Do you think Buick will be having a North American Renaissance Soon?
Posted by dsonger20@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 188 comments
Buick for as long as I can remember has been making boring cars for old people. They were somewhat ugly, bland, and their interiors left something to be desired. For a while, the whole point of keeping Buick in North America was seriously questioned. GM however seems to be somewhat in a revival period, with the same going with Buick.
Jump to late 2024, a lot of Buicks are getting redesigned with serious upgrades. The front ends are a lot more sharp and they seem to offer a lot of value. You have a sleek 1 display set up that sweeps across half the dash on the Envision, and the Envista is a serious value player.
Now obviously for me and you, Buicks probably aren't going to cut it with their weaker engines (unless they resurrect the Regal TourX), but for someone like my girlfriend who just wants a nice interior and a good price (which is 95% of consumers), it seems like the perfect car.
Do you think Buick will soon see a North American Renaissance?
Bottlely@reddit
I dunno but if they build the electric Electra-L sedan and LT wagon in NA, maybe they can draw a few dozen non-elderly buyers
That aside, AFAIK their sales are going reasonably strong thanks to cars like the Envista, as you mentioned. Plus, Buick has one of the highest percentage of women buyers in the USA, both among GM brands and the overall market, and it's an angle that GM has been leaning into
savageotter@reddit
I would sell my soul for that buick wagon
KingMario05@reddit
I want that sedan. As a small block hybrid, though... that'd be awesome.
LeGranMeaulnes@reddit
I’d love to own a Buick in Europe: a solid, crystallised piece of America of course, a Chevrolet or a brand new Cadillac could also do the job
xjeanie@reddit
I’m looking at the Envista and my in laws who are old just bought an Envision. So it tracks. I just like the lines of the Envista and it seems like a fair go between on luxury. Not a true luxury but not a bare bones basics either. My only concern is the 3 cylinder engine. I’m not a heavy highway driver but wouldn’t want to be underpowered either.
dsonger20@reddit (OP)
I feel like a lot of these replies are from people who haven't actually touched a new Buick.
I was frankly shocked with how nice the newer ones were comparative to how little my uncle paid for it. Literally less than half the price of my car.
smc733@reddit
Very nice, they sell $40k CUVs with a 1.2t I3 engine that share parts with the Chevy bin.
No thanks.
Isotomayor12@reddit
Envistas have are 23,700. You're so woefully wrong.
smc733@reddit
Imagine commenting something others did a day later.
I_like_cake_7@reddit
A fully loaded Envista tops out at $31k USD. What the fuck are you talking about?
smc733@reddit
Still a complete joke at $31k.
dsonger20@reddit (OP)
The envista isnt 40k though.
It’s in the 20s.
ttltaway@reddit
Buick’s biggest obstacle 10-20 years ago was its image as an old person’s car. But now it seems like the brand became so low-profile that it lost some of that image. People just forgot about it entirely and now get to rediscover it.
Also at this point lots of younger people have Boomer parents/grandparents who’ve always driven Hondas and Toyotas, not Buicks. Buick was more of a Silent/Greatest Generation brand.
velociraptorfarmer@reddit
Not to mention, in my wife's case, how many people who are in their 30s and 40s now whose first car was the old, cushy "little old lady only drove it to Church on Sundays" Buick that dad picked up off the classifieds for peanuts.
Those people are buying new cars now, and have fond memories of their comfortable couch on wheels that was geezer grey or old man tan.
Emissary_of_Darkness@reddit
Buick is now the brand of rebellion! The young people buying vinyl records can also buy a Buick Envista.
dumahim@reddit
In the last 2 years I've known 3 people buy an Envision. I know one is the higher trim Avenir (top trim?). Other one isn't and spent a little time in it and I was impressed.
xjeanie@reddit
To be fair I haven’t had much experience with them since my father bought a new 96 century. But at the time it was an okay car for him. It was definitely old school type feeling when driving it. It had that smooth boat feel to it. lol
But I am seriously considering the Envista. I was also looking at the Chevy Trax which I understand is the same bones. I just prefer the Buick.
anarchyx34@reddit
The Envista is honestly gorgeous, but that engine is a liability. No way that shit is going to last.
JawKeepsLawking@reddit
Do people seem to think that 3 cylinder engines are less reliable than 4 cylinders?
anarchyx34@reddit
If it’s a 3 cyl engine built by a company known for making shit small engines? Yes. If it was VW I’d feel differently.
Smitty_Oom@reddit
It's been around for what, 6-7 years or so? Is there any significant issues this far, or are you just assuming there will be?
velociraptorfarmer@reddit
My wife's has the 1.3L, but as far as I can tell, there's no issues with them.
It's got GM rattles, but that's to be expected.
If there's one thing GM does well, it's build shitbox engines.
