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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  Only One thing wrong - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Char - February 5 - 3:40 pm

  I had a Buick Rendevous for two years before this Rainer so I know my Buick SUVs. They are very reliable and unique SUVs. Why? They have fantastic rear space for carrying many different sized items. I have been in the higher end SUVs and they were not made to carry anything at all. I have really liked both of these Buick models and the only thing I would like to see is the front seat room of the Rendevous put in the Rainer. That is the only thing I would want changed. The ride is outstanding and winter driving almost fun. Dont hesitate to buy these two models, they are the best in the U.S. SUV lines....

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  Not a winter vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By michcar - February 3 - 12:24 am

  The Rendezvous is a nice vehicle. Not flashy, not particularly cool, but nice. The storage in the front console is roomy and holds just about anything. The storage under the console is nice for CDs or maps. The one drawback for me is the drivability in the snow. This is the base model with traction control, although what traction its controlling is beyond me. Im used to 4wd or awd vehicles, so this one is an adventure. I would not recommend it for anyone who has to drive in ice/snow conditions.

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  A pleasant old-school sedan - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By dtm2005 - January 30 - 1:53 pm

  I bought the LeSabre because its fairly comfortable and reliable for a much more affordable price that used foreign-brand models. So far Ive been pretty happy. The acceleration is adequate (tho probably not as good as more recent models). The cloth seats are soft but fairly supportive, though the interior design is a bit antiquated. Reliability has been with the only repairs being a throttle ($200) and water pump ($300), and new front brake pads. The styling may not be exciting, but its timeless and classy. (the 2005 model doesnt look too much different). The handling is below-average and parking in urban areas is not fun. Overall not bad for a decade-old Detroit dreadnought.

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  Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By tfsports - January 29 - 3:23 pm

  I have been very happy with this vehicle overall, until it snowed. Previously we owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD. Rendezvous interior is roomier, has more cargo space, more luxuries, and more comfortable seating.

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  Bought It - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick - January 28 - 5:48 pm

  My wifes lease vehicle.I liked it so much I bought it after the lease ended.Paid $5000. less than the residual/buyout price.I have been driving an Audi A6 @.7tt. This certainly pales in comparison power wise.I like the console and storage spaces, driving position and overall driving comfort. Not fun but very competent.

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  Love It! - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By skesell - January 27 - 6:39 pm

  I get a kick out of the professional reviewers as they think if its not Japanese or European, they cannot possibly like it! Well, I have owned nearly all of them and this Buick is as quality laden, good driving and responsive as anything I have ever owned. My is V8 and mileage isnt the best but I love this vehicle. My friend bought the Lexus instead and after a trip in the Buick he is sick. I just cannot say enough about how much my family has enjoyed this vehicle. Thanks for the opportunity to say so!

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  Solid, but not nearly great! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Felipe - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car drives very well. It is a good value compared to other SUVs in its class. But it doesnt feel very refined, the steering can be a little loose sometimes, and I just dont know if it will last enough time.

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  My Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Jim - January 26 - 11:33 am

  Nice comfortable SUV. Good Power in the 6 and I think plenty of storage. Sound proofed windows make it very quiet inside. My wife even likes to drive it. Had Blazers (3) and this is a good change. Lots of whistles and bells at least for this country boy. Mileage has been trip 19.2 (cruise) and around town 18. Not too different than Blazer but I use 87 Octane now and no clicking like in the Blazers. Sound system is no Bose but is acceptable. Climate contol can be confusing even with instructions but good when you get the hang of it. Excellent instrumentation. Has a compressor which I thought was overkill but Ive used it twice already. I must say overall, I like it a lot.

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  Nice Vehicle with the discounts - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By buddyboopotato - January 20 - 2:45 am

  I was giving up on American SUVs after a lousy experience with a Chevy Blazer, but then I found the Rainier after looking at Trailblazers. A much nicer platform, but the list pricing is insanely high. However, with all of the discounts at years end (since they had 5 months inventory), I got it at $23,900 total cost for an 04 CXL AWD, and then with trade in and cash down, got it out the door below $17,000. For that kind of money, it is hard to beat. Great ride, very quiet, nice comfort features, and good performance. My only disappointment: gas mileage--avg 16. was hoping to be closer to 18, but I realize this is a large and heavy vehicle. Id recommend, especially with the deals.

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  excellent - 2005 Buick Century
  By t. Wilson - January 14 - 4:59 pm

  I was used to driving a much bigger and heavier car. The Buick Century turned out to be a great surprise. One of the most comfortable and easy to handle car that I have ever owned. I have owned many many cars over the years.