When it comes to choosing a car, Buick often flies under the radar. Many buyers ask, “Are Buicks good cars?” it’s a fair question. Known for offering upscale features at a lower price than luxury brands, Buick has carved out a niche for those who want comfort, technology, and value without breaking the bank. As someone who’s spent over a decade test-driving cars, analyzing automotive trends, and digging into reliability data, I’ve seen Buick evolve from the “grandma car” stereotype to a brand that surprises with its modern offerings. In this 1200+ word guide, we’ll explore Buick’s mechanical reliability, affordability, design, and whether they’re worth your investment in 2025. Let’s dive in with an open mind and a critical eye.

Buick’s Reputation: Beyond the Stereotype

Buick has long battled the perception of being an “old person’s car.” While models like the LeSabre and Century earned that rep with cushy rides and conservative styling, today’s Buicks—like the Envista, Envision, and Enclave—are designed for a broader audience. They blend modern aesthetics with tech-heavy interiors, appealing to younger buyers and families. But perception isn’t reality. To answer “Are Buicks good cars?”, we need to look at hard evidence: reliability ratings, owner experiences, and mechanical performance.

• Mechanical Reliability: How Do Buicks Hold Up?

Reliability is the backbone of any car purchase decision. Nobody wants a vehicle that’s constantly in the shop. So, how do Buicks fare mechanically?

Historical Reliability Strengths

Older Buicks, particularly those with the legendary 3800 V6 engine, were near bulletproof. Owners on platforms like Reddit rave about models like the LeSabre and Park Avenue lasting well over 200,000 miles with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance. One user shared, “My 2002 Buick is still running strong—3800 V6 engines are unkillable”. This engine’s durability cemented Buick’s reputation for longevity, especially among buyers who prioritized low maintenance costs.

Modern Buick Reliability

Today’s Buicks rely on newer engines, like the 2.0L turbocharged I4 and 1.3L turbo I3, found in models like the Enspire and Encore GX. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power consistently rank Buick among the top American brands for reliability, often surpassing Chevrolet and Ford. In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Buick scored highly, with fewer problems per 100 vehicles than many competitors.

However, not every model is flawless. Some owners report issues with smaller turbo engines, like the 2.0T in the 2014 Regal, where rare but costly failures (e.g., cracked pistons) occurred. These seem to be outliers, as the same engine powers other GM models with solid track records. Regular maintenance—oil changes, premium fuel for turbo models—appears to mitigate risks. For instance, a 2016 Regal Turbo owner noted, “I’ve put 40,000 miles on it with just a coil pack replacement. It’s been a very good car”.

Comparing to Competitors

Against Japanese brands like Toyota or Honda, Buick’s reliability is competitive but not class-leading. A Toyota RAV4 might edge out a Buick Envision for long-term durability, but Buick often matches or exceeds Mazda and Subaru in dependability rankings. European brands like BMW or Audi? Buick’s repair costs are significantly lower, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking upscale features.

Affordability: Why Are Buicks So Cheap Fully Loaded?

One of the biggest draws of Buick is its value proposition. Models like the 2025 Envista start around $23,000, yet come packed with features—leatherette seats, adaptive cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay—that you’d expect from pricier brands. A Reddit user asked, “How are Buicks mechanically? They seem so cheap fully loaded!”. Let’s break down why.

Platform Sharing with GM

Buick benefits from General Motors’ economies of scale. Models like the Envision share platforms with the Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain, spreading development costs. This allows Buick to offer premium trims at lower prices. For example, a fully loaded Envision Avenir ($38,000) undercuts a comparably equipped Lexus NX ($45,000) by a wide margin.

Depreciation Advantage

Buicks depreciate faster than Toyota or Lexus, which is a double-edged sword. New buyers lose value quickly, but used-car shoppers score deals. A 2-year-old Enclave with 20,000 miles can cost 40-50% less than its original MSRP, often with warranty intact. This makes Buicks a smart pick for those who don’t mind the badge’s lack of prestige.

Lease Deals and Incentives

Buick frequently offers aggressive lease deals and discounts, especially on models like the Encore GX. During 2022’s supply chain crunch, Envista leases were dirt cheap, leading to a flood of lightly used models today. These incentives keep initial costs low, explaining why Buicks feel like a bargain.

