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{{Short description|Premium division of General Motors}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2026}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Buick
| former_names = {{Unbulleted list
  | Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company (1899–1903)
  | Buick Motor Company (1903–1908)
   }}
| logo = Buick logo 2023.svg
| image = Springfield Motors Buick (Springfield, Oregon).jpg
| image_caption = Buick dealership in Springfield, Oregon
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| fate = 
| industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]]
| founded = {{start date and age|1899|12}}<ref>"David Buick." Encyclopedia of World Biography. ''Encyclopedia.com.'' (July 25, 2023). https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/david-buick</ref><!--<ref>[http://www.buickheritagealliance.org/buick_history/motor_division Buick Motor Division History] Lawrence R. Gustin, 1993</ref>-->
| founder = [[David Dunbar Buick]]
| hq_location_city = [[Detroit]], Michigan
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| area_served = {{Unbulleted list
  | North America
  | Mainland China
   }}
| key_people = Michael Mcphee (vice president)<ref>https://www.autonews.com/general-motors/an-gm-new-buick-gmc-vice-president-0306/#:~:text=Jaclyn%20McQuaid%2C%20who%20has%20headed,succeeds%20McQuaid%20at%20Buick%2DGMC.</ref>
| products = 
| services = 
| owner = 
| parent = [[General Motors]]
| subsidiaries = 
| brands = Electra (EV)<ref name="GMAuthority">{{cite news|last1=|first1= |title=Buick Electra |url= https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/buick/electra/ |newspaper=GM Authority |accessdate=November 23, 2023}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|https://buick.com/}}
}}

'''Buick''' ({{IPAc-en|'|b|juː|ɪ|k}}; {{Respell|BYOO|ik}}) is a [[division (business)|division]] of the [[Automotive industry in the United States|American automobile]] manufacturer, [[General Motors]] (GM). Started by automotive pioneer [[David Dunbar Buick]] in 1899, it was among the first American automobile brands and was the company that established General Motors in 1908.<ref name="The Buick 1987">{{cite book |last1=Dunham |first1=Terry B. |last2=Gustin |first2=Lawrence R. |title=The Buick: a complete history |date=1987 |publisher=Automobile Quarterly |location=Kutztown, PA. |isbn=9780915038640 |edition=Third}}</ref> Before the establishment of General Motors, GM founder [[William C. Durant]] had served as Buick's general manager and major investor. With the demise of [[Oldsmobile]] in 2004, Buick became the oldest surviving American automobile brand.

GM positions Buick as a premium automobile brand in its portfolio, above the mainstream [[Chevrolet]] brand and below the luxury [[Cadillac]] division, although many [[rebadging|vehicles share]] underlying [[Car platform|platforms]]. In [[North America]], Buick vehicles are typically sold alongside [[GMC (automobile)|GMC]] vehicles, another premium marque, at multi-brand [[Car dealerships in the United States|dealerships]].

==History==
{{See also|David Dunbar Buick|Harley Earl}}

===Early years===
[[File:David_Dunbar_Buick.jpg|thumb|left|150px|David Buick, founder of the Buick Motor Company]]
Buick is one of the oldest automobile brands in the world and is currently the oldest in the United States still active today. [[Autocar Company|Autocar]], founded in 1897, is the oldest motor vehicle manufacturer in the [[Western Hemisphere]]; while originally an automobile maker, Autocar now builds heavy trucks. [[Oldsmobile]], also an early automaker founded in 1897, is now defunct; [[Studebaker]] was founded in 1852, but did not begin producing automobiles until 1902; [[Henry Ford]] produced his first car in 1896 but did not start the [[Ford Motor Company]] until 1903, and during the period in between was involved with other automobile manufacturers such as [[Cadillac]], founded in 1902.

The first two Buick automobiles were made in 1899 and 1900 at the "Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company" by chief engineer [[Walter Lorenzo Marr|Walter Marr]],<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> but company owner [[David Dunbar Buick]] was reluctant to begin making automobiles, being satisfied with stationary and marine engine production, so Marr left Buick in 1901 to found [[Marr (automobile)|his own automobile company]] under his own name. His replacement was Eugene Richard, who applied for a patent in 1902 for Marr's valve-in-head ([[Overhead valve engine|overhead valve]]) engine, which patent, number 771,095, was awarded to Richard in the name of Buick in 1904.<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> In 1903, the third Buick automobile was made, this time by Richard, but in 1904 Buick, whose company was now called "Buick Motor Company", moved from Detroit to Flint, Michigan, and Richard stayed behind. Marr was rehired in Flint as chief engineer, to begin making automobiles in production. That year, 37 Buick automobiles were made, production increasing to 750 in 1905, 1,400 in 1906, 4,641 in 1907, and 8,820 in 1908, taking the number one spot away from close competitors [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]] and [[Oldsmobile|Olds Motor Works]].<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> Buick proclaimed themselves the largest car manufacturer in the world this year.<ref>{{cite magazine | ref = GJ91 | title = Buick - mannen och bilen | trans-title = Buick - the man and the car | language = sv | magazine = [[Teknikens Värld]] | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | page = 40 | date = 1991-07-18 | issue = 14 | volume = 43 | first = George | last = Johansson }}</ref>

David Buick incorporated his company as the Buick Motor Company on May 19, 1903, in [[Detroit]], Michigan. Buick had been financed by a friend and fellow automobile enthusiast, [[Benjamin Briscoe]], who in September 1903 sold control of the business to [[James H. Whiting]], of [[Flint Wagon Works]], in [[Flint, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/timeline/autohistory_0798/whitingJ.html |title=James H. Whiting 1842-1919 |work=Flint Timeline Project |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090707034109/http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/timeline/autohistory_0798/whitingJ.html |archive-date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=April 18, 2022}}</ref> Whiting moved Buick to Flint, to a location across the street from his factory, with the idea of adding Buick's engines to his wagons.<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> David Buick stayed on as a manager and re-hired Walter Marr as chief engineer. The engine Buick and Marr developed for this automobile was a two-cylinder valve-in-head engine of 159 cubic inches, with each cylinder [[boxer engine|horizontal and opposed to the other by 180 degrees]].

Whiting built only a few automobiles in 1904, the [[Buick Model B|Model B]], before running out of operating capital, causing him to bring in [[William C. Durant]] that year as a controlling investor. Durant built a few more model B's in 1904, stepped up production for the model C in 1905, and spent the next four years turning Buick into the biggest-selling automobile brand in the US.

During the 19th century, Durant had made his fortune as co-owner, also in Flint, with [[Josiah Dallas Dort]], of the [[Durant-Dort Carriage Company]], which by 1904 was the largest carriage-making company in the country and one of the largest in the world.<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> Durant moved most Buick production to the former Durant-Dort Imperial Wheel plant in [[Jackson, Michigan]] in 1905. Buick continued car production in Jackson through 1907, when Factory #1 was completed in Flint. The Jackson plant continued production with Buick trucks through 1912.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://buickcity.blogspot.com |title=All Things Buick |website=buickcity.blogspot.com |access-date=2018-07-09}}</ref> David Buick sold his stock upon departure in 1906, making him a wealthy man, but he died in modest circumstances 25 years later. In 1907, Durant agreed to supply motors to [[Samuel McLaughlin|R. S. McLaughlin]] in Canada, an automaker, and in 1908 he founded [[General Motors]].

Between 1899 and 1902, two prototype vehicles were built<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.welovebuicks.com/history.html |title=Buick History |website=welovebuicks.com |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090307002136/http://www.welovebuicks.com/history.html |archive-date=2009-03-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in Detroit, Michigan by [[Walter Lorenzo Marr]]. Some documentation exists of the 1901 or 1902 prototype with [[tiller]] steering<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prewarbuick.com/cars/19/1901-Buick-perhaps-1902 |title=1901 Buick perhaps 1902 |website=prewarbuick.com |date=2002-01-01 |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-date=2020-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811002904/http://www.prewarbuick.com/cars/19/1901-Buick-perhaps-1902 |url-status=dead }}</ref> similar to the [[Oldsmobile Curved Dash]].

{{multiple image
|align       = left
|direction   = 
|total_width = 300
|image1      = Buick motor company logo 1904.png
|image2      = Valve-In-Head 1904 patent.jpg
|footer      = '''(Left)'''; the first logo of Buick (1904), with an image of the [[Uncle Sam]] and the legend "known all over the world"; '''(right)''': Valve-In-Head ([[Overhead valve engine|OHV]]) engine, illustration from 1904 patent, Buick Manufacturing Company
}}
In mid-1904, another prototype was constructed for an endurance run, which convinced Whiting to authorize the production of the first models offered to the public.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://thewhiting.com/aboutus/history.html |title=James H. Whiting |website=thewhiting.com |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100522235557/http://thewhiting.com/aboutus/history.html |archive-date=2010-05-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The architecture of this prototype was the basis for the Model B.

The first Buick made for sale, the 1904 horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine [[Buick Model B|Model B]], was built in Flint, Michigan at a re-purposed factory that was known as the [[Flint Wagon Works]]. There were 37 Buicks made that year, none of which survive. There are, however, two replicas in existence: the 1904 endurance car, at the Buick Gallery & Research Center in Flint, and a Model B assembled by an enthusiast in California for the division's 100th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://1929buick.com/gallery/sloan |title=1904 Buick Prototype - Sloan Museum |website=1929buick.com |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707060319/http://1929buick.com/gallery/sloan |archive-date=2011-07-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://1929buick.com/gallery/1904buick |title=1904 Buick Model B - Restoration Project |website=1929buick.com |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707060327/http://1929buick.com/gallery/1904buick |archive-date=2011-07-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Both of these vehicles use various parts from Buicks of that early era, as well as fabricated parts. These vehicles were each constructed with the two known surviving 1904 engines.

