Are Buicks Reliable? (Buick Reliability Guide)

Are Buicks Reliable

Surprisingly, Buick cars are reliable. In 2022, Buicks were rated #1 among U.S. car brands by JD Power, with a score of 72/100. While we might not place their reliability on the same scale as Toyota or Honda, Buick has great stuff going on regarding reliability, comfort, and ride quality.

Let’s take you through everything you need to know about Buick’s reliability and why they are not as bad as we thought.

Are Buick Reliable Cars?

Yes, Buick are reliable cars! In the wake of 2017, Consumer reports announced Buick as the third-most reliable car brand in the market. This places the car a few positions behind Toyota and Lexus.

This was also evident in 2018, as Buick was recognized as the highest-rated dependable brand on JD power.

The reliability of Buick cars revolves around the top five positions. These cars have an impressive durability standard and lifespan, with the ability to reach 300,000 miles without any major repairs.

However, the reliability ratings of Buick cars vary on different platforms, as the brand has produced some cars that are nothing to write home about.

RepairPal grades the Buick brand with a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0, ranking 13th out of 32 car brands. Buick car users enjoy fewer visits to the repair shop and an average probability of severe damage.

Although Buick cars are pricier than other cars in GM’s line-up, they offer more technology upgrades and an upscale space and performance.

You must understand that the reliability of Buick cars varies for their different models.

Here are the five most reliable Buick cars:

  • 2019 Buick Encore (Avoid 2013, 2014, 2015 models)
  • 2018 Buick Lacrosse
  • 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir
  • 2020 Buick Envision
  • 2012 Buick Regal GS

You can also get impressive gas mileage on Buick cars, especially SUVs. Buick is on the list of the most reliable American car brands.

Why Buicks Are Considered Reliable Cars

Here are four major reasons why Buicks are reliable.

1. Fuel Economy

Buick cars are quite good on gas, with the Buick Encore posing as the most fuel-efficient Buick car. With gas mileage of 29 cities and 32 highway MPG, the Buick Encore is a fuel-efficient crossover SUV.

From the 2021 Buick Encore to later models, the Buick brand offers users the ability to choose between two drivetrains: FWD or AWD systems. Users will experience slight changes in the fuel economy of these Buick cars, depending on the drivetrain they choose.

Buick FWD systems offer a better fuel efficiency than the AWD system, with a 25 to 30 city-highway MPG, as against the 24 to 29 city-highway MPG.

2. Engine and Performance

Owning a Buick car gives you the opportunity of enjoying a burst of power and amazing performance. This includes the added benefits of impressive handling and smooth and quiet rides.

Most Buick cars come with V6 and four-cylinder engine configurations. However, the Buick Lacrosse has a 5.3L LS4 small-block V8 engine.

These engines deliver varying speed levels, ranging from 270 – 310 hp. Most Buick cars have an active fuel management technology that optimizes fuel efficiency.

3. Durability

We understand that most Buick cars come with incessant problems ranging from engine failures to electrical and transmission problems, but Buick is one of the most durable American car brands.

You must be careful to pick from the best production years and models. Buick cars have a durability frame that lasts up to 300,000 miles, with a 13% probability of severe damages and a 0.3 average visit to the mechanic.

From the exteriors to the interior designs, seats, and body materials, Buick cars are built with resistant systems that make them last. The seats are not too hard, soft, or sticky; they are perfect for you.

4. Space and Design

Buick cars are known for their large cargo space and spacious room. This makes them a reliable car for families and users who need space.

The cargo area of Buick cars ranges from 18.8 to 23.6 cubic feet, with the 2023 Buick Enclave rocking a larger space. Buick interior designs are not always worth the price, especially on its SUVs, but you have an exterior design that you can rely on.

Is Buick a Safe Car?

We cannot specifically tell you that Buick is a safe car, although there are a few Buick cars with impressive crash safety test results and NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings. Overall, Buick needs to do better on the safety of its cars.

There are close to 24,000 recalls in the Buick Regal 2018 to 2020 models. These recalls are related to software glitches that make braking hard. This is not an impressive report for users.

Although the 2020 and 2021 Buick Encore model has a five-star NHTSA rating, it is sad that there is only one Buick car on the IIHS safety rating, with the next safety rating dating back to 2018. The 2021 Buick Encore 4-door SUV is the only Buick model that earned the IIHS top safety pick rating. This makes Buick Encore the only Buick car we can vouch for its safety.

Buick Safety Packages features:

  • Front pedestrian braking
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane change alert with side blind zone alert
  • Following distance indicator
  • Rear park assist
  • IntelliBeam auto high beams
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane-keep assist with lane departure warning
  • Forward collision alert

However, there is no assurance that these technologies will be available in your Buick car as its provision varies for each model.

Buick Reliability: Pros

  • Great Engine and Performance
  • Spacious
  • Quiet and smooth rides
  • Impressive fuel economy
  • Durable
  • Affordable

Buick Reliability: Cons

  • Safety standards need improvement
  • Interior designs deserve upgrades
  • Software glitches

Verdict

Buick cars are not as bad as we think. They’ve proven their might in producing highly reliable and dependable cars, especially at affordable prices. We understand there is room for upgrades, but Buick still passes as a reliable car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a Buick last?

A Buick car can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or approximately 13 years of extensive use. However, this depends on proper maintenance and driving conditions.

Are Buicks expensive to maintain?

No. Buicks are not expensive to maintain. The annual cost of maintaining your Buick car is $608, slightly lower than the $646 cost for all car brands. It is also important to know that the cost of maintaining your Buick car may vary depending on your model.