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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  Good - 2005 Buick Century
  By paulshap - January 13 - 10:21 am

  The drive is a great improvement over my old Buick Century. Everything works fine. I still have not figured out how the radio works. The only problem is the reflection off of the dash board onto the front window.

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  A good car for the money - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2003 Buick Rendezvou - January 5 - 10:58 am

  We are happy with the vehicle. The selling point was the captians chairs (2nd row) and bench seat in the back. Very roomy, easy to drive. Main problem which I think any vehicle with 3 rows of seating would be lack of storage space...

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  Overall Best GM Before 2000 - 1997 Buick Regal
  By BuickEnthst - January 5 - 2:11 am

  Bought this vehicle after owning an 85 Buick. This car provides me with generous torque and really moves around town when the super kicks in. I was expecting a little bit softer ride from a Buick, but the comfortable seats compensate well. This car is no light kitty in the corners but the wide tires stick incredibly well on on/off ramps and in long sweepers. Im gradually developing small quibbles over the traditional American build quality, but nothing that taints my overall happiness with this vehicle. Mileage could be better, but the supercharged power is worth the sacrifice. These cars are hard to find used with low miles, but if you can find one jump on it immediately!

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  Better than I thought - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mike - December 31 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this SUV for my wife and she totally loves it. I have grown to appreciate it as well except for the sqeaks from the dash that the dealer says they cannot hear?? I bought this one with almost every option available. It would have been simpler to purchase a CXL that has the same options standard!

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  Strong engine and power train - 1991 Buick Riviera
  By jph - December 30 - 8:28 pm

  My 1991 Buik Riveria was a strong engine powered car. I enjoyed driving it in the big city and the open country side. The Riveria was very quick at taking off at lights, leaving camaros and grand prix in the dust!! I had no major problems with the car untill it reached the age of 12. Maybe luck or just a good built car,I still enjoyed riding and driving in my riveria.The highway was great, since I could cruise at 80mph without a bit of worry. The car turned over great in the cold, no matter how cold the tempature was. I will miss you, but life moves on.

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  No Hassle Car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Maggie - December 30 - 7:54 pm

  I have owned this car six years. It has been a pleasure. It has plenty of power for highway driving. Merging onto freeways is never a problem. It rides well and gets great mileage on the freeway (30mpg - really). Mileage around town is 20-22mpg. Not bad for a nice size car.

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  Regal GS ... a great car! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Carol F - December 29 - 4:28 pm

  My 1999 is my 3rd Regal. Am disappointed they are no longer being made. Ive always gotten comments on the style and comfort from my friends also!

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  A winning design for an American Co. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By jrhilarioUS - December 26 - 1:40 am

  A remarkable overall exterior design that get a lot of attention. People stop to check it out, walk around it and give an approving nod. Even double check the Buick name on the back in a pleasant surprise. And thats just from 0 mph on the parking lot. On the road is another story. This Buick Enclave is a sure candidate to be a classic, well engineered inside and out. Its design elements all blends together appealingly devoid of any offensive lines and/or bulges like most other vehicles. This SUV is pleasant to the eyes. As for performance, it could use a few more horses, otherwise it is a well equiped and capable SUV. Maybe shedding a few lbs will do the trick. Bravo Buick!

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  My Wife LOVES it! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By BuickGuy - December 24 - 4:42 pm

  Weve owned over two dozen cars and this is the ONLY car my wife ever LOVED. Why? its the SUV experience without the SUV truckiness. Versatile, endlessly useful, drives like a baby carriage and good on gas, too. "The SUV with sanity" is how she puts it. No problems so far.

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  My Favorite Vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tim Granger - December 21 - 9:29 pm

  Comfortable, well laid out for a tall individual. With 6k miles the gas mileage has not improved. Sticker states 18-24 only averaging 18 on highway.