[[File:Buick Automobile Company Building.jpg|thumb|The [[Buick Automobile Company Building]] (here pictured in 2015), built in 1907]]
The early success of Buick is attributed mainly to what it called the valve-in-head engine, now known as the [[Overhead valve engine|overhead valve]] (OHV), engine<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.buick.com/heritage/index.jsp |title=A Heritage of Precision |publisher=Buick |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080923214212/http://www.buick.com/heritage/index.jsp |archive-date=2008-09-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> patented by Eugene Richard and developed by Richard, Buick, and Marr. The Model F had a two-cylinder engine, an 87-inch wheelbase, and weighed 1,800&nbsp;lbs.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1906_Buick/1906_Buick_Brochure/1906%20Buick%20Automobiles-14.html |title=1906 Buick Brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2011-11-20}}</ref> The creation of [[General Motors]] is attributed mainly to the success of Buick,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://info.detnews.com/redesign/history/story/historytemplate.cfm?id=100&CFID=11771161&CFTOKEN=80488863 |title=The free-wheeling gambler who created conservative General Motors |website=info.detnews.com |date=1996-07-30 |access-date=2010-10-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120710003921/http://info.detnews.com/redesign/history/story/historytemplate.cfm?id=100&CFID=11771161&CFTOKEN=80488863 |archive-date=2012-07-10 }}</ref> so it can be said [[Walter Lorenzo Marr|Marr]] and Richard's designs directly led to GM.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stoll |first=John D. |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121539865693931653?mod=hpp_us_whats_news |title=GM Weighs More Layoffs, Sale of Brands |website=online.wsj.com |date=2008-07-07 |access-date=2010-10-16}}</ref> The power train and chassis architecture introduced on the Model B was continued through the 1909 Model F.<ref>{{cite web |last=Katz |first=John F. |url= http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060703/FREE/60623009/1027/FREE |title=1909 Buick Model F |website=autoweek.com |date=1998-03-02 |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183832/http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060703%2FFREE%2F60623009%2F1027%2FFREE |archive-date=2011-06-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Model F was similar to the Model G, a lower-priced two-seat roadster, produced from 1906 until 1909. Both the F and G were powered by a {{convert|159|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} two-cylinder 159 engine producing {{convert|22|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} along with a 2-speed transmission as well as mechanical brakes on the rear wheels.

The [[flat-twin]] engine is inherently balanced, with [[torque]] presented to the chassis in a longitudinal manner. The engine was mounted [[Mid-engine design|amidships]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://1929buick.com/gallery/history/aag |title=Buick History (1904-1929) |website=1929buick.com |access-date=2010-10-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707060331/http://1929buick.com/gallery/history/aag |archive-date=2011-07-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[William C. Durant|Billy Durant]] was a promoter, and Buick soon became the largest carmaker in America. Durant embarked on a series of corporate acquisitions, calling the new firm [[General Motors]]. At first, the manufacturers comprising General Motors competed against each other, but Durant ended that. He wanted each General Motors division to target one class of buyers. Buick was positioned below the [[Cadillac (automobile)|Cadillac]] brand. To save on resources, Buick vehicles shared a common platform, called the [[GM A platform]], that was shared with [[Chevrolet]], [[Oakland Motor Car Company|Oakland]], [[Oldsmobile]], and Cadillac.

At first, Buick followed the likes of [[D. Napier & Son|Napier]] in [[automobile racing]], winning the first-ever race held at [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]].<ref>Wells, Dick. "SRMA Update" in ''Street Rodder'', 12/98, p.298. The accuracy of this source is in question, however.</ref>

The first full-size Buick to join the smaller Model B was in 1907, when the [[Buick Four|Buick Model D]] was introduced with a four-cylinder {{convert|4178|cc|cid|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} T-head engine, installed in the front with rear-wheel drive. This was one of the only cars with side valves that Buick ever made.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.carnut.com/specs/gen/buick20.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190226060957/http://www.carnut.com/specs/gen/buick20.html |url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-02-26|title=Buick Pre 1930 General Specs |website=carnut.com}}</ref>

====1910s–1920s====
[[File:Louis Chevrolet in Buick Bug 1910.jpg|thumb|[[Louis Chevrolet]] in his [[Buick 60 Special]] (aka "Buick Bug") in 1910]]

In 1910, Buick introduced the [[Buick Four|Model 10]] with an OHV four-cylinder engine<ref>{{cite web |title=1910 Buick Model 10 |url= https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20994/lot/129/?category=list |work=Bonhams |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> followed in 1911, with their first closed-body car, the [[Buick Six]],<ref>Clymer, Floyd. ''Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925'' (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950)</ref> that followed the same bodystyle that first appeared at Cadillac, and four years ahead of [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]. The car was built at the all-new factory in Flint which later became known as [[Buick City]].<ref>Clymer, p.120.</ref> Buick during the 1920s made various sized vehicles, with series designations for different years, sometimes using numbers, while later years using lettered designations. One of the larger vehicles, with a straight-six, was the [[Buick Master Six]]. The Model 10 was phased out during a restructuring initiated by GM's new leadership that assumed position on November 15, 1910.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gustin |first=Lawrence R. |title=Billy Durant: Creator of General Motors |publisher=University of Michigan Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-472-03302-7 |location=Ann Arbor, Michigan |pages=142 |language=en}}</ref>

In the 1910s and 1920s, Buick was a prestige brand in the Republic of China with the brand driven by or for high-level politicians and the [[Emperor of China|Emperor]]. The latter imported two Buick cars in 1924, making it the first automobile to enter China.<ref name=":0" /> By 1930, Buick claimed one-sixth of the total number of cars in the country.<ref name=":0b">{{Cite book |last1=Nordhielm |first1=Christie L. |title=Marketing Management: The Big Picture |last2=Baron |first2=Marta Dapena |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-118-01455-4 |location=Hoboken, NJ |pages=199 |language=en}}</ref> Buick now sells 80% of its production in the People's Republic of China and is a minor player in Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://money.cnn.com/2017/02/22/news/companies/buick-china-history-brand/index.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170223144703/http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/22/news/companies/buick-china-history-brand/index.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= February 23, 2017 |title=Buick is a lot more than a dad wagon in China |website=money.cnn.com |date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

In 1929, as part of [[General Motors Companion Make Program|General Motors' companion make program]], Buick Motor Division launched the [[Marquette automobile|Marquette]] sister brand, designed to bridge the price gap between Buick and [[Oldsmobile]]. Its styling featured a high peaked hood and radiator shell while its suspension used four, parallel, semi-elliptical springs with [[Remy International|Delco-Lovejoy]] shock absorbers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kollins |first=Michael J. |title=The Big Three |publisher=SAE International |year=2002 |isbn=0-7680-0900-6 |pages=136 |language=en}}</ref> Marquette was discontinued in 1930. All Buick, Marquette, [[Viking (automobile)|Viking]], and Oldsmobile products shared the newly introduced [[GM B platform]] starting in 1926.

====1930s====
Buick debuted two major achievements for the 1931 model year, the [[Overhead valve|OHV]] [[Buick Straight-8 engine]] and a [[synchromesh transmission]] in all models but the Series 50. The Eight was offered in three displacements, the 220 cubic inch (bore 2 7/8 in. stroke 4.25 in.), was available in the Series 50 with 77 brake HP. The Series 60 engine was a 272 cu. in. unit (bore 3 1/16 in., stroke 5 in.) giving 90 brake HP. Cadillac had previously introduced the [[Cadillac Type 51]] with a flathead V8 engine in 1915 which made usage of an eight-cylinder engine a luxury feature.

The Series 80 and Series 90 used a 344 cu. in. version (bore 3 5/16 in., stroke 5 in.) for 104 brake HP. Automatic vacuum-operated spark advance was another feature replacing the steering column-mounted spark lever although an emergency lever was now dash mounted. Buick scored another first in 1939 when it became the first company to introduce [[turn signal]]s, which did not appear on other car brands until almost a decade later.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/magazine/who-made-that-turn-signal.html?_r=0 |title=Who Made That Turn Signal? |date=July 12, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> All 1939 models also had a steering column-mounted shift lever.

In the mid-1930s McLaughlin-Buicks were purchased by British monarch [[Edward VIII]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1338217/Car-that-took-King-into-exile-goes-on-sale.html |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Caroline |last=Davies |title=Car that took King into exile goes on sale |date=2001-08-23}}</ref> He had a preference for the Canadian built McLaughlin-Buick.<ref name="vancetimescolonist">{{cite news |last1=Vance |first1=Bill |title=Ontario car company became GM Canada |url= https://www.timescolonist.com/driving/bill-vance-ontario-car-company-became-gm-canada-4672987 |newspaper=Victoria Times Colonist |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=April 28, 2022}}</ref> Buicks were used for royal transport within Canada, including for King [[George VI]] and Queen [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Elizabeth]] during the [[1939 royal tour of Canada]].<ref name="vancetimescolonist"/>

In the 1920s and 1930s Cadillac and Buick vehicles were popular with long-distance passenger service operators e.g. the [[Nairn Transport Company#Vehicles|Nairn Transport Company]] in the Middle East (Baghdad-Damascus).

<gallery caption="Buick in the early years">
File:1904Buick.jpg|1904 [[Buick Model B]]
File:1905 Buick Model C.jpg|alt=Buick Model C, Jackson, Michigan|1905 [[Buick Model B|Buick Model C]]
File:Woman on Buick.jpg|1910 [[Buick Model 10]] Runabout
File:1914 BUICK B-35 PHAETEN, AM-91-91 pic1.JPG|1914 [[Buick Six|Buick Six Model B-35 phaeton]]
File:Buick Roadster 1917.jpg|1917 [[Buick Four|Buick D-35]] roadster
File:Buick E-Six 45 (1918) 1Y7A6067.jpg|1918 [[Buick Six|Buick E-45]]
File:Buick Roadster 1922.jpg|1922 [[Buick Six|Buick Model 22-54]] Sport roadster
File:Buick Standard Model 25 Touring 1925 2.jpg|1925 [[Buick Master Six|Buick Master Six Series 25]] touring
File:16 21 2362 museum.jpg|1925 [[Buick Master Six]]
File:SLNSW 22578 192930 Buick coupe.jpg|1929 [[Buick Series 40|Buick Series 46]] Business Coupe
File:Buick Coupe Series 26 (1930) (20634081715).jpg|1930 [[Buick Series 40|Buick Series 46]] Business Coupe
File:Buick 4-Dorrars Sedan 1932.jpg|1932 [[Buick Series 60|Buick Series 60 Model 67]] sedan
File:Buick 46C Convertible Coupe 1935.jpg|1935 [[Buick Special#Series 40 (1930–1935)|Buick Series 40]] Model 46C convertible coupe
File:1938 Buick Roadmaster 4d sdn - fvr.jpg|1938 [[Buick Series 80]] touring sedan
File:1939 Buick 4d sdn - brown - 13.jpg|1939 [[Buick Special#Series 40 (1930–1935)|Buick Series 40 Model 41]] touring sedan
File:1941 Buick Limited (34646246692).jpg|1941 [[Buick Limited|Buick Series 90 Touring Sedan Model 90]]
</gallery>

===Post World War II years===
<gallery caption="1940s–1950s">
File:Buick Super 4-Door Sedan 1947.jpg|1947 [[Buick Super]]
File:1948 Buick Roadmaster - blue - fvr.jpg|1948 [[Buick Roadmaster]] Sedanet
File:Buick Convertible 1949.jpg|1949 [[Buick Roadmaster]]
File:Buick Riviera 1950.jpg|1950 [[Buick Super]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:1953 Buick Skylark - blue - fvl.jpg|1953 [[Buick Skylark#1953–1954|Buick Roadmaster Skylark]]
File:1953 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon - Green - fvr.jpg|1953 [[Buick Roadmaster]] [[Buick Estate|Estate]]
File:Buick Special sedan ca 1955.jpg|1955 [[Buick Special]]
File:1956 Buick Century fvl2.jpg|1956 [[Buick Century]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:Buick Super 1957.jpg|1957 [[Buick Super]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:Mint green Buick.JPG|1958 [[Buick Special]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:1959 Buick Electra two-door hardtop.jpg|1959 [[Buick Electra]]
</gallery>

====1940s====
[[File:1910-buick-archives.jpg|thumb|1910 Buick Bug race car and 1944 M18 Buick Hellcat tank destroyer]]

1940 saw the first use of the "[[Buick Estate|Estate]]" designation for Buick on the [[Buick Super|Super]] station wagon. World War II stopped automobile production in 1942. Starting that year, Buick produced the [[M18 Hellcat]] tank destroyer and supplied radial engines for the [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|B-24 Liberator]], [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain]], and [[Douglas C-54 Skymaster]]. By the fall of 1945, automobile production resumed. In 1948, the [[Dynaflow]] automatic transmission was first offered by Buick. 1949 saw the debut of Buick's [[#VentiPorts|VentiPorts]].