Kavani18@reddit
It seems to be lasting fine in the Trailblazer and Encore GX
New_Significance3719@reddit
They could have at least made it a hybrid. Then the electric motor would take some off the stress off the car and it would get acceptable fuel economy for a 3 cylinder subcompact.
theeamericanbeef@reddit
My cousin is looking for a car and we test drove the highest trim envista. We loved the way it looks but had the worst ride, loudest ride and worst tech of every thing we were comparing. We were bummed because she liked the look of it the best.
Wierd657@reddit
My brother leased a Trax and it's fine power wise
Not_A_Crazed_Gunman@reddit
It's kind of funny how confidently out of touch some of these comments are lol
jamesgilboy@reddit
That's more than 90% of comments in r/cars.
Nerd-Vol@reddit
This subreddit continues to be a shining example of car enthusiasts not grasping that these are corporations. Corporations have the number one goal of making money, and then making more money next year.
They are making products that look really nice and are priced surprisingly well. If the quality, features and marketing are there, then they are well situated.
dsonger20@reddit (OP)
This car has a 120 hp 4 cylinder and therefore it’s automatically garbage.
No random redditor, it’s 25k and people shopping at that price range don’t need, want, or can afford to run a a 6.2L supercharge hemi.
Sprinklypoo@reddit
I'd argue that this is much more true for a 6,000 lb SUV... And I don't see anything you might consider "spritely" in their lineup. But I didn't really dig either...
Unique_Bumblebee_894@reddit
Are you honestly taking me corporations never get it wrong?
Nerd-Vol@reddit
When did I say that?
JawKeepsLawking@reddit
If you say you like apples more than oranges, he will assume you hate oranges.
krombopulousnathan@reddit
Funny enough it’s actually even more complicated than that. If they make A LOT of money one quarter and only meet plan another, and a ton the next, then every so slightly miss that will lose them a shit ton of money.
Their goal isn’t exactly to make a big profit, it’s to consistently meet or slightly exceed their financial targets. Which is actually kind of hard to do
quarkplace@reddit
No man I swear, a manual diesel Buick wagon type r would sell like hotcakes!
Jack_Tors@reddit
okay, but only if it's brown
Oshawott51@reddit
I'll definitely buy one in 10 years on the used market!
m0viestar@reddit
/r/cars in a nutshell
Mercurydriver@reddit
Wait? You mean to tell me a bunch of teens, college kids, and tech bros know how to run a car company better than people that actually work in the auto industry? Who would have thought!?
/s
DrZedex@reddit
You're right, but it's also true that GM doesn't exactly have a great track record of running a car company either.
krombopulousnathan@reddit
Probably run by a bunch of teens, college kids, and tech bros
DrZedex@reddit
Worse, MBAs
krombopulousnathan@reddit
HAHAH dog that’s accurate. MBAs hiring big consulting firms
Aero06@reddit
What's out of touch? Buick has been selling pretty far south of the 200k units/year they routinely moved in the 2010's, they're losing sales in China as well which was a pretty big breadwinner for GM and the only reason Buick was retained when GM restructured after their 2008 bankruptcy, and it's well known that they're routinely the victim of politicking within GM, with their high-end products being snuffed out by Cadillac executives and Chevrolet high-ups killing their sportier concepts, leaving them in a very small, unprestigious "premium-but-not-too-premium niche", which worked when they had a more diverse lineup of vehicles, but now all they have is four crossovers and not enough variety to differentiate them from each other.
CuriousTravlr@reddit
They've been asking this question since 1986.
Both-Glove649@reddit
I Drive A 04 Buick Park Avenue Ultra...Haven't Had Any Issues. Over 230, 000 Miles. Why Would These DickTraders DickCrazy DickHead, Give An American Legacy, To China 🇨🇳. Bring Our American Made Automobiles, New-York, Is Where Park Avenue Is, Not Begin. This Is Called Sell-Out Executive Bullshit Buick...
sioux612@reddit
The last good vehicle Buick had was based on a car that Buick didn't develop, from a brand that isn't with GM anymore
I don't expect anything from them anymore
Kavani18@reddit
I don’t think that’s true. The Envista and Envision are nice. The Encore GX isn’t bad. My boyfriend drives an Encore GX and I was expecting it to be miserable because of this sub. It isn’f. It’s fine for the price. Active noise cancellation. The screen is integrated very nicely into the dash. The buttons are nice. The screen is fast. It isn’t abysmally slow despite its numbers. I think this sub just hates anything they’re told to hate.
mini4x@reddit
The Enclave is just a Chevy Traverse, The rest are built in China.
idontremembermyoldus@reddit
The only North American Buick built in China is the Envision. The Enclave is made in Michigan and everything else (Encore GX and Envista) is built in South Korea.
mini4x@reddit
The Envista and Encore are built in both Korea and China.
idontremembermyoldus@reddit
Not for North America they aren't. Go to your local dealer website and look at the VINs. They all start with a 'K'. Chinese-built vehicles have a VIN starting with 'L'.
