We’ve discussed American Motors, Chrysler Corporation, and Ford Motor Company, so now it is General Motors’ turn. Since we’ve been working in an alphabetical direction, let’s start with Consumer Guide’s overview of Buick.
While General Motors is famous for its decentralized organizational structure, the 1970s brought more integration and cost savings (including badge-engineering) to the fold. As such, GM’s brands began to lose some of the independent luster they once had by the end of the decade. Nonetheless, there was enough unique within GM—especially Buick, with its V6 and turbocharging—that I am curious if the differences among shared platforms were distinct or not. As Buick is the first of the crop of GM brands, we won’t know until we finish with Pontiac.
Here’s a look at the upmarket brand from Flint that expanded its breadth of models in the 1970s, from compact to full-size cars and even a Vega-based subcompact coupe. Please note the CG rating scale of 5 being Excellent and 1 being Poor.
Buick
“Another interesting aspect of GM’s recent changes is that in later model vehicles there is little … significant difference between the standards, intermediates, compacts and subcompacts from one GM division to the next.”
- Apollo/Skylark: “… shares Nova’s higher-than-expected incidence of repairs [but] unlike Nova, no recalls on record … A reasonably good used-car buy.” CG rating: 2-3
- Century/Regal/Special: “Somewhat higher incidence of repairs than Cutlass … Sum up: not outstanding, but a safe choice in an older intermediate.” CG rating: 3-2
- Century (1978-80): “Overall, a fine buy—nicely trimmed, quite refined, reasonably frugal. Stick with the normal 231 V6.” CG rating: 3-4
- Electra (1971-76): “Roominess, silky ride, low noise levels, and driving ease are its strong points, Reliability also above average for all years, except 1974 when it slipped a bit.” CG rating: 2-3
- Electra (1977-80): “Fine repair record for ’78 and ’79 with average to above-average ratings in all areas.” CG rating: 5
- LeSabre/Centurion (1971-76): “Repair incidence average to above-average … look for ’76 models with standard V6 engine for economy reasons.” CG rating: 2-3
- LeSabre (1977-80): “Repair incidence to date is admirably low in all categories.” CG rating: 5
- Buick Riviera (1971-76): “Electrical and cooling problems mar an average repair record.” CG rating: 1-3
- Riviera (1977-78): “Repair history gives it a nod over Ford Thunderbird and Chrysler Cordoba/Dodge Magnum …” CG rating: 4
- Riviera (1979-80): “Initial repair data indicates average reliability rating for ’79 models … Not cheap, but a standout among newer personal-luxury models.” CG rating: N/A
- Skyhawk: “In our estimation, one of GM’s losers, and far from a good value among small cars.” CG rating: 2-3
- Skylark: “Dirt cheap, and good basic transportation providing car has been properly maintained.” CG rating: 3
- Skylark (1980): “No repair data as yet, some early teething troubles.” CG rating: N/A