====1950s====
1953 marked Buick's 50th anniversary as well as the introductions of the [[Buick V8 engine]] and the Roadmaster Skylark. In 1955, Buick overtook Plymouth to become the third largest brand in vehicles sold, its best postwar result, and retained the spot for 1956, it also had its best model year sales to date with 738,814 vehicles sold; a record that would hold until 1977.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=MCG |date=2023-09-24 |title=1955: Buick Joins the Big 3 {{!}} Mac's Motor City Garage.com |url=https://macsmotorcitygarage.com/1955-buick-joins-the-big-3/ |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=Mac's Motor City Garage |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1957, Buick's new 364 cu. in. engine block and [[ball joint]] front suspension debuted and Roadmasters now had [[aluminum]] finned brake drums. However, with the economic cooldown, in 1957 Buick fell to fourth place again.<ref name=":1" /> 1959 saw the introduction of three new models: [[Buick Electra|Electra]], [[Buick Invicta|Invicta]] and [[Buick LeSabre|LeSabre]] as well as a new 401 cu. in. V8 engine in the Electra and Invicta. An Electra also paced the [[Indianapolis 500]] race that year.

<gallery caption="1960s–1970s">
File:1962 Buick Special DeLuxe.jpg|1962 [[Buick Special]] DeLuxe
File:1963 Buick Wildcat -- 06-18-2011 1.jpg|1963 [[Buick Wildcat]]
File:1963 Buick Riviera (12917772414).jpg|1963 [[Buick Riviera]]
File:1965 Buick LeSabre convertible in blue, front right.jpg|1965 [[Buick LeSabre]]
File:1966 Buick Riviera -Side View.jpg|1966 [[Buick Riviera]] [[Buick Gran Sport#Riviera Gran Sport|GS]]
File:1968 Buick Skylark black 2-door hardtop in NY, front.jpg|1968 [[Buick Skylark]]
File:1970 Buick GSX 455 Coupe (33285990451).jpg|alt=|1970 [[Buick Gran Sport#GSX|Buick GSX]]
File:1971 Buick Estate wagon front.jpg|1971 [[Buick Estate]]
File:1972 Buick Riviera in Finland.jpg|1972 [[Buick Riviera]]
File:1973BuickCenturyGSlarge.JPG|1973 [[Buick Century]] [[Buick Gran Sport#Century Gran Sport|GS]]
File:1975 Buick Skyhawk.jpg|1975 [[Buick Skyhawk]]
File:1978 Buick Electra Limited (29173635664) (cropped).jpg|1978 [[Buick Electra]] Limited
File:1979 Buick Regal Sport Coupe, front left, 05-12-2023.jpg|1979 [[Buick Regal]]
</gallery>

====1960s====
An Electra 225 paced the [[Daytona 500]] race in both 1960 and 1963. In 1961, a new [[Fireball V6]] engine was introduced and the [[Buick Skylark|Skylark]] nameplate returned as the top model of the new [[Buick Special|Special]] compact car line. The Buick Special was named [[Motor Trend Car of the Year]] in 1962. Also in 1962, [[Buick Wildcat|Wildcat]] was introduced as a trim level on Invicta and became its own model the following year. In 1963 the [[Buick Riviera|Riviera]] was introduced as its own model. In the mid-1960s Buick started officially selling German-built [[Opel]] cars through its North American dealerships. For 1967, [[radial tire]]s became available as an option on all full-size Buicks.<ref>LaChance, David (July 2006). [http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2006/07/01/hmn_buyers_guide1.html "1966–'67 Buick Riviera GS"]. ''Muscle Machines''. Retrieved July 26, 2015</ref>

====1970s====
The 1970s saw a number of new models added to the Buick lineup including the Estate Wagon as its own model in 1970, [[Buick Centurion|Centurion]] in 1971, [[Buick Apollo|Apollo]] in 1973, and [[Buick Skyhawk|Skyhawk]] in 1975. 1975 also saw the first appearance of the "[[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]]" nameplate for Buick as a trim/option package on the Electra 225 Limited. A Buick Century paced the Indianapolis 500 race not once but twice in the mid-1970s. In 1976, Buick began selling rebadged [[Isuzu Gemini]]s as Opels to replace the Opel Kadett models it had previously marketed. The following year, Electra 225 and LeSabre were redesigned and downsized, and the Buick brand saw its best model year sales to date with 773,313 vehicles sold. 1978 marked Buick's 75th anniversary and welcomed a redesigned Century as well as a redesigned Regal coupe which was now available with a turbocharged [[Buick V6 engine|V6]] engine. Buick model year sales broke another record in 1978 with 795,316 vehicles sold. In 1979, the Riviera was redesigned; Riviera S-Type was named Motor Trend Car of the Year.

<gallery caption="1980s–1990s">
File:Buick Skylark (5011365230).jpg|1980 [[Buick Skylark]]
File:1982 Buick LeSabre Limited diesel sedan front.jpg|1982 [[Buick LeSabre]] Limited
File:1984 Riviera convertible.jpg|1984 [[Buick Riviera]]
File:Blue Buick Electra.jpg|1985 [[Buick Electra]] Park Avenue
File:Buick Somerset.jpg|1986 [[Buick Somerset]]
File:1987 Buick Regal Grand National, front left (2022 Back to the 50's Weekend).jpg|1987 [[Buick Regal#Grand National, Turbo-T and T-Type|Buick Regal Grand National]]
File:1987 Buick SkyHawk Custom.jpg|1987 [[Buick Skyhawk]] Custom
File:1988 Buick Reatta, front left.jpg|1988 [[Buick Reatta]]
File:Buick Roadmaster -- 04-22-2010.jpg|1992 [[Buick Roadmaster]] Limited
File:1994-96 Buick Century wagon, front right side.jpg|1994 [[Buick Century]] Estate
File:1996-1998 Buick Skylark.jpg|1996 [[Buick Skylark]]
File:Buick Park Avenue -- 01-07-2012.jpg|1997 [[Buick Park Avenue]]
File:1999 Buick Riviera.jpg|1999 [[Buick Riviera]]
</gallery>

====1980s====
In the 1980s, Buick's lineup saw several changes including the downsizing of various models. In 1980, Lloyd Reuss was appointed as general manager and further pushed Buick into turbocharging, racing, and performance production cars, building momentum which continued a number of years after his departure in 1984 as he headed toward a brief term as GM president. Also in 1980, the [[Oldsmobile Diesel engine|Diesel engine]] became available on select Buick models and Somerset was introduced as an optional package on the Regal Limited. In 1981, the [[T-Type]] performance trim was introduced on the Riviera. Regal was the official pace car of the [[Indianapolis 500]] race in 1981. In 1982, the [[Buick Grand National|Grand National]] high-performance package was first offered on Regal, helping Buick return to its #3 spot after 26 years.<ref name=":1" /> A soft-top Riviera helped lead the return of the convertible, which had disappeared from domestic lineups in 1976. The following year, a Riviera convertible with a twin-turbo V6 paced the Indy 500. Also in 1983, Buick had its best model year to date with 810,435 vehicles sold, and remained in #3 place.<ref name=":1" />

In 1984, Buick was the official car of the [[1984 Summer Olympics|XXIII Olympiad]]. A reorganization split manufacturing & engineering from sales and marketing. The first pilot Buick is produced at "Buick City", a state-of-the-art assembly center built inside the walls of Buick's home plant in Flint. Buick had its best model year sales to date with 906,626 vehicles sold plus Buick's worldwide sales topped one million for the first time. Lloyd Reuss ended his tenure as general manager of the Buick Motor Division in 1984.

For the 1985 model year, Buick introduced the downsized sixth-generation Electra, effectively GM's first front-drive, transverse-engine, full-size unibody cars &mdash; initially powered by a carbureted 3.0 liter Buick [[V6 engine]], a fuel-injected 3.8 liter Buick V6 engine, or a 4.3 liter [[Oldsmobile Diesel engine|Oldsmobile diesel]] V6 engine. Each was mated to a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]] with a 0.70:1 overdrive gear. The 3.0 liter V6 and 4.3-liter diesel V6 were discontinued after 1985. During the 1985 through 1989 model years, the Electra name also continued to be used on the rear-wheel-drive B-body "Estate" station wagon. Also in 1985, Buick introduced the [[Buick Somerset|Somerset]] as its own model. Buick-powered cars won the pole and second position in qualifying for Indianapolis 500. Over the next few years, Buick engines would set a number of stock-block records and twice would power a third or more of the 33-car Indy 500 field (11 in 1990 and 12 in 1992). 1985 would be the final year for the rear-drive LeSabre before another downsizing and conversion to front-wheel-drive for 1986 (sedans and coupes only; the rear-drive LeSabre Estate Wagon would soldier on largely unchanged for a few more years). The top-line LeSabre Limited became the LeSabre Limited Collectors Edition to mark the end of an era for the rear-wheel-drive coupe and sedan; engine offerings included the standard 231 V6 (sedans and coupes) or optional Olds 307 V8 or Oldsmobile 350 diesel V8. 1985 saw Buick's best model year sales to date with 915,336 vehicles sold.

