Are Buicks Good Cars? Reliability, Comfort, and Value

Buick has been an American car brand for over a century. It is known for producing efficient, comfortable, and durable vehicles. The question is, are Buicks good cars? In this guide, I will break down everything about Buick cars. Read this completely to know about the reliability, safety, performance, and maintenance costs of Buick cars, and which models are the best to buy.
Table of contents
- Are Buicks Good Cars and Are They Reliable?
- Safety Ratings of Buicks
- Comfort and Driving Experience of Buick Cars
- Performance Overview of Buick Cars
- Are Buicks Good Cars in Terms of Maintenance Costs and Longevity?
- Pros and Cons of Buying a Buick
- Best Buick Models to Consider
- Are Buicks Reliable – Comparison with Competitors
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Are Buicks Good Cars and Are They Reliable?
Do you know that when it comes to reliability, Buick scores above average in the industry? According to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Buicks are good and reliable cars and rank
- 20 Overall
- 11 in Mainstream Brand
- 28 in Road Tests
- 8 in New Car Reliability
- 7 in Used Car Reliability
- 21 in Owner Satisfaction
- 1 in Maintenance and Repair Cost
These rankings show that Buicks are not only long-lasting but also affordable to maintain. Based on the experts’ study, many Buick car owners report that minor issues are easy and inexpensive to fix. According to experts, some Buicks even last 200,000–300,000 miles with proper care.
Key Reliability Highlights
- Encore GX: A dependable small SUV with modern engines, low maintenance needs, and strong reliability for daily city and highway use.
- Enclave: A well-built midsize 3-row SUV known for its smooth V6 performance, quiet cabin, and long-term durability for families.
- Envision: Offers above-average reliability with premium features, stable performance, and fewer reported mechanical issues when properly maintained.
- Older Models: Classic Buick cars like the LeSabre and Park Avenue are famous for lasting 200,000–300,000 miles.
So, in short, yes, Buicks are good cars and are very reliable.
Safety Ratings of Buicks

Safety is a big reason many drivers choose Buick. According to the NHTSA, most Buick models earn 5-star safety ratings, including:
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Encore
- Buick Encore GX
- Buick Envision
Advanced features such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and strong crash-test performance make Buicks a family-friendly choice.
Comfort and Driving Experience of Buick Cars
Are Buicks good cars? The answer highly depends on the comfort and driving experience of these cars. Buicks are engineered for a smooth, quiet, and relaxed driving experience. Buick cars are good and comfortable because:
- Their suspensions absorb road imperfections well.
- Steering is light and easy.
- And cabins are designed to reduce road and wind noise.
Moreover, the interiors of Buick cars are built from premium materials. It has supportive seating and thoughtful ergonomics that reduce driver fatigue on long trips.
Encore GX: Small on the outside, but it feels bigger inside than you’d expect. The seats are comfortable, you can see well all around, and the ride is smooth and relaxing for everyday driving.
Enclave: A large 3-row SUV with lots of space for families. It has soft, comfortable seats, a very quiet cabin, and a smooth ride that’s great for road trips.
Envision: A nice mix of comfort and control. It feels calm and quiet in the city, but also steady and confident when driving on the highway.
This makes the Buick cars a strong choice for those who value comfort and luxury features without paying luxury-brand prices.
Performance Overview of Buick Cars

