GM. Build quality cars and and people will come back.

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  Old school road trip king - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By luvoldschoolroad - January 11 - 3:22 pm

  30 plus MPG at 70 MPH on x-press way and quiet as a library...floats a little but smooth ride...handles better at lower speeds but just a great cruiser at 65 plus. * way power seats and tilt wheel in your lap for the best 1 finger road tripper to date.

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  Like it, BUT..... - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By buick owner - January 10 - 7:57 pm

  This car has a lot gong for it. I purchased it because I wanted a seven seater vehicle, with an aisle down the middle, that wasnt a minivan. My prior car was a Mercedes R500 which I loved, but felt I needed more storage room and additional seating capacity. Compared to the ride of the Mercedes, driver seat comfort and handling in the snow this car doesnt compare. The Enclave does have a superior navigation and entertainment package, as well as, heating and cooled seats. I think the biggest drawback to the Enclave is the transmission on a incline. The car rolls back or forward when on a hill, almost as if you were in a manual transmission vehicle, when you take your foot of the break.

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  Toe to Toe with Toyota - 1998 Buick Regal
  By 2 Regal owner GS/LS - January 10 - 1:23 pm

  Original used Toyota as benchmark. Regal matched Toyota w/o paying the premium. Have owned GS and LS. (98&99) Love the supercharger but it has added to service costs. 2X CD failures in factory radio. Change oil every 3K and service transmission + filter change every 2 years and this car will get you down the road in comfort plus tight handling (GS). LS fast enough just have to stomp on gas to get the performance. Electric Windows are the biggest weakness. I just lost my GS to freakish but major engine fire. Something shorted at firewall after my daughter got home from church. Even with freakish engine fire will likely replace this with another Regal.