In 1986, the LeSabre was introduced on the new [[front wheel drive]] [[GM H platform|H platform]], after departing from [[rear wheel drive]] on the [[GM B platform]]. Joining the LeSabre on the H-body included the [[Oldsmobile 88|Oldsmobile Delta 88]]. Like the previously introduced Electra, the LeSabre's hood was hinged at the front of the car instead of near the cowl and windshield. Styling and did not include Buick's long-standing [[#Ventiport|ventiports]] or [[#Sweepspear|sweepspear]] styling cues. In 1986, a LeSabre Grand National model was built to qualify the coupe body style for NASCAR competition. Less than 120 units were made, all finished in black with a gray interior.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://lesabret-type.com/LeSabreGN.html |title=1986 LeSabre Grand National Page |access-date=2012-01-08 |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120211083727/http://lesabret-type.com/LeSabreGN.html |archive-date=2012-02-11}}</ref>

Also for 1986, the [[GM E platform|E-body]] Riviera was converted to [[Monocoque|unibody construction]] and further downsized to a {{convert|108|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase similar in length to that of the [[Buick Regal]]. The V6 was now the only engine, rated initially at {{Convert|142|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} SAE and {{convert|200|lbft|Nm|-1|abbr=on}} of torque. It used the Turbo-[[Hydramatic]] 440-T4 [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] with a 2.84:1 final drive ratio. This generation was noted for advanced electronic instrumentation displayed on a dash-mounted {{convert|9|in|mm|adj=on}} CRT. The CRT controlled the vehicle's climate control system and stereo, and also supplied advanced instrumentation such as a [[trip computer]] and maintenance reminder feature. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. With a choice of three suspension packages available, up to the performance oriented FE3 setting, handling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourth for ''[[Motor Trend]]''{{'}}s 1986 Car of the Year contest. Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera, but the investment in the downsized, [[transverse engine]] front-wheel drive platform resulted in a substantial price increase to $19,831 for the base model to $21,577 for the new [[T-Type]]. Downsizing also resulted in a dimensional similarity to smaller, less expensive offerings from GM. The smaller dimensions, generic styling, and lack of a V8 led to Riviera sales plummeting to 22,138 for 1986.

In 1987, the last of the turbo/intercooled Regal Grand Nationals, often called the quickest American cars, were offered as well as 547 even quicker special edition '87 GNXs. It would also be the last year for the rear-wheel-drive Regal. General manager Ed Mertz promoted the new "Premium American Motorcars" theme which focused Buick marketing on the various qualities that made the marque famous.

In 1988, Buick was the official car of the [[U.S. Olympic Team]]. The [[Buick Reatta|Reatta]] two-seater was introduced, to be followed two years later by a convertible. Also in 1988, [[Buick Regal|Regal]] was downsized and converted to front-wheel drive. Bobby Allison won the Daytona 500 in a Regal that year. 1988 also saw the debut of the slogan "The Great American Road Belongs to Buick".

In 1989, a new Electra trim level was offered called the Park Avenue Ultra. The Ultra was an upgrade to the Electra Park Avenue and featured a standard leather-trimmed interior with dual 20-way power front seats (shared with Cadillac's restyled 1989 [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Fleetwood Sixty Special]]), lower-body accent exterior paint treatment, distinctive thick-padded vinyl top with limousine-style rear-window surround (available only on Ultra), simulated burled elm trim on the doors and instrument panel, unique aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, chromed [[B-pillar]] moldings, specific grille and tail lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, electronic instrumentation, padded glove-compartment door, unique interior door panel trim, and a variety of otherwise minor changes. With its long list of standard equipment, the Park Avenue Ultra carried a higher base price than Cadillac's [[Cadillac de Ville series|Sedan de Ville]]. The Riviera was also restyled for 1989, adding 11 inches to its overall length. In the late 1980s, the Flint-built LeSabre ranked #1 in North America and #2 in the world in a major independent quality study which eventually led Buick to change its ad slogan from "The Great American Road Belongs to Buick" to "Buick: The New Symbol for Quality in America."

====1990s====
In 1990, the first Reatta convertible was produced. 1990 was also the last year for the Electra as Park Avenue, previously a trim level on the Electra, became its own model for the 1991 model year. In 1991, Buick led the industry in improvement in sales and market share. A new four-door Regal came to market for 1991, the first Regal sedan since 1984. Buick also introduced a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 in the Park Avenue Ultra. Supercharging became so popular at Buick that by the new millennium, Buick was the leading marketer and industry leader of supercharged cars. 1991 saw the return of the [[Buick Roadmaster|Roadmaster]] after a 33-year absence. The Roadmaster was first offered as a wagon only and then a sedan was added for 1992.

For 1992, the popular LeSabre was redesigned along the same lines as the previous year's [[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]]. 1992 also saw the introduction of a new, redesigned Skylark. In 1993, a special edition LeSabre was sold to commemorate Buick's 90th anniversary. In addition to Custom trim level standard equipment, included were "90th Anniversary" badging, cassette player, cruise control, rear-window defogger, power driver's seat, carpeted floor mats, exterior pinstripes, and choice of wire or aluminum wheel covers.

In 1995, after a hiatus in 1994, the Riviera returned with radical styling that departed from the previous generations' more traditional image. A {{convert|205|hp|abbr=on}} [[naturally aspirated]] 3800 V6 was standard, with a [[supercharger|supercharged]] version rated at {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|275|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} available as an option. Rivieras were now assembled in [[Lake Orion, Michigan]], riding the same Cadillac-derived [[GM G platform (FWD)|G platform]] as the 4-door [[Oldsmobile Aurora]].

In 1996, both the Roadmaster sedan and wagon were discontinued. In 1998, after 95 years in Flint, Buick's headquarters was moved to Detroit. Bob Coletta, Buick general manager, saw the first Chinese Buick roll off the line at Shanghai before he turned over the top Buick job to Roger Adams. Buick Gallery and Research Center opened at Flint's Sloan Museum. A reorganization of the division split sales from marketing.

In 1999, the last of nearly 16 million Buicks were built in Flint's Buick City. The last car, a 1999 LeSabre, rolled off the assembly line on June 29 that year. In a major independent quality study, Buick ranked #2 (and top domestic) among 37 international brands and Buick City shared the top world position among automotive assembly plants. With sales of all coupes declining in the North American market, GM decided to discontinue the Riviera. 1999 was the car's last model year with production ceasing on November 25, 1998. The final 200 cars had special silver paint and trim and were denoted "Silver Arrow"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.rivowners.org/silver.html|title=Riviera Owners Association}}</ref> models, a designation which hearkened back to several Silver Arrow show cars that had been built off Riviera bodies by [[Bill Mitchell (designer)|Bill Mitchell]]. The eighth generation Rivieras received the most powerful V6 Buick engine since the [[Buick Grand National|Grand Nationals]] of the 1980s. The supercharged [[Overhead valve|OHV]] V6 allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to {{convert|60|mph|km/h}} in under 7 seconds, complete the {{frac|1|4}} mile in 15.5 seconds, and achieve MPG fuel efficiency ratings of 18 city/27 highway.

===Recent years===
<gallery caption="2000s–2010s">
File:00-05 Buick LeSabre.jpg|2000 [[Buick LeSabre]]
File:Buick Rendezvous.jpg|2002 [[Buick Rendezvous]]
File:04-07 Buick Rainier.jpg|2004 [[Buick Rainier]] CXL
File:Buick Terraza -- 09-26-2009.jpg|2005 [[Buick Terraza]]
File:Buick-Lucerne-CXL.jpg|2006 [[Buick Lucerne]] CXL
File:Buick Enclave CXL -- 03-05-2010.jpg|2008 [[Buick Enclave]] CXL
File:2009 Buick LaCrosse -- 09-07-2009.jpg|2009 [[Buick LaCrosse]] Super
File:2011 Buick Verano (5490346021).jpg|2011 [[Buick Regal]] GS
File:2012 Buick Verano -- 04-30-2012.JPG|2012 [[Buick Verano (disambiguation)|Buick Verano]]
File:Buick Encore P4250799.jpg|2013 [[Buick Encore]]
File:Buick Cascada (16282443827).jpg|2016 [[Buick Cascada]] Premium
File:Buick Envision P4250795.jpg|2016 [[Buick Envision]] Premium
File:Buick Velite 5 (cropped).jpg|2017 [[Buick Velite 5]]
</gallery>

====2000s====
In the 2000s, Buick's lineup was modified with the compact and performance segments being abandoned in favor of the crossover/SUV market which was growing in popularity. In 2000, Buick headed into the new millennium with a redesigned LeSabre (best-selling U.S. full-size car for eight straight years) and a more powerful Century. Since the first Detroit experimental car of 1899–1900 and the first Flint production car of 1904, more than 35 million Buicks had been built. The 2000 LeSabre was introduced in March 1999 and was now built on [[General Motors|GM's]] [[GM G platform (FWD)|G platform]]; however, GM chose to continue to refer to it as the H platform.<ref name="Frame">{{cite web|last=Frame|first=Phil|title=GM H Cars Move to G Platform |url= http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19950116/ANA/501160730#axzz2TYYYR1jT |work=Automotive News |access-date=17 May 2013 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130616065939/http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19950116/ANA/501160730%23axzz2TYYYR1jT |archive-date=16 June 2013|url-status=dead|date=16 January 1995}}</ref> The LeSabre was manufactured at GM's [[Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly]] factory in [[Hamtramck, Michigan]] and Lake Orion Assembly, in Lake Orion, Michigan. Some of the changes with the redesign included a new grille that did not open with the hood and slightly smaller exterior dimensions. Despite its somewhat smaller exterior size, it still offered similar interior room and more trunk space than the previous model. 2001 saw Buick's first entry into the crossover market with the introduction of the [[Buick Rendezvous|Rendezvous]] as a 2002 model. In 2003, the [[Buick Centieme]] crossover [[concept car]] commemorated Buick Motor Division's 100th anniversary. Some of the Centieme's exterior design and interior features would later appear on the 2008 [[Buick Enclave|Enclave]] crossover. In 2004, Buick added the [[Buick Rainier|Rainier]] mid-size SUV, and the new [[Buick Terraza|Terraza]] minivan was added a year later.

