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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  fun - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By boweezy57 - January 4 - 12:00 pm

  I dont know how people are getting 20+ mpg because I used the trip mileage to get mine and I get about 10-12mpg.

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  Its been a good ride - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By Paraglider - January 3 - 11:22 pm

  Have enjoyed driving the Skylark Gran Sport for almost five years. Bought the car with 144000 miles and it now has 185000. I wouldnt be moving on to a new rig, but recently developed a drivetrain noise that sounds like expensive repairs will soon be here. However, I have really enjoyed driving the little Buick. It gets 26-28 mpg reliably, good performance, fun to whip thru the curves with its "riding on rails" suspension. I have fixed a few things (alternator- water pump- radiator re-done) but overall its been some good cheap driving. I like Buicks- great cars.

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  Great fun sporty family car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By smilininma - January 2 - 7:53 pm

  We have only had the car for 9 months but so far we really like it. The gas mileage could be better. We are getting about 15-16 mpg but we live up on a big hill and I spend most of the day going up and down it so that needs to be taken into consideration. It is a great family car and I love that we didnt have to go the minivan route but have the all the room of one.

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  Great car, wont trade .Keeping - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By John Skokan - December 30 - 10:02 am

  I bought this car for my wife. We bought it brand new. Love it. It rides very nice, like a caddy or Lincoln. Has a 2.6L V6. Great on milage. Has great bucket seats, leather (much more comfortable than cloth. Only two bad points to this car: 1)Body so low to ground, front frame hits tire stops @ parking spaces. 2)I have gone through 6 headlights & about 13 turn, and taillights. I just replaced same turn/tail lights twice in a week. Replaced both headlights in last week. HELP! Cant afford to keep doing this! But, GM, please bring the LeSabre back. Hate the Lacrosse, testdrove one, no good.

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  fast sleeper - 1998 Buick Regal
  By BuickGS - December 29 - 1:42 pm

  I was looking for a comfortable inexpensive car for my long work commute. I stumbled upon this car and went for it. Im glad I did!!! this thng is a rocket. I like to keep quiet on the power with friends and then get it on on a on ramp or something and watch the expression on their face!! when they we NOT expected the car to explode to 80MPH in a few seconds !! yeah Im believer in the Buick GS or any other Buick hot rod theyll probably be my preferred work communte car forever!! I hate slugs. I like the car so much I think Im going to do a few engines mods to really wake it up.

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  Engine needs to be better - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Johnnie008 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  After 2 years and 24,000 miles the head gasket started leaking. I notice coolant on the floor of garage. I do remember seeing a slight oil leak (oil on the floor) too, but when I inspected the engine compartment and the undercarriage I could not determine what the source was. The dealer who repaired it sent the head cylinder out for testing and it was out spec but not by much. They machined out the defects in the cylinder. The repair was done as a warranty repairs.

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  Highly Recommended Crossover - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By David Thomas - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned my Enclave for one year now. I am very pleased with the quality and comfort of this crossover. Buick has made a true luxury vechicle at a great price. After researching the Audi Q7, Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes, and other fine luxury SUVs/ Crossovers, the Enclave offered the most value for all the luxury ammenities.

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  I said, this aint your papas buick! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By DampShip - December 26 - 10:21 pm

  Purchased with 3800k in 03/08. Now has 58500k. This car continues to drive like a gem. The only incident Ive had with it was the driver side door handle broke off once. It was repaired under warranty. The Northstar 4.6L DOHC V8 with Magnetic Ride Control, Magnetic variable assist Rack & Pinion steering & 4-wheel independent suspension is what makes this vehicle a true pleasure to drive. The power seats afford a multitude of comfort settings. Luxurious & quiet, yet rugged and sporty. Can "hug the curves when needed" for a vehicle this size. Acceleration continues to operate flawlessly. Like all V8s, its hungry for gas. However, aftermarket performance parts can help up MPG.

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  Can Buicks come back - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By fishin09 - December 25 - 12:10 pm

  Buicks seem to be a great handling car. Ive owned the 93 Buick Lesabre with leather seats.. had plastic intake problem and tranny giving up around 180k. Hub lock key a headache. 98 Buick Lesabre nice ride but motor went around 85k with head gasket gone. Replaced motor now 40k. Dashboard sensor engine lights on Buicks seem to be problem. My mom has same problem with 96 Skylark. They ride great. Hard to believe GM cant stand up with the Asian cars.Have had bad luck with GMC Truck auto transmissions as well. American automakers becoming kings of junk.

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  Impressed with my Enclave! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Caballero57 - December 24 - 1:13 am

  After owning a series of high end luxury sedans (BMW, Jag XJL and Cadillac) a growing family necessitated the move to an SUV. After much research, the Enclave was the best combination of space, seating, style, luxury and quality. No disappointments after the first 1100 miles. This is the quietest car I have ever owned-- quieter than my $72,000 Jaguar XJL! The fit and finish is as good as BMW or Lexus. The Enclave rides and handles like a luxury car, not an SUV. The Enclave is a tremendous value when compared to others.