Kavani18@reddit
The Enclave is a good bit nicer than a Traverse, though. And the others are still pretty nice for their prices. Plus, Buick offers discounts a lot of the time around here which makes them well worth a look in my eyes
bozoconnors@reddit
ftfy
dm117@reddit
Disagree. The Buick Verano was a solid car. Ones parked right outside my apartment with 198,000 miles and still driving smoothly. I’ve seen quite a few on the road.
sioux612@reddit
You mean the Opel Astra, which also isn't part of the GM family anymore?
dm117@reddit
Really? Didn’t know. Thought it was on a shared platform, not rebadged. Googled it and it looks like Opal developed the platform. TIL
dsonger20@reddit (OP)
Oh what I would do for a Regal Tour X (Open Insignia for those who aren't aware).
Cardboardhumanoid@reddit
The normal regal was pretty underrated as well, at least the gs trim.
tboneotter@reddit
As a GS owner, hard agree. No one isn't impressed... After I take a few minutes to explain what the car has going for it despite it being a Buick
the_lamou@reddit
What does the car have going for it despite being a Buick?
tboneotter@reddit
It's a very "no compromises" car. I got it because I wanted a car that could haul ass, people, and things, and ass, while being well-optioned. So let's break it down:
I do have a non-0 number of gripes with it, which I've outlined here - but pretty much, if you want a liftback sedan, you have some Audis (this undercuts them in price and is cheaper to service), Acura Integra (probably as good, more expensive now just due to being newer), Kia Stinger (great car if you don't get the Theta II engine, and that was the only ones I could find at the price I bought my GS for), Porche Panamera (yeah, not my budget), and VW Arteon (should have looked into more, but see audi). If you want a car that is the venn diagram of sporty enough to be fun, practical enough to haul shit, and luxury enough to feel good while doing it, this is a great car.
mstaugler@reddit
Always kick myself for not searching harder for one of these - bought a 17 Lacrosse instead, which has more options than a GS, but overall would have maybe liked a sportier sedan vs the lacrosse.
Vesploogie@reddit
I don’t know why but I’m surprised the GS weighs more than the TourX. The V6 maybe?
Everyone points to the TourX as an underrated/under-appreciated car but the GS is the true sleeper. Honestly one of the best sedans of the 2010’s. If only they offered the V6 in the TourX…
PurpleSausage77@reddit
Yeah the Brembo’s and AWD. Handles pretty decent also. But not sure of the 9spd autos and 2.0T. I rented a 2018 Regal lift/sportback and loved it. Too bad Buick never had anything on the Alpha platform.
I went for my ATS instead. AWD, 3.6, Brembo’s, a solid fairly snappy 6spd auto, etc.
2Whlz0Pdlz@reddit
I believe the GS came with the 3.6 V6 and a 9 speed auto that was rather well liked. All the 2.0 cars came with an 8 speed that garnered some complaints by press and owners. Not sure if the reliability was bad or just the behavior.
Vesploogie@reddit
It was behavior mostly. It’s an Aisin that’s been in bajillions of cars for years, reliability hasn’t been an issue in these Buicks. GM decided a boring programming was the way to go with the transmission, and as a result it can be a bit dull and slow to shift. It’s quite smooth most of the time, just not super responsive. The Trifecta tune takes care of that though.
mstaugler@reddit
Have a 17 Lacrosse with the 8 speed and agree - it feels very different from the 9 speed 9T65 in our 18 Enclave. Ive gotten used to the quirks though, and haven't seen anything out there that would have me question reliability.
PorkbellyFL0P@reddit
I had a 2015 GS and loved that car. Always wanted to see them bring back the Riviera
Hamb_rglar@reddit
I'm just here to say I've put 150,000 miles on my 2012 GS so far and have never been bored driving it. I love it. I tell anyone who will listen. However it is an Open Insignia at heart.
TemporalAntiAssening@reddit
*Opel
Was wondering wtf an "open insignia" was.
Vesploogie@reddit
They are pretty neat.
RangerHikes@reddit
Nearly bought one but went for an outback instead cause I wanted the stick. I always imagined when I was forced to give up manual, I'd go regal tour x. Then they discontinued it
Reddit_reader_2206@reddit
Still a GM brand, still suck.
Averyphotog@reddit
Opel is currently part of Stellantis.
Arse_Armageddon@reddit
From the frying pan into the fire dawg 😭😭
HotBizkitz@reddit
Knew exactly what you meant as soon as I read it. Glad to won one too lol.
snatch1e@reddit
You’re right—Buick has had that “grandparent car” reputation for ages, but with these newer redesigns, they’re really starting to feel more modern.