In the years following, Buick began consolidating its North American lineup and by 2008 had reduced it to just three models: the [[Buick LaCrosse|LaCrosse]]/Allure, the [[Buick Lucerne|Lucerne]], and the new-for-2008 Enclave. The Super name had also returned after a 50-year absence as a new performance trim level on LaCrosse and Lucerne. The brand's total overall sales slipped in the United States, and, with a reputation for primarily appealing to older buyers, rumors circulated throughout this decade that the Buick marque would be discontinued.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/buick-and-the-detroit-zombies/ |title=Buick and the Detroit Zombies |first=Andrew |last=Dederer |work=The Truth About Cars |date=2008-04-25 |access-date=2011-09-23 }}</ref> The profitability of the model lineup and popularity in China ensured Buick's future within General Motors, with the decision being made to discontinue the [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] brand instead.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autoobserver.com/2009/06/good-gm-maybe-not-all-that-good.html |title='Good' GM: Maybe Not All That Good |last=Krebs |first=Michelle |publisher=Edmunds Auto Observer |date=2009-06-29 |access-date=2011-06-03}}</ref>

Since 2005, GM had gradually consolidated Buick with [[GMC (automobile manufacturer)|GMC]] and former [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] dealerships to create the current Buick-GMC network. During [[General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization]] and emergence in 2009, the company designated Buick as a "core brand", citing the division's success in China.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://wot.motortrend.com/gm-ceo-henderson-says-buick-is-a-core-brand-uaw-talks-could-reopen-if-need-be-4343.html |title=GM CEO Henderson Says Buick is a Core Brand |last=Evans |first=Scott |website=MotorTrend.com |date=2009-04-02 |access-date=2011-06-03}}</ref> Behind the scenes, GM began to move products originally planned for other brands to Buick. The [[Opel Insignia]] was originally intended to become the second-generation [[Saturn Aura]], but instead became the new Buick Regal.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autoblog.com/buy/2011-Buick-Regal/expert-review/ |title=2011 Buick Regal |website=Autoblog.com|date=22 August 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f14/gmi-exclusive-2010-saturn-aura-hold-66090/ |title=GMI Exclusive: 2010 Saturn Aura on "Hold" |publisher=GM Inside News |date=2008-06-26 |access-date=2011-06-03}}</ref> In the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, Buick tied with Jaguar as the most dependable brand in the United States.<ref>"[http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?id=2009043 Buick and Jaguar Tie to Rank Highest for Vehicle Dependability, J.D. Power Press Release, 19 March 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805185056/https://www.jdpower.com/Cars/Award-Summaries |date=5 August 2020 }}</ref>

====2010s====
The 2010s included the return of a classic Buick nameplate, the [[Buick Regal]], and several new model names. The decade also saw the brand's first hatchback since 1987, its first factory convertible since 1991, and its first station wagon since 1996. Buick further expanded its presence in the popular crossover/SUV market in the 2010s.

In January 2009, Buick unveiled the new 2010 LaCrosse sedan, an all-new styling direction that included traditional Buick cues. The market responded positively to the LaCrosse and reviews favorably compared it to luxury models such as the [[Lexus ES]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1004_2010_buick_lacrosse_2010_lexus_es_350_comparison/results.html |title=Comparison: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS vs 2010 Lexus ES 350 |work=Motor Trend |date=March 2010 |access-date=2011-06-03 |archive-date=2018-08-10 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180810010854/https://www.motortrend.com/cars/buick/lacrosse/2010/2010-buick-lacrosse-2010-lexus-es-350-comparison/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2010, Buick became the fastest-growing automotive brand in America and attracted a younger customer demographic.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://adage.com/article/news/advertising-buick-fastest-growing-car-brand-america/145397/ |title=Fastest Growing Car Brand in America? Buick |publisher=Advertising Age |date=2010-08-16|access-date=2011-06-03}}</ref> A GM company spokesman at the time said that Buick was positioned as a "premium" marque (entry-level luxury) to compete with various [[Acura]], [[Infiniti]], [[Lexus]], and [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]] models, while [[Cadillac]] was aimed at the "luxury" performance segment which includes brands like [[BMW]] and [[Mercedes-Benz]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autoblog.com/buy/2010-Buick-LaCrosse/expert-review/ |title= 2010 Buick LaCrosse |website=Autoblog.com|date= 22 August 2024 }}</ref>

An all-new Regal sedan, a smaller model based on the European [[Opel Insignia]], was re-introduced for the 2011 model year after a seven-year absence. For 2012, the all-new [[Buick Verano (North America)|Verano]], which was a compact sedan based on the [[Chevrolet Cruze]], joined the lineup. Additionally, the performance-oriented Regal GS officially went on sale and became the first Buick in almost 20 years to be offered with a manual transmission and a turbocharger. Buick also entered the hybrid market with the introduction of [[eAssist]] technology on the 2012 LaCrosse and Regal which helped improve fuel economy ratings by as much as 38% over the regular gas-engine versions. Meanwhile, sales of the Enclave crossover remained strong. In January 2012, the all-new [[Buick Encore|Encore]] mini crossover was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Also in 2012, a turbocharged version of the Verano was introduced and the Enclave was redesigned for the 2013 model year. In 2013, GM confirmed plans for a "hybrid global brand" which includes [[Opel]]/Vauxhall and Buick using more synergies between the brands.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/06/opel-buick-to-expand-product-sharing/|title=Opel, Buick To Expand Product Sharing, Become A "Hybrid Global Brand" |date=17 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://media.gm.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2013/opel/06-26-Tina-Mueller-New-Chief-Marketing-Officer.html|title=Tina Müller New Chief Marketing Officer and Opel Board Member |access-date=2013-09-28|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130925013435/http://media.gm.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2013/opel/06-26-Tina-Mueller-New-Chief-Marketing-Officer.html|archive-date=2013-09-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> LaCrosse and Regal were refreshed for the 2014 model year. In 2015, the all-new [[Opel Cascada|Cascada]] subcompact convertible debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The all-new 2017 LaCrosse was shown at the [[LA Auto Show#2015|2015 Los Angeles Auto Show]] in November 2015, as a 2017 model.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gardner |first=Greg|date= 2015-11-18 |title= Buick's 2017 LaCrosse unveiled in L.A. |url= http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2015/11/18/dfp-buicks-2017-lacrosse-unveiled-la/75573088/ |newspaper= Detroit Free Press |access-date= 2015-11-20}}</ref> Buick also confirmed that the [[Buick Envision|Envision]] compact crossover would be sold in North America starting summer 2016. The Verano compact sedan was dropped from the Buick lineup in North America in 2017. With GM selling off the Opel/Vauxhall division to [[PSA Group]] in March 2017, Buick is expected to move away from sharing the Opel model/designs upon the completion of the current generation vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Frost|first1=Lawrence|last2=Taylor|first2=Edward|title=PSA targets Opel turnaround as GM exits Europe |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-opel-m-a-psa-idUSKBN16D0J1 |access-date=10 March 2017 |work=Reuters |date=Mar 6, 2017}}</ref>

For 2018, Buick replaced the Regal sedan with an all-new model offering hatchback and station wagon body styles. This new Regal was the first hatchback from Buick for the North American market since the 1987 Skyhawk and the first station wagon since the 1996 Roadmaster. A sub-brand was also added in 2018 to accompany Buick, with the Avenir badge being applied to its top-of-the-line level trims, utilizing the same strategy as GMC's successful Denali sub-brand.<ref>[http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/09/buick-announces-avenir-sub-brand-to-join-future-products-in-2018/ "Buick Announces Avenir Sub-Brand To Join Future Products In 2018"] from GM Authority (September 1, 2016)</ref> 2019 would be the last year for the Cascada convertible globally and the LaCrosse sedan for the North American market.

====2020s====
[[file:Buick Logo.png|thumb|Buick logo used until 2023]]
New for 2020 was the [[Buick Encore GX|Encore GX]] crossover which slotted in between the existing Encore and Envision. The Regal hatchback and station wagon were discontinued for the North American market in 2020.

In June 2022, Buick Global Chief [[Duncan Aldred]] announced that Buick would transition its entire line-up to electric vehicles by 2030. As part of that plan, all Buick dealers would be given the opportunity to take a [[buyout]] rather than switch to all-electric. Aldred explained the move saying that making the transition to electric would require a considerable investment in upgrading dealer facilities and not all dealers would be willing to make the financial commitment. Aldrerd also pointed out that most Buick dealers also sold other GM products, so accepting the buyout would not necessarily result in a dealership closing.<ref name=wsj>{{cite news |last1=Colias |first1=Mike |title=GM to Offer Franchise Buyouts to U.S. Buick Dealers |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-to-offer-franchise-buyouts-to-u-s-buick-dealers-11662129950?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=2 September 2022 |access-date=4 September 2022}}</ref> Once Buick's top-selling model in North America, the Encore was discontinued in 2022 as more customers favored the larger Encore GX which was introduced for 2020 and became Buick's new top seller.  In 2023, the [[Buick Envista|Envista]] launched for the 2024 model year.

For the 2026 model year, Buick's North American lineup consists of the Envista and Encore GX subcompact crossovers, the Envision compact crossover, and the Enclave mid-size crossover.