The Buick cars are not built for sports purposes. The truth is, the Buicks are good cars because they deliver smooth performance suitable for everyday needs. Their engines are designed with both performance and efficiency in mind. Here is the overview of key elements to help you know whether Buicks are good cars:
Engines: Buick offers different engine options depending on the model. Choices range from an efficient 1.3L turbo engine to a powerful 3.6L V6.
Handling: Tuned for comfort rather than aggression. It features stable road manners, light steering, and good outward visibility.
Fuel Efficiency: Generally above average for their class, making Buicks economical for commuting and long-distance driving.
Model-Specific Overview of Buick Cars:
Encore GX: The Encore GX comes with responsive acceleration for a small SUV. It handles highway merging smoothly and remains comfortable in high city traffic.
Enclave: The Enclave delivers strong power for a three-row SUV. Its smooth ride and stable handling make it well-suited for family road trips and long-distance driving.
Envista: The Envista is a stylish and fuel-efficient compact SUV. It is easy to maneuver in tight city spaces and is designed for comfortable daily commuting.
Overall Performance
Overall, Buick vehicles are best described as comfortable, predictable, and practical. They focus on smooth everyday driving rather than fast or sporty performance. So, if you are planning to buy a Buick car, find one in good condition, gather the documents required to purchase it, and make a deal.
Are Buicks Good Cars in Terms of Maintenance Costs and Longevity?

Yes, Buicks are good and reliable cars in terms of maintenance cost and longevity. Buicks share car parts with General Motors; their service is simple and cost-effective. Both GMC and Buick are part of General Motors. Here is the estimated overview of the maintenance cost of Buick.
Annual Maintenance: Typically, the average annual maintenance cost is around $600–$700. It is much lower than many competitors and most luxury brands.
Repairs: Replacement parts are widely available and affordable due to GM’s extensive service and parts network. If the car is not totaled, the repair cost is manageable.
Longevity: With regular maintenance, many modern Buick cars comfortably exceed 200,000 miles. Moreover, the older models even last longer than that.
Overall, Buick offers are good, reliable, and have strong long-term value. Buying Buick cars is a smart choice for buyers who want comfort and quality at an affordable price.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Buick
| Pros | Cons |
| Reliable and durable | Not sporty or high-performance |
| Smooth, quiet, comfortable ride | Some tech can feel outdated |
| Affordable luxury | Certain models may have slower acceleration |
| Excellent safety features | Some older models have fewer modern amenities |
| Low maintenance costs | Limited availability of full-size sedans |
| Wide range of SUVs and crossovers | Resale value can be lower than Toyota/Honda |
Best Buick Models to Consider
1. Buick Encore GX
- Subcompact SUV
- Reliable, efficient, and easy to park
- Great for city and highway driving
2. Buick Enclave
- Midsize 3-row SUV
- Spacious, family-friendly
- Strong safety ratings
3. Buick Envision
- Compact SUV
- Sleek interior, good handling
- Good blend of comfort and technology
4. Buick Envista
- Small sedan/crossover
- Affordable and efficient
- Ideal for urban drivers
Are Buicks Reliable – Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Buick | Honda / Toyota / Nissan |
| Reliability | Above average | Very high |
| Ride Comfort | Smooth, quiet | Slightly firmer |
| Safety | 5-star NHTSA | 4–5 stars |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | Medium |
| Interior Luxury | Above average | Average |
| Long-term Durability | High | Very high |
Conclusion
So, are Buicks good cars? The answer is yes. Buick cars are very reliable and perfect for city driving, commuting, or family trips. These cars give the perfect balance of comfort, luxury, and affordability. Moreover, it has strong reliability ratings, low maintenance costs, and a quiet, refined ride.
FAQs
Are Buicks good cars?
Yes! Buicks are reliable, comfortable, safe, and offer a luxury feel without a luxury price tag.
Are Buicks reliable?
Absolutely. Ranked top 10 for reliability by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, Buicks are durable and low-cost to maintain.
Are Buick Encores good cars?
Yes, the Encore GX is a small SUV with strong reliability, fuel efficiency, and a quiet ride.
Are Buick Enclaves good cars?
Yes, the Enclave is a spacious, family-friendly SUV with excellent safety and comfort features.
Do Buicks have expensive maintenance?
No, Buicks are among the lowest maintenance-cost vehicles in their class, averaging around $600 per year.
Is Buick a luxury brand?
Yes, Buick is positioned as an accessible luxury brand, offering premium features at a more affordable price than Cadillac, Lexus, or Acura.