Ilovehidemyemail@reddit
They have a winner right now with the Envista, it is selling really well
ZeeGarage@reddit
No. They make boring crossovers and those are dying. I don’t think GM has the imagination to do an interesting brand again. Ford tried moving their brand to crossovers and it’s killing them. If Buick would make nice sedans and an affordable fuel efficient car that looked decent it would sell but GM doesn’t want that
seanchappelle@reddit
No.
sasquatch_melee@reddit
I bought one but only because it's an Opel import. Their actual lineup contains nothing I would even consider buying.
land8844@reddit
Lol
xeno_4_x86@reddit
I think it will but mostly as chinese electric vehicles.
BlackDS@reddit
Nah, Buick is going to die off because nobody wants to drive a Buick. Chevy has been moving upmarket and there isn't as much space between Chevy and Cadillac anymore. Buick will always have a reputation as an old person's car, and I don't see that changing any time soon.
I think they could have done well if GM was actually fucking inspired and made Buick an "all-EV" brand.
You could have Buick versions instead of the Blazer and Equinox EV to avoid consumer confusion and slightly justify the price increase over the ICE versions. You could have a halo sedan called the Electra. You could have a large EV SUV that slots in around the Traverse in size that fits between the Equinox and Hummer SUVs in their lineup.
But nope. Crap from China.
Astramael@reddit
Buicks generally have very affordable insurance rates, which helps with the total cost of ownership I would think.
blipsman@reddit
No. Their brand is too associated with senior citizens to ever make inroads with people who aren’t retired
thinkofsomethingkwik@reddit
Fuck no
Literature_Middle@reddit
If I bought American again, Buick would get strong consideration.
callnineoneoneplease@reddit
Where do you live?
Literature_Middle@reddit
America, baby.
SRGilbert1@reddit
I think only the Enclave is still made in America.
Literature_Middle@reddit
American brands*
ChurryRedBaron@reddit
I get the feeling that Saturn will serve as a great case study for what will happen to Buick. Sure, their cars were gelatinous bland couches on wheels but they had a specific identity that appealed to a specific market. They have made large strides to bring their vehicles up to date but they are kind of lost in the either. Even with some enticing value points it’s still not really clear what makes them stand out or why a consumer should take the gamble on a Buick over another brand.
Left4DayZGone@reddit
Saturn HAD a unique identity, and then they just because homogenous, victims of GM's lazy badge engineering. I've never liked Saturn, but even I'll admit that their first couple of generations at least offered something different. Then, like everything else GM makes, they just became "a Chevy with different body panels".
ChurryRedBaron@reddit
That exactly my point
velociraptorfarmer@reddit
The S series car are absolutely indestructible as well. You cannot kill those damn things, as long as you keep them topped up with oil
DiffusedSky24@reddit
There is nothing remarkable about Buick anymore - now it is just imported Korean junk SUV's with an updated tri-shield decal. Buick used to be a personal luxury brand my father's generation loved. That was ended in 1980's with the underpowered V6's, sluggish V8's and diesels GM was shoving into them and Oldsmobiles, then going all front wheel drive. That generation is entering their nursing home years and don't drive anymore. Buick might as well fold and go away.
Jhco022@reddit
Lol nah
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
AutoModerator@reddit
Policy discussion is welcome. However, if your post involves politics AND CARS, please consider submitting to /r/CarsOffTopic.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
AutoModerator@reddit
No memes, trolling, copypasta, or low-quality joke posts or comments.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
AutoModerator@reddit
No memes, trolling, copypasta, or low-quality joke posts or comments.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
JS1VT51A5V2103342@reddit
blocked
Sprinklypoo@reddit
I haven't heard anything in a while, so I looked at their lineup...
It looks like several slightly different flavors of the same SUV, and I'm not typically a fan of SUV's. No electric options. Prices are also
I'm not seeing anything that remotely interests me to be honest. But I am perhaps not the norm, and popular decisions concerning cars often do flummox me...
wh1pp3d@reddit
I recently got to play around inside a 2025 Buick Enclave. I was really impressed by the way everything was laid out. The material accents were very refreshing compared to standard Chevy stuff, and it felt huge (probably because it is). Didn't get to drive it, but it had a 4cyl so I'm curious to know if it feels anemic.
New-Ocelot4798@reddit
I don't see it happening to be honest. Sure, they are redesigning their cars to appear more modern and are giving them new tech in the interior, but so is literally everybody else. The updates Buick are doing aren't making them stand out against the competition in a positive way, they are doing the bare minimum to remain somewhat competitive.
dsonger20@reddit (OP)
They are priced extremely competitively though.
My uncle got one and I was quite frankly shocked with how little he paid for it. Before taxes his Envista ST came out to 34K CAD or 24,000 USD.
Apart from the 3 cylinder, it seems to be a very competitive value comparative to other offerings in the marketplace which would cost 6-10K more.