== Leadership ==
* [[David Dunbar Buick]] (1903–1904)
* [[William C. Durant]] (1904–1910)<ref>https://www.buickheritagealliance.org/buick_history/motor_division#:~:text=Buick%20was%20where%20a%20number,a%20Buick%20race%20team%20driver.</ref>
* [[Charles W. Nash]] (1910–1916)<ref>https://www.buickheritagealliance.org/buick_history/motor_division#:~:text=Buick%20was%20where%20a%20number,a%20Buick%20race%20team%20driver.</ref>
* [[Walter P. Chrysler]] (1917–1919)<ref>https://www.buickheritagealliance.org/buick_history/motor_division#:~:text=Buick%20was%20where%20a%20number,a%20Buick%20race%20team%20driver.</ref>
* Harry H. Bassett (1919–1926)
* Edward T. Strong (1927–1933)
* [[Harlow H. Curtice]] (1933–1948)<ref name = "mag">{{Cite magazine| title = Person of the Year 1955: Harlow Curtice| magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]]| date =January 2, 1955| url = http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/personoftheyear/archive/stories/1955.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070213230814/http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/personoftheyear/archive/stories/1955.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = February 13, 2007| access-date =October 6, 2009}}</ref>
* Ivan L. Wiles (1948–1956)
* Edward T. Ragsdale (1956–1959)
* Edward D. Rollert (1959–1963)
* Robert L. Kessler (1965–1970)<ref>https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1960s-classic-buick-cars-channel.htm#:~:text=1964%2D1965%20Buick%20Skylark%20&%20Gran,Auto%20Editors%20of%20Consumer%20Guide</ref>
* Lee N.Mays (1970–1972)<ref>https://www.mlive.com/auto/2013/10/photos_gm_marks_40_years_of_bu_1.html#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20fifth%2Dgeneration%20Regal,city%20and%2036%20mpg%20highway.&text=On%20Sept%2013%2C%201972%20an,maintaining%20comparable%20V%2D8%20performance.</ref>
* George R. Elges (1972–1975) 
* David C. Collier (1975–1976) 
* Donald H. McPherson (1976–1980)
* Lloyd Reuss (1980–1986)
* Edward H. Mertz (1987–1997)<ref>https://www.deansgarage.com/ed-mertz/#:~:text=Edward%20H%20Mertz;%20Buick%20General,the%20McDowell%20Mountains%20Bajada%20trailhead.</ref>
* Robert E. Coletta (1998–2000)<ref>https://www.autonews.com/article/19981123/ANA/811230750/buick-trained-them/#:~:text=Gift%20Article,they%20stuck%20to%20their%20guns.</ref>
* Roger W. Adams (2000–2004)<ref>https://www.autonews.com/article/20040119/SUB/401190721/fraleigh-named-buick-pontiac-gmc-manager/#:~:text=Last%20week%20GM%20also%20announced,1.</ref>
* Peter Fraleigh (2004–2005)
* John Larson (2005–2007)<ref>https://www.wardsauto.com/news/archive-wards-pontiac-buick-gmc-head-to-leave/770628/#:~:text=John%20Larson%2C%2044%2C%20general%20manager%20of%20Pontiac%2DBuick%2D,Buick%2DGMC%20reporting%20to%20Larson.</ref>
* Steve Shannon (2008–2009)
* Susan Docherty (2009)
* Brian K. Sweeney (2009–2014)<ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34464724#:~:text=General%20Motors%20Co.,its%20Buick%20and%20GMC%20brands.&text=The%20Associated%20Press-,General%20Motors%20Co.,sales%20manager%20of%20the%20brands.</ref>
* [[Duncan Aldred]] (2014–2024)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Breana |date=2024-08-09 |title=GM names new chiefs for North America, global Buick, GMC |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2024/08/09/gm-names-leaders-north-america-global-buick-gmc/74736182007/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=[[The Detroit News]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Jaclyn McQuaid (2024–2026)<ref>https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/08/10/gm-names-new-chiefs-for-north-america-global-buick-gmc/#:~:text=Effective%20immediately%2C%20Rory%20Harvey%20%E2%80%94%20executive,announced%20at%20a%20later%20date.</ref>
* Michael Mcphee (2026–present)<ref>https://www.autonews.com/general-motors/an-gm-new-buick-gmc-vice-president-0306/#:~:text=Jaclyn%20McQuaid%2C%20who%20has%20headed,succeeds%20McQuaid%20at%20Buick%2DGMC.</ref>

==Production models==
{{Further|List of Buick vehicles}}

===Current===
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}

====China====
* [[Buick GL8#Century (2022)|Century]] (2022–present) – minivan
* [[Buick Electra E5|Electra E5]] (2023–present) – mid-size crossover SUV
* [[Buick Electra L7|Electra L7]] (2025–present) – full-size sedan
* [[Buick Electra Encasa|Electra Encasa]] (2025–present) – minivan
* [[Buick Envision|Envision S]] (2015–present) – compact crossover SUV
* [[Buick Envision Plus|Envision Plus]] (2021–present) – mid-size crossover SUV
* [[Buick GL8|GL8]] (2000–present)<ref name="Bu">[http://www.buick.com.cn/ Official website of Buick China.] {{Webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170929192403/http://www.buick.com.cn/ |date=2017-09-29 }} Retrieved October 2, 2017.</ref>  – minivan
* [[Buick LaCrosse|LaCrosse]] (2006–present) – mid-size sedan
* [[Buick Regal|Regal]] (1999–present)<ref name="Bu" /> – mid-size sedan
* [[Buick Velite 6|Velite 6]] (2019–present)<ref name="Bu" /> – compact station wagon
* [[Buick Verano (China)|Verano]] (2010–present)<ref name="Bu" /> – compact sedan
{{Col-2}}

====North America====
* [[Buick Enclave|Enclave]] (2008–present) – full-size crossover SUV
* [[Buick Encore GX|Encore GX]] (2020–present) – subcompact crossover SUV
* [[Buick Envision|Envision]] (2016–present) – compact crossover SUV
* [[Buick Envista|Envista]] (2024–present)  – subcompact crossover SUV
{{Col-end}}

<gallery caption="Current lineup (China)">
File:2023 SAIC-GM Buick GL8 Century.jpg|[[Buick GL8#Fourth generation (2022)|Century]]
File:BUICK ELECTRA E5 China (3).jpg|[[Buick Electra E5|Electra E5]]
File:Buick L7 For Guangzhou Auto Show 2025.jpg|[[Buick Electra L7|Electra L7]]
File:BUICK ELECTRA ENCASA (BUICK GL8 ENCASA) China.jpg|[[Buick Electra Encasa|Electra Encasa]]
File:BUICK ENVISION PLUS China (10).jpg|[[Buick Envision Plus|Envision Plus]]
File:BUICK GL8 ES (FACELIFT) (3).jpg|[[Buick GL8#Third generation (2017)|GL8 ES]]
File:BUICK GL8 LS (5).jpg|[[Buick GL8#GL8 LS|GL8 LS]]
File:2023 Buick GL8 Land Business Edition (third facelift, front).jpg|[[Buick GL8#Second generation (2010)|GL8 Land Business]]
File:BUICK GL8 ES PHEV (2).jpg|[[Buick GL8#Third generation GL8 PHEV and Hybrid|GL8 ES PHEV]]
File:BUICK LACROSSE FOURTH GENERATION China.jpg|[[Buick LaCrosse|LaCrosse]]
File:Buick Regal VI second facelift 001.jpg|[[Buick Regal|Regal]]
File:Buick Velite 6 EV 003.jpg|[[Buick Velite 6|Velite 6]]
File:Buick Verano III Pro Sanming 01 2022-07-07.jpg|[[Buick Verano (North America)|Verano]]
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Current lineup (North America)">
File:25 Buick Enclave Preferred (cropped).jpg|[[Buick Enclave|Enclave]]
File:2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir AWD, front left, 10-29-2023.jpg|[[Buick Encore GX|Encore GX]]
File:2025 Buick Envista in White Frost Tricoat, front right, 09-20-2025.jpg|[[Buick Envista|Envista]]
File:Buick Envision S facelift 003 (cropped).jpg|[[Buick Envision|Envision]]
</gallery>

===Past===
*Buick Runabout: featured in a [[MacPherson v. Buick Motor Co.|significant New York State legal case]] as a result of a wooden wheel collapsing.<ref>France, M., [https://web.archive.org/web/20050306043557/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_11/b3924601.htm How to Fix The Tort System], ''Business Week'', published on 14 March 2005, archived on 6 March 2005, accessed on 25 March 2026</ref> 
* [[Buick Model B|Model B]] (1904)
* Model C (1905)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=chi.105712459&seq=19 |title= Model C|date=1905-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1905) |access-date=2025-03-04}}</ref>
* Model D (1907–1908)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474673&seq=37 |title= Model D|date=1906-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1906) |access-date=2025-03-09}}</ref>
* Model F & G (1906–1910)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474673&seq=35 |title= Model F & G|date=1906-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1906) |access-date=2025-03-09}}</ref>
* Model K (1907–1908)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474681&seq=217 |title= Model K|date=1907-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1907) |access-date=2025-03-16}}</ref>
* Model 10 (1908–1910)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474699&seq=145 |title= Model 10|date=1908-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1908) |access-date=2025-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://revsinstitute.org/WMS/1006419621.pdf |title= Model 10|date=1909-01-01|publisher= Buick Motor Company, 1909. |access-date=2025-07-24}}</ref>
* Model S (1907–1908)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474699&seq=147 |title= Model S|date=1908-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1908) |access-date=2025-03-22}}</ref>
* Model 5 (1908)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474699&seq=149 |title= Model 5|date=1908-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1908) |access-date=2025-03-22}}</ref>
* Model 14 & 14B (1910–1911)
* Model 16 (1909-1910)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474715&seq=300 |title= Model 16|date=1910-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1910) |access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref>
* Model 17 (1909-1910)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474715&seq=295 |title= Model 17|date=1910-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1910) |access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref>
* Model 19 (1910)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015022474715&seq=293 |title= Model 19|date=1910-01-15|publisher= Hand book of automobiles (1910) |access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref>
* Model 28, 29, 34, 36 & 43 (1912)
* Model 35 (1912) <ref>{{cite web|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=pst.000063000061&seq=143 |title= Model 35|date=1912-02-03|publisher= Scientific American v.106 1912 |access-date=2025-12-13}}</ref>
* Model 24, 25, 30, 31 & 40 (1913)
* Series B (1914)
* Series C (1915)
* Series D (1916–1917)
* Series E (1918)
* Series H (1919)
* Series K (1920)
* Series 21 (1921)
* Series 22 (1922)
* Series 23 (1923)
* Series 24 (1924)
* [[Buick Master Six|Master Series]] (1925–1928)
* [[Buick Master Six|Standard Series]] (1925–1928)
* [[Buick Master Six|Series 116, 121 & 129]] (1929)
* [[Buick Series 40|Series 40]] (1930–1935)
* [[Buick Series 50|Series 50]] (1930–1935)
* [[Buick Series 60|Series 60]] (1930–1935)
* [[Buick Special|Special]] (1936–1958, 1961–1969)
* [[Buick Roadmaster|Roadmaster]] (1936–1958, 1991–1996)
* [[Buick Century|Century]] (1936–1942, 1954–1958, 1973–2005)
* [[Buick Super|Super]] (1939–1958)
* [[Buick Skylark|Skylark]] (1953–1954, 1961–1972, 1975–1998)
* [[Buick Invicta|Invicta]] (1959–1963)
* [[Buick Electra|Electra]] (1959–1990)
* [[Buick LeSabre|LeSabre]] (1959–2005)
* [[Buick Wildcat|Wildcat]] (1963–1970)
* [[Buick Riviera|Riviera]] (1963–1993, 1995–1999)
* [[Buick Estate|Estate]] (1970–1979, 1990)
* [[Buick Centurion|Centurion]] (1971–1973)
* [[Buick Apollo|Apollo]] (1973–1975)
* [[Buick Skyhawk|Skyhawk]] (1975–1980, 1982–1989)
* [[Buick Opel|Opel]] (1976–1979)
* [[Buick Somerset|Somerset]] (1985–1987)
* [[Buick Reatta|Reatta]] (1988–1991)
* [[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]] (1991–2005, 2007–2012)
* [[Buick Sail|Sail]] (2001–2004)
* [[Buick Rendezvous|Rendezvous]] (2001–2007)
* [[Buick Excelle|Excelle]] (2003–2023)
* [[Buick Rainier|Rainier]] (2004–2007)
* [[Buick Royaum|Royaum]] (2005–2006)
* [[Buick Terraza|Terraza]] (2005–2007)
* [[Buick Lucerne|Lucerne]] (2006–2011)
* [[Buick Excelle GT|Excelle GT]] (2010–2023)
* [[Buick Excelle XT|Excelle XT]] (2010–2015)
* [[Buick Encore|Encore]] (2013–2022)
* [[Opel Cascada|Cascada]] (2016–2019)
* [[Buick Velite 5|Velite 5]] (2017–2019)
* [[Buick GL6|GL6]] (2017–2023)
* [[Buick Velite 7|Velite 7]] (2020–2022)
* [[Buick Enclave#China (2020)|Enclave (China)]] (2020–2025)
* [[Buick Electra E4|Electra E4]] (2023–2025)