Design and Features: Are Buicks Ugly?

The Reddit user speculated that Buicks are cheap because “they’re ugly”. Beauty is subjective, but let’s evaluate Buick’s design and feature set.

Exterior Styling

Gone are the days of boxy land yachts. The 2025 Envista sports a sleek, coupe-like profile that rivals European crossovers. The Enclave’s bold grille and sculpted lines give it a commanding presence. While not everyone loves Buick’s tri-shield logo, models like the Regal TourX (discontinued) earned praise for their sporty, Opel-inspired looks. A user noted, “I never thought Buicks were ugly—eye of the beholder, I guess”.

Interior Quality

Buick interiors punch above their price. The Envision Avenir boasts quilted leather, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and a hushed cabin thanks to extra sound insulation—a nod to Buick’s “QuietTuning” philosophy. Compared to a Honda CR-V’s utilitarian vibe, Buick feels borderline luxurious. However, some plastics in base trims can feel cheap, a reminder you’re not in a Cadillac.

Tech and Safety

Buicks come loaded with standard tech: adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are often included, even on base models. The Envista’s wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration is seamless, and higher trims add head-up displays and 360-degree cameras. These features rival pricier competitors, making Buick a tech-savvy choice.

Performance: Do Buicks Deliver on the Road?

Buicks aren’t sports cars, but they’re no slouches either. The 2.0L turbo in the Envision (228 hp) offers peppy acceleration, while the Envista’s 1.3L turbo (137 hp) prioritizes efficiency over thrills. A 2016 Regal Turbo owner called its 2.0L “zippy—great for lane changes”.

Ride and Handling

Buick leans toward comfort over agility. The Enclave glides over bumps like a luxury SUV, but its soft suspension isn’t ideal for twisty roads. The Envista, with its firmer, European-tuned chassis (thanks to GM’s global platforms), handles better than expected for a subcompact SUV. If you want BMW-like dynamics, look elsewhere—but for daily driving, Buick strikes a solid balance.

Fuel Economy

Buicks aren’t class leaders in mpg. The Envision gets 24/31 city/highway, lagging behind a RAV4 (27/35). Premium fuel is recommended for turbo models, which bumps costs. Still, owners report real-world efficiency aligns with EPA estimates, and hybrids are absent from Buick’s 2025 lineup.

Ownership Experience: What Owners Say

Real-world feedback is gold. On Reddit, owners praise Buick’s comfort and value but note drawbacks. One Enclave owner said, “12 years, zero issues—very reliable”. Conversely, a 2017 Regal owner flagged transmission issues, though these were model-specific. Maintenance costs are reasonable, with parts widely available due to GM’s network. Insurance is another win—Buicks often have lower premiums than European brands.

Who Should Buy a Buick?

Buicks shine for buyers who want:

• Affordable luxury: More features than mainstream brands, cheaper than Lexus or Audi.
• Comfort-focused driving: Smooth rides for commutes or road trips.
• Value on the used market: Low depreciation means great deals on near-new models.

They’re less ideal for:

• Performance enthusiasts: Buick prioritizes comfort over sportiness.
• Status seekers: The badge lacks the cachet of BMW or Mercedes.
• Max reliability: Toyota and Honda still edge out Buick for worry-free ownership.

Addressing the China Connection

Fun fact: Buick is huge in China, where it’s seen as a premium brand. Models like the GL8 minivan dominate there, and China’s influence shapes Buick’s U.S. lineup. Some worry this dilutes quality, but global platforms mean rigorous standards. The Envista, for instance, feels tailored for American tastes despite its international roots.

Conclusion: Are Buicks Good Cars?

So, are Buicks good cars? Based on my experience, reliability data, and owner insights, the answer is a qualified yes. They’re mechanically sound, with modern models ranking high among American brands. Their affordability—fully loaded at prices competitors can’t touch—makes them a value champ. While not perfect (small turbo engines need care, and styling divides opinion), Buicks deliver comfort, tech, and reliability for buyers who don’t need a flashy badge. If you’re eyeing a 2025 Envista or a used Enclave, test-drive one. You might be surprised.