Mnm0602@reddit
I’ve noticed a lot more Buicks on the road from the low end. The biggest issue they’ll run into is brand consistency: they have these very competitively featured and priced small SUVs then they have the 7 seater Enclave priced at a premium. I think the smaller car strategy makes sense for volume but there’s less profit and sales $ in those units. But I’m not sure they can do both.
Smitty_Oom@reddit
Honda sells a Civic for essentially the same price as the Envista, and offers a $56k Pilot while Buick's loaded Enclave is $58k. Lots of brands have a large range.
Mnm0602@reddit
Loaded Enclave is well north of $60k with even simple options and it starts at $45k whereas Pilot starts at $38k. Enclave is better equipped but it’s still just placed as a more expensive/premium option even within the same GM family (Traverse starts at $38k).
New_Significance3719@reddit
The fact that they didn’t make a subcompact a penalty box is actually very nice. But I would only buy it if it was a hybrid.
Liet_Kinda2@reddit
Seems like a super-obvious move - put an e-motor on the rear axle, there's your AWD, with minimal platform changes.
Liet_Kinda2@reddit
I mean, I think "high value cars that don't drive like dogshit and look more expensive than they are" is a pretty good niche for GM in general and Buick in particular to be in, and I think that's a lucrative one these days. Do I think they're due for a "North American renaissance?" Nah. I think they will continue to justify their existence, as they have been, but I don't see them becoming super popular or cracking 200k sales a year either.
Theactualdefiant1@reddit
Buick is ranked 2nd in Mass market cars in Dependability. Higher than Honda.
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-vehicle-dependability-study-vds
GoochMasterFlash@reddit
Best we can do is a redesigned badge that looks like part of it fell off somewhere
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
I mean to be fair, Buick sells more cars than Cadillac, Acura, and Infiniti. That’s a decent position to be in, all things considered. The Envista may end up selling close to 55k units this year which would put it within striking distance of the Nissan Kicks.
I do wish they would make a midsize sedan, especially with the Malibu being axed. I think it could help round out their portfolio.
Curly4Jefferson@reddit
Went to North Myrtle Beach this past weekend and within a half hour of being there I had seen like six or seven Envistas. All of them were either black or white. Apparently really popular with the retired/semi retired white lady crowd.
dsonger20@reddit (OP)
I was hearing that if you couldn't sell a Trax, you were a really bad salesman since they move themselves.
People want value cars. That's why I think Buick is in a prime market position since their value proposition with some of their models seems to be incredibly strong.
Theactualdefiant1@reddit
GM kept Buick because the Chinese LOVE Buicks. Pontiac actually outsold Buick in the US.
I agree that the new ones are nice looking.
laduzi_xiansheng@reddit
Recently tried an Eletre 4 - it was good
bozoconnors@reddit
That's... a Lotus? lol
DarthSamwiseAtreides@reddit
I think it would be cool for Buick to lean into the old and make cool boxy, smooth suspension cars with bench seats as EVs. Will it tank, probably. But it would be cool.
Like put some vertical blinkers and and tail lights on a straight sided car with a big trunk and frunk and ride smooth. Interior with space for days.
puddud4@reddit
A common question I see on tiktok is "recommend me a car that's cheap but looks premium". Reddit's beloved Mazda CX-5 always gets brought up and in second place is the Buick Envista.
That's the way a lot of people buy cars. Beauty is skin deep and so is the price tag.
The Envista is one of the most exotic looking SUVs on the road. That's enough to overcome the fact that it's one of the cheapest hunks of shit on the market.
Honestly I'm happy about it. I like the look of the Envista, I'm always wowed when I see one on the road. I'm glad that people have access to such a looker at entry level prices. I hope the success of the Envista encourages other manufacturers to prioritize styling.
joahw@reddit
What they need is a Buick Grand National Mach E but make it a crossover for some reason
Leadman19@reddit
If they bring back the LeSabre with the 3800 I’m in
Responsible_Shoe_345@reddit
Yes, if you're over 60. No, if under.
TunakTun633@reddit
Buick vehicles will always be, for better or worse, Chevrolet sedans/crossovers with a modestly sharper design for the GMC side of town. If you think they were in a funk before, you'll think so again in a few years when the novelty of the new designs fade. Me, I don't love the new style on everything.
I really love the blue / white interior. When my mom bought an Enclave, we chose it because there was a nice stand-out interior color (in that case, Choccachino). They also use nicer dampers every now and again. I think that's the best they can realistically do with the resources they're given.
If I was given absolute power at Buick, I'd want to lean into the style a bit more. You know how Lincoln has Black Label cars that include style-matched exteriors and interiors? I'd do that across the board. (Matter of fact, I bet they'd actually save some money with fewer configurations!) No Enclave is ever going to look like a '60s Skylark, but imagine one with a white-and-blue exterior to match that interior...
