CarAndDriver

I agree that Buick quality seems to be consistent and high quality.

However, the design and driving dynamics of their cars to not match the quality of manufacturing.

They are boring and bland and perfect for old timers who want a soft car.

MazdaMonkey

Exactly, that is why Buick stated last year that their goal was to copy Lexus throughout its lineup. Lexus is getting better now, but until recently no one had a more boring line of luxury cars. But hey, Lexus sells TONS of cars because old guys who like a boring, reliable, and comfortable car love them.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

If Buick sold that exact same car in the U.S. at a fair value, they'd sell a ton of them.

Carrera26

^^^Not really, because look how ingrained the anti-Buick sentiment already is in this thread. Most people wouldn't even bother to take a test drive.

There is hope, of course. Look what they have done with Caddillac! 10 years ago they were a joke, and now they're a powerhouse. Still not topping the "cool" list for most folks, but a heck of a lot better than they were. They took the chance and delivered with quality product.

GM pays about $2400 on every car they make for "Legacy" costs, which are the benefits and pensions for former employees. They make how many cars every year? And that is how much $$$? Well, seeing as they produce over 3 million cars annually, that's 7.2 Billion+. That's just on retirees... Of course, there are 2.5 retirees supported for every active GM employee today...

Production Totals

CarAndDriver

Lexus is definitely improving their cars by making a model for all different drivers. The only true Buick in the Lexus bunch is the ES350.

Buick has a long way to go to emulate Lexus in anything other than manufacturing quality.

WaitingforFI

iTrader: (1)

But this is a forum that appeals to people have a disposition for sports cars, I don't think your average Buick owner even knows what an RX8 is; more or less what powers it.

Carrera26

You'd have a hard time making a case to most Americans under the age of 50 for buying a new Buick. The current median age of Buick owners is 74!

CarAndDriver

Not counting the poor folks getting them as rental cars.

Clavius

People saying that the image will work against the car are forgetting advertising. All you'd need it to give some cars to some Rap Stars and custom shops, have 'em bling the crap out of it and have them show the car(s) in their video's and magazines. After that they'll sell like hotcakes, can you all honestly say that the Escalades and Hummers would of sold as well as they did if not for the odd obesssion by Rap starts about these vehicles? Trust me if they hyped the car correctly you'd be seeing alot of those Buicks sold to 20 sumthings in no time flat.

By the way I was thinking of buying a Buick Lacross SXT (V6 model) before buying the 8 because I had it as a rental car. The car had alot of ***** if you will for a FWD car and the comfort was very surprisingly good. That and the XM radio was a bonus also.

WaitingforFI

iTrader: (1)

I can justify a truck… especially when it shoots flames.

Quality is number 1 or some ****

TALAN7

Exactly! I had a 200 Buick Regal GS. It was faster than my 8 and more reliable. The fit and finish on the 8 is light years ahead than the Buick was though.

TALAN7

I leased my Buick when I was 30. I went looking for a Grand Prix GTP but the dealer gave me a better deal on the Buick Regal GS for some reason. The Buick wasn't as sporty but was a better car. I test drove the Grand Prix then sat in the Buick and remember thinking, "this doesn't look as cheap"

CarAndDriver

Pontiac went through that Plastic is King phase for so long with the atrocious interiors. Buick tried the best with what it was given at the time.

The current Buick interiors are better, but the buttons are all too small.

tajabaho1

when I see buicks, I quickly dive away in fear the grandma will run me off the road.

CarAndDriver

At least, older people driving newer Buicks probably have insurance.