Buick is the oldest automaker in the United States still active today. David Dunbar Buick started the brand in 1897 and was instrumental in founding General Motors. Positioned as a premium brand, Buick’s historical price points have been above Chevrolet and below Cadillac.
In 1999, the last LaSabre rolled off the Flint, Michigan assembly line, and Buick was forced into a new reorganization. For decades, the brand had marketed its products to mature Americans. When the climate changed and new buyers flooded the market, Buick’s product line was perceived as old and decrepit. The brand’s clientele was dying off, with no appeal for a younger buyer. In the early 2000s, Buick did an about-face and started by rebranding and updating every new model in their lineup. In 2023, Buick was the fastest-growing mainstream brand in the industry.
Buick VIN Decoder
Quality VIN decoding tools give users a basic understanding of a specific vehicle, such as the make, model, engine size and transmission type. The Free GoodCar VIN Decoder tool scans millions of bits of data to bring its users the latest information. Input the 17-digit alphanumeric code into the GoodCar search engine, and a basic report is returned instantly.
Deciphering an Buick VIN
Buick was very thorough in stamping production and serial numbers on each of its production vehicles. Locations varied on the earliest cars, with some numbers stamped on plates then attached to the frame or stamped directly on the driver’s side post. Engine numbers started in 1913 and were carried through to 1965. Numbers were stamped on the left side of the engine block with the number facing forward so that it is readable to a person standing in front of the vehicle.
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- 8
- 5
- 5
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 9
Location of the Buick VIN
Buick follows the 1981 NHTSA VIN mandates. There are two required locations on a passenger car.
- Position one is on the driver’s side dashboard at the windshield. The VIN must be stamped on a non-removable plaque that must be visible through the glass.
- The second position is the driver’s side pillar or post. VINs are usually stamped on a metallic plate along with other information, such as tire types and pressures.
- Depending on the model, VINs or production numbers may be stamped on the engine block, frame, or firewall.
- VINs must be imprinted on all insurance papers, registration, and title information.
Popular Buick Models
Buick has a rich history of innovation and iconic car designs. Buick had a knack for introducing several innovations at a time, along with one of their great concept designs. The 1974 Wildcat II is at legendary status.
Buick Wildcat
Buick is strictly a mid-size SUV automaker. However, their Wildcat EV Concept is breathtaking. The Wildcat is a sleek two-seater with eye-popping wheels. If this design ever makes it to the road, everyone will have their heads turned. A heads-up display that is above the next level and everything built in.
Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave, starting at $45,000, is a great-looking mid-size SUV that seats seven. Buick customers have always loved the brand, and for good reason. The Enclave has solid interior and exterior designs with all the bells and whistles. The ultrawide 30” diagonal screen is stunning and comes with excellent lighting adjustments. A 2.5L turbo that creates an unbelievable 328 hp and 326lb.-ft. Of torque giving the Enclave good power and acceleration. It could use a bit more torque for comfortable towing.
The Buick VIN Checks
VINs were first used in the United States in 1954, and automakers devised their individualized, unique structures. Some VINs were five characters, while others were more extended codes, similar to GM’s standard 13-digit sequence. All automakers complied with the NHTSA mandates of 1981 and its 17-digit alphanumeric code.
Prospective buyers, fleet managers and others who need a detailed historical timeline of every significant event that has happened to a specific vehicle should use a tool such as the GoodCar VIN Check service. Input the 17 characters into the GoodCar Lookup application, and the tool instantly returns a complete and highly detailed historical timeline of the vehicle.
GoodCar Buick VIN Checks
Title status is one of the most essential pieces of information a buyer should know. There are over 50 different title brands, and GoodCar scans hundreds of local and federal databases to bring users the latest information. Be aware of titles such as salvage or rebuilt, which means the vehicle has been in a severe accident, and the insurance company has deemed the car has no value.
Odometer fraud is a fast-growing and persistent automotive crime that many owners and buyers are unaware of. Pay close attention to any owner transfers or event records and compare the mileage readings to make certain there is no funny business going on.
Recalls and technical service bulletins are focal points in every GoodCar report. Recalls are detailed in nature, giving the user the exact cause, date, NHTSA ID number, and the next action for the owner.
Recalls
December 2023, GM recall number A232424320, recalling 60,154 Encore and Envista models. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to go blank at vehicle startup or while driving. A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash. The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
January 2023, GM recall number N222386380. Recalling nearly 740,108, 2021 to 2023 Envision and other GM models. Daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108; DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. The body control module software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.