Happy Birthday, Buick! Photo by Randy Stern
What kind of birthday present do you give a 110 year old that is looking very good for its age?
Today marks the anniversary of the founding of the Buick Motor Company. In 1903, Buick began building cars for a curious nation. Except for a couple of wars, they have not stopped. From Flint, Michigan, came what became the “Doctor’s Car.” For half of the 20th Century, doctors would make house calls in bright shiny Buicks. These cars were a symbol of honest success towards becoming the key brand in the middle market amongst North American automobiles.
In recent years, Buick committed themselves towards changing the brand’s image. Once the standard brand for the Greatest Generation, even at an advanced age, Buick needed to re-position towards a new status and a new demographic. The result is the current lineup, with two revised models coming for the 2014 model year.
V&R always enjoyed the products from Buick. They hold two Vehicle of the Year Awards – 2009 for the LaCrosse and 2011 for the Regal. Our correspondence with the brand has been superb and support where the brand is going. Good thing that General Motors decided to keep Buick around to celebrate this special occasion.
Our birthday present to Buick is to look back its history through the lens of a Five Favorites. Having been familiar with its products even before driving my first one in 1979 (Dad’s 1977 Electra Limited – in a futile attempt to get it out of a very tight space at a San Francisco Financial District parking lot. Thanks, Dad…), it certainly was not hard to pick these five. Heck, you may find there are some on the list I have never driven – but admired for a very long time.
Happy Birthday, Buick! I believe you might even like this list…
Commentary: The Difficulty in Making Comparisons
Not your typical day at V&R HQ. Photo by Randy Stern
If you are looking for a comparison of some of the vehicles reviewed here – it would probably not be considered fair.
Since 2010, I had the chance to drive almost every mid-sized family sedan available right now. Despite the few that have not been driven, it is the core of the market had already seen time in V&R’s care in the Twin Cities or elsewhere. Looking at the sales figures from April of 2013, it would seem obvious the reasons why the segment leaders are selling the numbers they are.
To make a car in this segment, you have to ensure that everyone is comfortable, the driver is engaged and the driving experience is not offensive to anyone. Not exactly a high bar to aspire to, but understand the tasks these sedans have to accomplish every day to know that a middle ground is set to ensure some level of satisfaction.
What if someone refuses to simply settle for less? What if the “middle ground” does not completely suit a particular driver or group of occupants? What if we want sportier handling, a solid ride that rides the groove of the road, unmatched quality and comfort?
What if I want a mid-sized sedan that suits me as a daily driver for both my short commute and any long haul runs I would put it through?
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