A Brief Look at the History of Buick
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Whether you just bought your first Buick or you’ve tallied years of loyal ownership, you’re part of a proud tradition that’s more than a century old. Since the beginning, Buick has been a prominent showcase for the auto industry’s top innovations in luxury, performance, and style. Here’s a closer look at the brand’s fascinating and impressive history.
Early years
David Dunbar Buick established Buick in 1899, and in 1903, the firm began auto production in earnest as the Buick Motor Company. Built in Flint, Michigan, the 1904 Model B was the company’s first car to enter production. Around this time, Buick was sold to William C. Durant, who would go on to form General Motors in 1908.
Coming of age
As part of General Motors, Buick found success on the racetrack, developed a reputation for reliability and affordable luxury, and enjoyed impressive sales. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Buick hard, but the company rebounded thanks in part to legendary GM designer Harley Earl, who led the development of iconic models like the Roadmaster, Special, and Century. The years after World War II solidified Buick’s reputation for big, stylish cars with powerful V8 engines and unique styling.
A brand resurgence
In the late 1950s and the 1960s, the brand introduced a popular new line of smaller sedans like the LeSabre and Electra, along with sporty cars like the Skylark and Wildcat. The 1980s and 1990s were another golden age, as the brand ascended to lead the industry in sales.
Buick in the 21st century
In 2001, Buick introduced its first SUV: the Rendezvous. The Rainier SUV followed in 2003. In recent years, Buick’s lineup has shifted to exclusively feature premium SUVs like the Encore GX and Envision. By 2024, Buick is expected to introduce its first all-electric vehicle, with a fully electric lineup coming by the end of the decade.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming part of the Buick tradition with one of our new SUV models, contact the team here at Crown Buick GMC in Metairie, Louisiana.