You know what else I'd do? Hybrids. Buick buyers are very sensible; I think more would buy in (and transaction prices would increase) if the premium over a Chevrolet was used on hybridization. Imagine an Envista that didn't use a disposable 1.2T, but rather the durable 1.8 hybrid from the Malibu.
SymphonyNo3@reddit
Their small SUVs have been moderately popular where I live. I think their exterior design is okay and the interiors are looking good as well. I guess people don't care much about the wheezy powertrains. If my wife needed a small commuter vehicle, I could see us at least test driving the Envista and/or Encore GX.
I'm not sure I ever see Buick getting back to the popularity they had, though... It's still amazing how many of those 8th gen LaSabres from 2000-2005 are still on the road. My grandparents had one and I thought it was a good car for the time. Then GM went off a cliff into the pre-bankruptcy years and let the bean counters kill everything.
I'm not sure what I would replace my TourX with if I had to do so today. It probably would not be an Enclave. Volvo V90 CC? Mazda CX-90? I dunno. It's really a decision I hope not to need to make anytime soon.
NotDinahShore@reddit
I bought a Buick LaCrosse in 2015 (2014 model) and it has proven to be a spectacular car.
First, I’m very tall (6’8”). At the time, my sons were young but destined to be tall (now they are both 6’5”). I did a search for which sedan offered the most interior space… and Buick LaCrosse was the top result.
Just like in the commercials, I scoffed “I’ll never buy a Buick”. Off I went to the local Buick dealership. I fit great. I test drove a car with an eco-friendly engine. Not too exciting.
I told the salesman that I was going to keep looking. Whereupon, he told me that they had a pre-owned LaCrosse they had just gotten in, but that “it’s not for everybody”. Why not?
Turned out to be a show car that some local guy, who had driven Buicks all his life, wanted and had custom made. He wanted a car to show off.
Ok, so it’s got a non-eco-friendly engine in it. I’m not a car guy at all, but this engine is strong and it accelerates very fast, and while quiet driving it around town, it emits a roar when you step on it and does that crackle thing too.
The car is champagne color with a Landeau top. It has night lighting inside in Tiffany blue. Yea, not for everybody. The original owner’s wife told him he had to get rid of it!
Best part is that it has an advanced safety system (especially for 2014). The drivers seat vibrates to alert you to any moving threats, from people crossing in front of and behind you, to cars in your blind spot or driving behind as you back up. Best part is the car will stop itself, forward and backwards, and has prevented us from at least four fender benders that I know about.
Also has heads up display, a phenomenal Bose sound system, monitors the local speed limit and alerts you when you exceed it. It has a window blind for the back window. And the space inside is insanely generous.
My now college age sons prefer this car over other “nicer” cars we own. Even the price was great. I don’t plan on ever selling it.
hate_sf_hobos@reddit
New Buick cars have a reputation for being a retiree’s car. Today used Buick cars have a reputation for being solid, reliable, comfortable, inexpensive bargains. If Buick can leverage this existing reputation and build reliable comfortable vehicles that aren’t too expensive with character they’ll return. Checking their website sends mixed signals, they’re inexpensive but why are they promoting On-Star and WiFi hotspot capability? Everyone has a phone with a data plan, we don’t want redundant subscription services. Sell me a car that will last 10+ years that is affordable to maintain and won’t squeak or rattle. Don’t nickel and dime us with features. USB-C, CarPlay/Android Auto, buttons for HVAC, and a modest touch screen that doesn’t lag, that’s what we want.
Metal_Matt@reddit
Lol absolutely not
Shmokesshweed@reddit
No.
Meister1888@reddit
We see a lot of Buicks on the road. No sporty ones but that is not their space.
I would not expect a return to sedans as long as Washington's "environmental regulations" continue to heavily promote gas guzzling monster trucks and SUVs.
Butt_bird@reddit
It’s about as likely as Pontiac making a comeback.
Left4DayZGone@reddit
If it hasn't happened yet, it likely never will. Buick shed the "grandpa car" image years ago and has been dropping some slick looking rides for a while now, like the Regal wagon.
dm_me_cute_puppers@reddit
They really haven’t shed that reputation, though. Many people wouldn’t even consider a Buick due to their reputation as that.
Left4DayZGone@reddit
That’s why I used the word “image” rather than “reputation”.
RemoteControl1234@reddit
Totally agree. They are trying hard to make a comeback and shake the grandpa reputation. They have to compete from within GM against GMC, Caddy, and Chevy. I think if they double down on luxo-sport reputation like the GS, GNX etc they could do it. Otherwise, they will just be another mediocre GM offering.
.... and for God sake stop making tan/brown cars. It's a bad look Buick.
mini4x@reddit
Nope. They sell three ho-hum SUVs that barely sell.