<gallery caption="Past lineup">
File:2003 Shanghai-GM Buick Sail SLX, front 8.11.18.jpg|[[Buick Sail|Sail]]
File:02-03 Buick Rendezvous.jpg|[[Buick Rendezvous|Rendezvous]]
File:2019 SAIC-GM Buick Excelle (front).jpg|[[Buick Excelle|Excelle]]
File:Buick Rainier.JPG|[[Buick Rainier|Rainier]]
File:Buick Royaum China 2012-05-20.JPG|[[Buick Royaum|Royaum]]
File:2005 Buick Terraza CXL, front right, 06-16-2021.jpg|[[Buick Terraza|Terraza]]
File:Buick Lucerne CXL .jpg|[[Buick Lucerne|Lucerne]]
File:Buick Excelle GT II facelift China 2018-03-20.jpg|[[Buick Excelle GT|Excelle GT]]
File:Buick Excelle XT 01 China 2012-04-29.JPG|[[Buick Excelle XT|Excelle XT]]
File:Buick Encore II 20210327.jpg|[[Buick Encore|Encore]]
File:2016 Buick Cascada Premium.jpg|[[Opel Cascada|Cascada]]
File:Buick Velite 5 (cropped).jpg|[[Buick Velite 5|Velite 5]]
File:Buick GL6 2 China 2018-03-20.jpg|[[Buick GL6|GL6]]
File:Buick Velite 7 IMG004.jpg|[[Buick Velite 7|Velite 7]]
File:Buick Electra E4 003.jpg|[[Buick Electra E4|Electra E4]]
</gallery>

==Concept cars==

<gallery caption="Concept cars">
File:1939 ... Harley Earl and "The Y Job".jpg|1938 [[Buick Y-Job]] concept
File:XP 300 (6334945849).jpg|1951 [[Buick XP-300]] concept
File:1954 Buick Wildcat II (6326258819) (cropped).jpg|1954 [[Buick Wildcat#Wildcat concept cars|Buick Wildcat II]] concept
File:1956 Buick Centurion (6327011550).jpg|1956 [[Buick Centurion]] concept
File:Sloan Museum at Courtland Center December 2018 06 (1963 Buick Silver Arrow).jpg|1963 [[Buick Riviera#Debut as a personal luxury car|Buick Silver Arrow]] concept
File:1989 Buick Park Avenue Essence White 01.jpg|1989 [[Buick Park Avenue Essence]] concept
File:1995 Buick XP2000.jpg|1995 [[Buick XP2000]] concept
File:2001 Buick Bengal_concept.jpg|2001 [[Buick Bengal]] concept
File:NAIAS 304.JPG|2007 [[Buick Riviera]] concept
File:Buick Riviera Concept at Auto Shanghai 2013.JPG|2013 [[Buick Riviera]] concept
File:Buick Avenir Concept (16280644800) (cropped).jpg|2015 [[Buick Avenir]] concept
File:Buick Avista Concept - 1.jpg|2016 [[Buick Avista]] concept
File:Buick Wildcat EV concept front quarter crop (cropped).jpg|2022 [[Buick Wildcat EV|Buick Wildcat]] concept
</gallery>

Buick has a long history of creating intriguing concept cars dating back to the Y-Job, the industry's first concept car, of 1938. Its most recent concept car, the Buick Electra Orbit, was unveiled in 2025.

==Distinguishing features==
 {{more citations needed|section|date=January 2023}}

===Trishield===
[[File:90 Buick LeSabre Custom (6114402355).jpg|thumb|A trishield, the Buick symbol, hood ornament on a 1990 [[Buick LeSabre|LeSabre Custom]]]]

The Buick Trishield is rooted in the ancestral coat of arms of the automaker's founder, David Dunbar Buick. That crest was a red shield with a checkered silver and azure diagonal line from the upper left to lower right, a stag above, and a punctured cross below. The division adopted this on its radiator grilles in 1937. In 1960, the logo underwent a major overhaul. Its single shield was replaced by a trio in red, white, and blue—denoting the [[Buick Lesabre|LeSabre]], [[Buick Invicta|Invicta]], and [[Buick Electra|Electra]] then in the Buick lineup. It was supplanted by the Buick Hawk in the 1970s, but reemerged in simplified form in the 1980s. The Trishield became monochromatic in 2005, but the traditional colors returned in 2023.

===VentiPorts===
A traditional Buick styling cue dating to 1949 is a series of three or four vents on the front fender behind the front wheels. The source of this design feature was a [[custom car]] of Buick stylist Ned Nickles, which in addition had a flashing light within each hole each synchronized with a specific spark plug simulating the flames from the exhaust stack of a fighter airplane. The flashing light feature was not used by Buick in production.

They were called VentiPorts because, as the 1949 sales brochure noted, they helped ventilate the engine compartment.<ref>{{citation |title=Buick Looks Fine for '49 (brochure) |date=January 1949 |publisher=Buick Motor Division, General Motors Corporation |location=Flint, Michigan}}</ref> Air entered from the grille into the engine bay, was pressurized by the radiator fan, and exited through the VentiPorts. Later in the model year, however, they were made non-functional and from then on were solely a styling feature.

When introduced, the number of VentiPorts (three or four) denoted the size of [[straight-eight engine]] installed. Since displacement differences in straight-eight engines resulted in more significant differences in engine length than on V8s, the [[Buick Roadmaster|Roadmaster]] needed a longer chassis in front of the cowl to accommodate its larger engine. Thus, an extra VentiPort corresponded to that additional length. After the more compact [[V8 engine|V8]] replaced the straight-eight engine in 1953 this difference in chassis length was no longer needed, but the convention remained. Consequently, when the [[Buick Century|Century]], which shared the [[Buick Special|Special]]'s smaller body, was reintroduced in 1954, it also received four VentiPorts to denote its engine's greater displacement. However, in 1955, the [[Buick Super|Super]], which shared the Roadmaster's larger body, was promoted from three to four VentiPorts despite having the smaller displacement engine. The [[Buick Invicta|Invicta]], which took the place of the Century in 1959 and had the smaller body with the larger displacement engine, had only three VentiPorts on introduction; thus the number of VentiPorts came to denote body size rather than engine size.

In 1961, Buick introduced the first V6 engine installed in an American passenger car, in the [[Buick Special#1961–1963|Buick Special]], and three VentiPorts appeared on the side, now denoting the number of cylinders instead of displacement or body size. VentiPorts would continue to appear on some Buick models through 1981.

In 2003 VentiPorts were re-introduced on the [[Buick Park Avenue]] Ultra, and continued with its replacement, the [[Buick Lucerne|Lucerne]]. Consistent with the tradition that held from 1961, the Lucerne's VentiPorts refer directly to the number of pistons: [[V6 engine|V6]] models have three on each side, while [[V8 engine|V8]]s have four on each side.

===Sweepspear===
[[File:Skylark-Wiki-Side-View-D.jpg|thumb|Sweepspear on a 1953 [[Buick Skylark]]]]

Another styling cue from the 1940s through the 1970s was the '''Sweepspear''', a curved trim line running almost the length of the car. Introduced as an option on the 1949 [[Buick Roadmaster]] [[Buick Riviera|Riviera]] [[hardtop]] coupe, the original Sweepspear was a chrome-plated steel rub strip which began level over the front wheel, gently curved down across the front fender and door, dove nearly to the rocker panel just ahead of the rear wheel, then flared up and over the rear wheel before leveling off again into a straight run back to the tail light.<ref name="The Buick 1987" />

In 1942 all GM vehicles had an appearance upgrade where the trailing edge of the front fender was extended across the front doors that was called "Airfoil" accented by parallel chrome strips on the front and rear fenders on Buick vehicles. In later years the character line of the "Airfoil" feature was accented with a stainless steel strip that evolved into the Buick "Sweepspear" for several decades.<ref name="Kimes 1996">{{cite book|last=Kimes|first=Beverly|title=standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942 |year=1996 |publisher=Krause publications |pages=161–192|isbn=0-87341-478-0}}</ref>

The "Riviera trim", as it was initially called, was made available on the Roadmaster convertible very late in the '49 model year.<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> It proved so popular that by the 1951 model year, it was made a standard feature on all Buicks.<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> On 1950s models with two-tone paint, the Sweepspear separated the two colors.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Originally stainless steel, the Sweepspear eventually became a vinyl rub strip<ref name="The Buick 1987"/> or simple character line in the sheetmetal, as hinted in some versions of the [[Buick Riviera]], distinct on the 1968–1969 Skylark, and appearing on the 2008 [[Buick Invicta|Invicta]] concept car. Often optional trim was available to reinforce a plain character line in the bodywork.<ref name="The Buick 1987"/>

====Delta fin====
[[File:1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera Sedan wings.JPG|thumb|Delta Fins on a 1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera]]

The 1958 Buick was marketed beginning in September 1957, just as the [[space age]] began with the launching of [[Sputnik I]] on October 4 of that year. The "Sweepspear" evolved into the [[Car tailfin|"Delta Fin"]] reminiscent of a [[rocket ship]], which appeared on the all-new appearance for 1959, and was trimmed down in 1960 and removed for 1961.<ref name="flory 50s">{{cite book |last=Flory |first=J. "Kelly" Jr. |title=American Cars, 1946 to 1959; Every Model, Year by Year |year=2008 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-3229-5}}</ref>

===Taillight shapes===
During the 1950s, the characteristic form of the Buick [[taillamps]] was a tier of small, circular bullet-shapes.<ref name="flory 50s" /> In the early 1960s, most models began to evolve a wide, rectangular pattern, until the 1965 [[Buick Skylark|Skylark]] and [[Buick Electra|Electra]] models appeared with full-width rear lamps.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

