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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  Excellent car - 1999 Buick Century
  By Rob - January 9 - 8:10 am

  Got this as my first car and had it not been totaled in a highway accident, would have driven it for years to come. While its average looking, its the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. The seats have the perfect amount of cushioning and when driving on the highway youd think you were sitting still its so quiet and smooth. I felt absolutely no bumps ever, which I suppose is expected of a Buick (its famous for floating down the roads). The interior is basic, but if youre looking for a stylish car you shouldnt be going toward a 99 Buick anyway. The controls are easy to get to and understandable, and you feel like theres plenty of room in the front seat. Very recommended.

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  Lemon or Bad Luck - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bill Bauerle - January 8 - 10:39 am

  Bought when 1st out. Love the style, ride, and comfort. 6 sp transmission downshifts too much. Tires (mich) wore unevenly. Paid for alignment at 30000. All four wheels significantly out even though it drove normally. At 40000, #5 cylinder misfires intermittently, shuts down auto track. Cant seem to find the cause. Even with new car bugs, it is a great vehicle. Have your alignment checked prior to 5000 miles (all wheels), warranty will cover it then. Good mpg for this size, 22-27 highway. A little more engine torque would eliminate annoying transmission downshifting. Excellent trim and fit. Needs a locking gas cap door.

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  Almost the Perfect Crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By vmi88grad - January 7 - 6:55 pm

  We test drove this car in 2008 when we needed a new family car. For those with a family of 4 or less, this car will be excellent. For a family of 5 with luggage, this vehicle is entirely too small. In 2008 we chose the top of the line Chrysler Town and Country 4.0 limited, which had far more space, and at that time even better acceleration. Since 2008 the Buick has improved the power of the engine and transmission is now smoother. The 2010 Enclave is a pleasure to drive. Smooth quite ride, good acceleration at all speeds, solid handling for a large vehicle, great turning radius, and elegant look. There is plenty of leg room for adults in all three rows of this car. Handles well in snow.

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  strong - 1996 Buick Regal
  By POLO1495 - January 7 - 5:52 pm

  I bought this car from Brother in law. It had 180,000 miles on it now has 210,000 and drives very good. I had to replace the radiator and usual oil change but the car still runs great and fast. Love the smooth ride.

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  My 7th Buick - Best One By Far - - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bob B. - January 7 - 4:54 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Beautiful design. People walk around it all the time to take a look at it. Very quiet with no wind noise. More of a firm ride for a Buick, but very acceptable. The seats are very comfortable. Got 27 MPG on first road trip. The 3.0 V6 provides sufficient power. The interior space is layed out nicely. I cant wait until it gets dark outside to view the ambient blue lighting along the dashboard and throughout the interior of the vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle. They are hard to find. Not very many of them in stock at the dealerships. If you locate one that you like, buy it!

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  Nice Car - Not Carseat Friendly - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By pabhs01 - January 7 - 2:20 pm

  I like the way this car drives and handles. I am extremely disappointed at how this car is not family friendly for young children. I have 2 children in carseats and 1 in a high back booster. We got the bucket seats in the 2nd row to make it easier to get to the 3rd row for my oldest(booster). The 2 Britax carseats are installed in the second row. They were very difficult to install satisfactorily because the car headrests are not adjustable or removable and are tilted forward. The bases of the carseats do not sit flat on the seat no matter how it is positioned. The booster in the 3rd row covers the seat belt clip in every position - they are very narrow. Not a family friendly interior!

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  I wish it lasted longer :( - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By MSWSU - January 6 - 9:27 pm

  I bought my car with 83000 miles on it, and had it for about 2.5 years. I replaced the tensioner and idler pulleys with the belts and Replaced the water pump. At 105000 miles, the torque converter went bad on it. I was pretty bummed that it only made it that far, since my last buick (1994 park avenue ultra) made it to 170000. The ride was great - lots of power, but the suspension was starting to go bad (it creaked when I would go over bumps). Great car overall :)

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  2010 Buick CX Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Mary Ann Cosper - January 5 - 4:42 pm

  Beautiful comfortable car, but do not believe fuel mileage sticker like I did--15/20 is all you get. I am very, very disappointed. My Ford and Toyota got exactly or better than sticker. Shame on GM for not doing better. Now I am stuck with an expensive car that gets poor mileage-exactly what I did not want. I thought the car makers were required to put exact mileage on window stickers. Temple,Texas

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By JIM - January 5 - 9:41 am

  This is a great vehicle, and I have recommended it to several people.

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  This is a Buick? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Robert Cobb - January 5 - 6:40 am

  this is my 5th Buick, the last one a 2007 Lucerne. Its only been a month since I bought the LaCrosse but thus far no complaints. The ride is Buick comfortable, albeit sportier than the Lucerne. Everyone who has ridden in the LaCrosse raves about the ride and the interior and I love driving it. Gas mileage on the 3.0 has been about 20.3 mostly residential driving and some freeway. The 3.0 has plenty of power on the freeway.