Seref15@reddit
I've only seen two Envisions out Envistas on the road but both times I've gone "what is that?" and sped up to see the badges. It looks great from the front and back, side is okayish
savageotter@reddit
Interior is sharp too. This is their chance.
kunzinator@reddit
Nope.
Gopokes34@reddit
I feel like their cars have been a decent value for a bit now. I feel like I see them on the road quite regularly, and know quite a few younger people (30-40) that own them. It's all anecdotal, I don't know how they are really doing sales wise, and what the average age of the buyer is. When I see on this sub "they are basically dead in the U.S. and only exist for China," It doesn't exactly match what I see.
3g3t7i@reddit
My brother bought a Buick this year. An EncoreGX something or other and after a four hour ride, smh. What s disaster. Unfortunately I am driving a Macan and SQ5 as well as a Cayman. I would have rather seen him by as CPO Q5 or even Q3.
SRGilbert1@reddit
What exactly was a disaster about it?
3g3t7i@reddit
Fit and finish. The plastic is cheap, the passenger seat was uncomfortable and didn't support my 5' 9" 160 lb body. The ride was also very bouncy along with the struggling noisy engine. I can't imagine the depreciation that he will suffer unless he drives it into the ground. It's just not a reasonable package in real life.
ILikeTewdles@reddit
My first car was a Buick back in the 90's. They used to make some pretty cool and luxurious/ tech filles cars. The Regal GS comes to mind and supercharged park ave with heads up display come to mind. They were fairly reliable too.
Now they make a few CUV's with tiny engines and CVT's, not really really anything I'd want to own long term with so many other choices out there.
They're just not competitive.
SRGilbert1@reddit
Pretty sure only the FWD Encore GX has a CVT.
fukimretardet@reddit
I personally think they're too far gone without doing something radical. All of their new vehicles are SUVs that look identical.
Me personally, I think if they made a luxury sports sedan it could revitalise them. Something similar to a black wing. It would have to be cheaper obviously, but I think it would make people start looking at them again. Something like a Camaro platform with a bigger comfy body? Idk
thetrappster@reddit
Nope, it'll take a lot more to not be looked at as the car brand most likely to have werther's originals in thr glove box.
hearonx@reddit
My elderly relatives had three Buicks over a period of about 30 years. They were reliable, comfortable and held the groceries easily. Good AC, too. Radios were good, but I was the only one who ever turned them on. For many people, these are the only things that matter. It is why Toyota Camrys are so popular. A pleasant utilitarian vehicle is a good thing. If you're going to the doctor and the pharmacy and the grocery store and beauty shop, your car demands are pretty low and should be easily and reliably met. My design suggestion: make the turn signal dash indicators prominent and turn up the volume on the turn signal indicator ding-dinger.
options1337@reddit
I was in a buick rental. 2024 model. Amazing car.
emorab85@reddit
No, in fact I see GM shrinking their lineups and offerings as will the rest of the NA OEMs.
Ford is about to lead the pack with digital troubles soon. Not sure if anyone told these companies, but their cars are expensive, and as a result we don’t want added subscriptions or services.
Buick will likely just die off with top selling vehicle platforms shifted to primary brands internally.
This is my hot take.
res_ipsa_locketer@reddit
It’s possible but they gotta make an Electra that learns from all of the mistakes they made with ultium
V8-Turbo-Hybrid@reddit
Don’t see that possibility, and Buick even has had unclearly future in China.
Of course, GM is seriously in their EV effort, and Chinese Buick has had many nice models. However, Chinese domestic automakers are growing, GM is facing sales declining issue.
bemenaker@reddit
They sold 500,000 plus cars last year in China. Yes that's down from the 1.2 Million a few years ago, but that is a LOT of cars.
markeydarkey2@reddit
Buick has been making some decent cars for some time now, just not in segments usually given attention by enthusiasts. I quite like their new design language, though the lack of EV Buicks in the US is peculiar.
04limited@reddit
I had an Encore GX Avenir loaner car for 3 weeks when my Chevy was in for major service. It was a nice car. Not for $38k but nice for sub $30k(so id get a lower trim)z I would’ve brought one, but I think I’d still go for a Trailblazer. I don’t see any point in paying a premium for Buick in that scenario.
Same reason I find it hard to pay a premium for GMC when the Chevy counterpart is basically the same.
dc2b18b@reddit
Yeah any day now. They’ve been about to do it since like 1993.
pch2lbc@reddit
I’ll never understand why GM kept the Buick line in the US. They could’ve expanded the Cadillac line up to capture the small Buick market share. They should’ve kept Pontiac in the states and badge engineered Holden models.
I’ll always be bitter that GM killed Saab
MusicMan7969@reddit
The Buick name was kept because they sell a great deal of them in China. With that said, are they going to have a renaissance? Probably not, based on their line-up continuing to shrink, basically selling the same vehicles as Chevy.