===Classic grille styling===
[[File:Buick lesabre front.jpg|thumb|Buick "dollar grin" and "Trishield" in a Buick LeSabre]]
The Buick styling cue (dating from the 1942–1958 period) that has most often reappeared, though, is for the [[Grille (car)|grille]] to be a horizontal oval with many, thin, vertical [[chrome plating|chromed]] ribs bulging forward. This has sometimes been called the Buick "dollar grin", particularly on the early 1950s models, which had thick, highly polished ribs that somewhat resembled teeth. The 1950 model took this tooth theme to its extreme as the teeth crossed over the bumper exposing the 1950 "grin", which was the result of extending the bumper guards over the front bumper, and was advertised as "Front and Center with Duty plus Beauty".<ref name="flory 50s" /> The 1951 model reined in the theme, bringing the bumper guard "teeth" back behind the [[bumper (automobile)|bumper]].{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

===Waterfall grille===
[[File:New Buick Waterfall Grille.jpg|thumb|Revised Buick waterfall grille on 2nd generation LaCrosse]]
In recent years, Buick has adopted a '''waterfall grille''', as seen on the [[Buick Velite (concept car)|Buick Velite]] concept car from 2004 and first used in production with the [[Buick Lucerne]] introduced for the 2006 model year. This waterfall grille bears some resemblance to grilles of Buicks from the 1980s, such as the [[Buick Grand National|Grand National]].{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}{{Original research inline|date=January 2023}}

===Nailhead===
The [[Buick V8 engine]], nicknamed the '''Nailhead''' because of its relatively small intake and exhaust valves which resembled nails,{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}} became popular with [[hot-rod]]ders in the 1950s and 1960s because the vertical attachment of the [[valve cover]]s, in contrast to the angled attachment of other [[V8 engine]]s, enabled the engine to fit into smaller spaces while maintaining easy access for maintenance.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}
{{Clear}}

==Performance==
In addition to premium and luxury vehicles, Buick has also been well known for its offerings of high-performance cars. Some of the better-known examples included the [[Buick Gran Sport|Gran Sport]] and [[Buick Skylark|Skylark GSX]] models of the 1960s and 1970s, and the [[Buick Grand National|Grand National]] and GNX models of the 1980s, with a performance package revival called [[T-Type]].

==World distribution==
===Asia===
[[File:BUICK.JPG|thumb|Buick G2.5 V6 made by Shanghai GM, China, 2002]]
[[File:BUICK3.JPG|thumb|V6 engine of Buick 2.5G of Shanghai GM, China, 2002]]

Buick is one of China's most popular, best-selling automobiles.<ref name="wsj2016">{{cite news|last1=Frankel|first1=Todd C. |title="That's a Buick?" In China, unlike the U.S., there's no doubt |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/01/20/thats-a-buick-in-china-unlike-the-u-s-theres-no-doubt/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 20, 2016}}</ref> In 2016, General Motors sold over 1.1 million Buicks in China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pham |first1=Sherisse |title=Buick is a lot more than a dad wagon in China |url= https://money.cnn.com/2017/02/22/news/companies/buick-china-history-brand/index.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170223144703/http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/22/news/companies/buick-china-history-brand/index.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= February 23, 2017 |work=CNNMoney |date=23 February 2017}}</ref> Buicks have always been popular in China. In pre-[[World War II]] China, one in five cars was a Buick.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.internetautoguide.com/1-7-13/new-buick-cars.html/ |title=Forecast Says China Provides Opportunities and Competition |publisher=Internet Auto Guide |access-date=2012-05-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101121095730/http://www.internetautoguide.com/1-7-13/new-buick-cars.html |archive-date=2010-11-21 }}</ref> Buicks were used by the last emperor [[Puyi]], the first president [[Sun Yat-sen]], and the first premier [[Zhou Enlai]].<ref name="wsj2016"/>

Since 1999, a [[Buick Regal]] for China has been produced and sold by Shanghai GM and has proven to be popular among upscale, professional families, establishing Buick as one of the most popular vehicle brands in China. In addition, Buick of China sells a compact [[Buick Excelle|Excelle]], similar to a five-door [[hatchback]] version called the [[Daewoo Lacetti|HRV]], and a minivan named the [[Buick GL8|GL8]]. Many Buicks for the local market are equipped with smaller more fuel-efficient engines with double overhead camshafts, than those with overhead valves in the same nameplate for the American market.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/business/worldbusiness/26chevy.html |title=A Chevy With an Engine From China |first=Ian |last=Austen |newspaper= New York Times |date=March 26, 2008 |access-date=2012-03-20 }}</ref>

GM Taiwan was founded in August 1989. In the early 1990s, Buick, along with other GM brands, was very popular and frequently seen on Taiwanese streets. [[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]], 3rd and 4th generation [[Buick Regal|Regal]], and 6th generation [[Buick Skylark|Skylark]] used to be sold in Taiwan. In December 2004, General Motors signed a memorandum of understanding with [[Yulon]], a firm based in [[Taiwan]], for the licensed manufacture of Buick vehicles there. In July 2005, Yulon GM Motor Co. Ltd. (Yulon GM), a joint venture with 51 percent equity stake held by Yulon Motor and 49 percent by GM, was founded.

In April 2010, Buick debuted a localised version of LaCrosse, named [[Buick LaCrosse#Alpheon|Alpheon]], to the South Korean market.

===Mexico===
Buicks were sold in Mexico from 1921 until 1962, when a [[protectionist]] policy on behalf of the government restricted the percentage of imported parts that could be used in the manufacture of vehicles and the sale of imported cars. From then onwards, all GM products were sold by Chevrolet dealerships. In 1990, after a heavy modification to the protectionist policy of the sixties, GM started assembling the Buick Century in Mexico, at the plant in [[Ramos Arizpe]], in the state of [[Coahuila]], just south of [[Texas]], and selling it through Mexican Chevrolet dealerships, so it was not uncommon for many people to call it "Chevrolet Century". In 1997, GM stopped selling Buicks in Mexico and the brand was not sold there until 2009.

With the announcement in 2009 of the elimination of the [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] brand, it was speculated that Buicks would be sold once again in Mexico since there was a large network of Pontiac-GMC dealerships already in place. On July 24, 2009, Grace Lieblein, the new president of GM in Mexico, revealed that the Buick brand would be available in Mexico in late September of that year, after an absence of a dozen years, with the LaCrosse and the Enclave models. Buick shared the dealership floor with Pontiac and GMC until the Pontiac brand faded away in the summer of 2010.

On March 26, 2019, Buick announced that the Mexican division will offer only crossovers (Encore, Envision, and Enclave). The La Crosse sedan, Regal hatchback, and Regal TourX station wagon were dropped from the market as those brands were expected to be discontinued due to Opel's future (under new owner Stellantis). The Insignia is tied to the North American-badged Regal and Buick's decision to make the La Crosse exclusive to China.<ref>[http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/03/buick-on-its-way-to-axing-sedans-altogether-trims-mexico-lineup-to-include-crossovers-only/ "Buick Trims Mexico Lineup To Include Crossovers Only"] from GM Authority (March 26, 2019)</ref>

===Middle East===
In [[Israel]], Buicks are imported by Universal Motors, Ltd. (UMI), which also imports other GM vehicles. For [[model year]]s 2004 and 2005, the [[Buick LeSabre]] and [[Buick Rendezvous]] were sold. For model years 2006 and 2007, the [[Buick LaCrosse]] and [[Buick Lucerne]] were sold alongside the Rendezvous. For the 2008 model year, the [[Buick LaCrosse]] and [[Buick Lucerne]] were available. Buicks were marketed throughout the Middle East until the second-generation [[Buick Roadmaster]] was discontinued, and continued to be available in the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] markets until 1996.

===New Zealand===
Buicks were once sold in New Zealand. They were also built at the [[General Motors New Zealand|GMNZ]] plant in [[Petone]], outside [[Wellington]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://holden.co.nz/heart/heritage/ |title=Heart of Holden - Heritage |website=Holden.co.nz |access-date=2010-09-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100603093635/http://www.holden.co.nz/heart/heritage/ |archive-date=June 3, 2010 }}</ref>

==Motorsport==
For many years, Buick was a substitute for Chevrolet in [[automobile racing]]. Driver [[Phil Shafer]] drove a Buick to win the 1933 [[Elgin National Road Races|Elgin Trophy]], considered to be the first officially organized [[Stock car racing|stock car race]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kalracing.com/Autoracing/Elgin_National_Road_Races_History.htm |title=Elgin National Road Races History |publisher=kalracing.com |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://silodrome.com/1933-ford-roadster-elgin-national-road-race-car/ |title=The 1933 Ford V-8 Roadster Elgin Race Car |date=6 July 2020 |publisher=silodrome.com |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref>

No earlier than the 1960s, Buick was a competitor in the [[Indianapolis 500]], and (like almost every other American manufacturer) also participated in the [[Sprint Cup Series|Grand National]] stock car racing series using its [[Buick Regal|Regal]] and later the [[Buick Gran Sport|Gran Sport]].

The golden age of Buick in motorsport, however, was early through late 1980s. General Motors entered the Regal, particularly the [[Buick GNX|Grand National]] model, in the [[NASCAR Cup Series]] alongside the [[Oldsmobile Cutlass]]. Buick was also a major powerplant in the [[IndyCar Series]] and [[IMSA GT Series]] (particularly in the IMSA GTP class) for several years. The 1990s, however, proved to be the end of Buick's reign in motorsports, as GM replaced it for many years with [[Oldsmobile]] before phasing out that marque in 2004. Oldsmobile would be replaced by [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] until its demise in 2009, being replaced by Chevrolet.

Buicks were also entered in the [[Trans Am Series]] in the 1980s and 1990s using aftermarket V8 engines.

==Enthusiast organizations==
The [[Buick Club of America]], founded in 1966, is a [[Nonprofit organization|non-profit organization]] dedicated to the preservation and restoration of automobiles built by the Buick Motor Division of General Motors Corporation.

==Advertisements==
<gallery>
File:Buick 1911-0121.jpg|A 1911 Buick Advertisement - Syracuse Post-Standard, January 21, 1911
File:Buick ad 1913.jpg|1913 advertisement
File:Buick ad 1920.jpg|''The Saturday Evening Post'', November 1920
File:Buick 1913 logo.png|1912 Buick logo
File:Buick folder 1925.jpg|Cover of 1925 promotional folder from Swedish reseller
File:Buick advertisement, 1916.jpg|alt=Advertisement for 1916 Buick by dealer Howard Automobile Co., San Francisco.|Advertisement for 1916 Buick by dealer Howard Automobile Co., San Francisco
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[List of automobile manufacturers of the United States]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgrP5_gmeFM Business analysis of Buick's position in China and within GM in 2019] – video by [[CNBC]]

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