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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  2016 BUICK ENCORE SERVICE EXPERIENCE - 2016 Buick Encore
  By DownSouth - March 9 - 7:47 pm

  The only thing keeping me from rating the very first and only service experience at Williamson Buick in Miami a perfect 10 is the fact that although the service advisor (Ivan Pellegrino) told me they had been able to duplicate exactly what I had brough the car in for (what I called a hesitation from a full stop on Drive), and had verified the same thing in other Encores, therefore concluding it was normal for the design of its powertrain, the documentation I received simply says no trouble found. This concerns me, for it would indicate there is no feedback to the factory that there is a potential performance issue with the current Encore design, not to mentio the fact that if this symptom gets worse with time, there is no reference as to the fact that it was exhibited when brand new.

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  Comfortable Car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By l - March 9 - 4:08 am

  The Buick LeSabre is a very roomy, smooth riding, and comfortable car. It will not necessarily turn heads, but it has lots of interior room and plenty of V6 power. The suspension has a floatly feel on rough roads, but is well mannered on city streets and highways. After owning one for a few months now, I fully understand why my parents liked them. Good value for the money and comfort.

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  Rainier experience - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Kevin - March 8 - 11:01 pm

  The Rainier has proven to be comfortable and it performs well. The air suspension makes for a comfortable ride and the interior is very quiet. My city mpg has been about 14, and on a recent 2800 mile trip my highway mileage was just under 20 mpg with 4 passengers and a full load. The only problem I have had with the vehicle was a molding on the rear hatch that came loose.

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  My experience - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By buick owner - March 6 - 1:54 pm

  I really like this vehicle. Its the first SUV Ive owned. I shopped for months before deciding to buy. Was turned off by the outside looks, but the price and interior won me over. Its a fun vehicle to own, plan on having a long time.Only repair so far was a bouncing gas guage and high idle, needed computer adjustment. Still seems to idle high to me.

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  GOOD CAR - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By Mjkkcooper - March 3 - 4:07 pm

  I bought this car from a friends dad back in 2002. At the time it had 109K on it. It now has 157K and its still running great. No engine or trans problems. The only issue we have had is this annoying coolant leak. We have replaced the radiator once and the hoses 3 times. Now we believe it is leaking from else were. We spend $15 a week on coolant! Besides that, I love this car, good gas mileage, but if you have a family go for the 4 door. And always the V-6! Good luck.

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  Happy with the car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Donald - February 16 - 12:29 pm

  This is a very good vehicle. It is built with good quality and attention to detail. I would like better handling, perhaps with stiffer springs and struts and larger tires and wheels. It does look old.

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  In for repairs for 45 days no help from GM - 2016 Buick Envision
  By J Wells - February 15 - 12:09 pm

  2016 Premium 1 has been at the dealership for repairs because of all safety systems faults (Air Bags, ABS, AWD, Power Steering, Stability Control, you name it) for 45 days now. GM Senior Advisor was assigned to my case bu would not answer my phone call or return them. Finally after several attempts to get some answers on getting this problem resolved I had an attorney write a letter to GM stating my states lemon law. Within 2 days my "Senior Advisor" found my email address and sent me an update on my case. Only stating that because I involved legal console that she could no longer assist me. Well she havent been assisting with anything to that point so Im not sure what changed. Now at 45 days out of service I continue to wait with no other feedback on a resolution.

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  Buick is underrated - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Roger - February 12 - 2:53 pm

  3rd new Buick since 1978, a few Hondas in between. Never have had a problem, mileage is 25MPG , I drive the freeway about 90% of the time. Feels safe, rides great.

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  Buick has a way to go. - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By sabe - February 11 - 6:24 pm

  I want to like this car, but Im having problems getting excited about it. That in a nutshell is the good and bad of the Buick Rendezvous. I also own a BMW 325 convertible and when I drive that car I feel like I own the road. Im king of the hill and a lot of people look at me with a glimmer of envy in their eyes. When I drive the Buick the only thing Im King of is the radio and if people bother looking at me I feel like the only thing I see in their eyes is a look of pity and curiousity at the kind of person who would buy this funny looking SUV.

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bradd - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would own an SUV, there wasnt one that I wanted or liked. I did want something to haul the occasional item. The Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for me. Its like sitting in and driving a car, but with the versatility of a van and AWD of an SUV.