Nobody_Front_end@reddit
Buick has also faltered in China
OkDirection8015@reddit
I doubt Buick will live on longer. GM has been updating and putting out new products for the other 3 brands while Buick just falls further behind. I’m convinced the biggest mistake GM did with Buick was not to build the avista.
Satanic-mechanic_666@reddit
No.
JGRACEFAN95@reddit
I was just thinking the same thing. They aren’t as pompous and shouty as a Cadillac but are more stylish and luxurious than a Chevy. IMO they really did well with this latest batch of redesigns and I can see people gravitating to them over other brands like Acura, and Infiniti.
drakitomon@reddit
Buick is car brand most associated with beige. That should tell you everything.
MustangCoyote@reddit
No. They have no reason to. The Buick brand is pretty much built around the chinese market at this point.
The only thing I could see them doing is a GNX revival, but it'd probably be electric.
ChasedWarrior@reddit
I stopped reading at "cars were ugly and bland interiors". Buick was one step away Cadillac so their interiors were almost nicer than a Caddie. Plus the 1992 to 2005 LeSabres and Park Avenue were great looking cars. The last Regal and TourX were good looking cars. The only thing the writer got right that Buicks were for old people and dentists.
greybruce1980@reddit
Anything is possible I suppose. But I have a couple of questions.
Why would the leadership sink money into a dying brand?
Why is Buick important to most consumers?
I can't find any satisfactory answers to those questions so I don't think there will be a Renaissance for Buick
motorcitydevil@reddit
The new designs are very nice. Buick’s problem is two-fold: 1. it’s called Buick which carries decades of brand mismanagement and major marketing mistakes and 2. Consumer perception of Buick being a car for Meemaw and Peepaw has never truly gone away.
burner94_@reddit
It's funny how the NA market is now saying "TourX here" and "Insignia based Regal there" when in reality in the home market of Europe the Insignia itself sold pretty meh, especially in its last iteration :( long live sedans/wagons. I ended up buying another Stellantis brand sedan, one that America doesn't get - a Peugeot 508.
As a European guy myself (Italian to be exact) the Envista looks like an interesting proposition for Europe but we'll likely never get it. And I'm saying this as a bit of a crossover hater...
Mojave_Idiot@reddit
My father in law has a 2018ish Buick LaCrosse Avenir AWD with adaptive suspension and I strongly believe that it’s an outstanding car by all rights.
Spacious, comfortable, rides well, fun to toss around, can click off a quarter mile in 13.x and AWD to deal with Michigan weather. It’s an incredibly ideal car that imo suffered from brand rep and poor marketing.
RangerHikes@reddit
Always thought those ads were horrendous. They're like "sure we used to be dog shit but look at us now!" Especially when you consider - as you pointed out - Buick did great stuff in the past
Secksualinnuendo@reddit
Anecdotally, I have seen alot of that new small SUV around me. It looks really sleek and I think it starts pretty cheap. I guess they might already be in their Renaissance considering how they have been a fews years ago.
kon---@reddit
Buick's coming out with nice designs inside and out but so long as it's all underpowered 4 cylinder models, they stay on the lot.
_jagwaz@reddit
No. They completely fumbled their new design language a few years ago and I don't see it changing anytime soon. They have absolutely zero place in the market, given that they only sell three crossovers. None of those crossovers are even unique to Buick, and there is no reason to buy them over the equivalent Chevy or GMC model. Unless GM is willing to let Buick make cars (perhaps cheaper versions of the Cadilac Sedans) then it has zero reason to exist under the same umbrella as GMC.
Unlucky_Reception_30@reddit
Absolutely not. They're now as cheap or cheaper than Chevy, so I'm not sure why they still exist
gurneyguy101@reddit
No
k20z1@reddit
read my mind
Capable_Ingenuity726@reddit
If they change the name/logo to Pontiac, maybe.
plzlawd@reddit
That new encore they make is incredibly popular right now, drove to the store and saw literally 3-4. Killer price and they do look good. It’ll be nice to watch what else they come out with.
DookieMcDookface@reddit
Nope
topcat5@reddit
No. There's no reason for Buick to exist except to make money for GM in China, and because of their entrenched dealer network in North America.
And now that China is moving aggressively towards BEVs from their own domestic brands, that gravy train is ending.
LOL_YOUMAD@reddit
No I do not see that happening. They really don’t have any kind of a market if you think about it. If someone want a reliable a to b generic car with good mileage and reliability they are looking at a Honda or Toyota, if they want luxury it’s Lexus/Mercedes/bmw, if they want cheap it’s Kia.
There aren’t many people that want a generic looking car that pick a brand like Buick unless they have a family member that works for them or something. The other few markets are sporty vehicles and trucks which don’t apply to the brand. They really don’t hit any kind of a market of buyers. They make suv/crossovers which also covers the same a to b car markets just in a bigger body.