Buick
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About Buick
One of the oldest automotive brands in the U.S., the Buick Motor Corporation was founded in the early 1900s by David Buick, a Scottish inventor who lived in Detroit, Michigan. His claim to fame? Developing the overhead valve engine, which was designed to generate more power than the existing flathead engines of the period.
William Durant, who eventually founded General Motors, took over Buick in 1904 and launched the company’s first production vehicle, the Model B. The touring car was powered by the overhead valve engine and achieved between 15 and 21 horsepower. Buick quickly became synonymous with power and the Model B’s sales success cemented its leadership ahead of Ford and Cadillac. During the 1930s, Buick launched its Century sedan, which was powered by an 8-cylinder engine, and revealed the world’s first concept car, the Y-Job two-passenger convertible.
After World War II, Buick continued to innovate through the 1950s, introducing signature design cues like portholes, the sweepsear beltline and the waterfall grille, as seen on the 1953 Super Riviera Coupe. The company also responded to consumer demand for smaller vehicles and convertibles throughout the 50s and 60s, gaining traction for cars like Electra, Skylark and Wildcat. But too much emphasis on performance versus luxury in the 80s and 90s pushed Buick off course.
In the 2000s, a younger, car-buying generation lost interest in a Buick. Sales plummeted as the company was too focused on its former glory and Buick became pigeonholed as the nameplate for America’s aging population.
During the Recession of 2009, Buick came close to closing its doors forever. But GM, Buick’s parent company, decided the brand deserved another chance. Ever since, it has been trying to revitalize the nameplate.
Today, Buick vehicles are more appealing to a younger audience at the entry point of luxury. Its refreshed product includes an expanding lineup of SUVs equipped with the newest safety, connectivity and infotainment technology as well as the comfort and function to suit changing lifestyles.
