Buick cars are made by General Motors, the American automotive company that also produces Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles. Explore the current lineup at Buick’s official website.
Buick is known as one of General Motors’ oldest and most storied brands, with a heritage of accessible luxury dating back to 1899, and is particularly popular in both the United States and China.
Buick is a division of General Motors Company, operating in the US, Canada, Mexico, and China as GM’s entry-level luxury brand positioned between mainstream Chevrolet and premium Cadillac.
Knowing who makes Buick helps buyers understand the manufacturing sources for each model, especially given the brand’s significant China manufacturing presence.
This article covers Buick’s ownership, founding story, where its vehicles are made, the current US lineup, and major manufacturing changes underway due to trade tariffs.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Buick?
Buick is a fully owned division of General Motors Company, the Detroit-based American automaker publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
General Motors has owned Buick since 1908, when founder William Durant acquired the brand as one of GM’s original building blocks.
Within GM’s brand portfolio, Buick sits between Chevrolet and Cadillac, targeting buyers who want a step above mainstream but don’t need full luxury at Cadillac prices.
When Was Buick Founded?
Buick Motor Company was founded on May 19, 1899, by David Dunbar Buick in Detroit, Michigan, making it one of the oldest American automobile brands still in production.
William Durant acquired Buick in 1904 and used it as the foundation for the General Motors Company he formed in 1908, with Buick as the first brand under the new GM umbrella.
In the early 20th century, Buick was one of the most prestigious cars money could buy in America. Its reputation for engineering excellence made it the ideal anchor for what became the world’s largest automaker.
Where Are Buicks Made?
Buick vehicles for the US market come from three countries: the United States, South Korea, and China.
The Enclave full-size SUV is assembled in the United States at the Lansing Delta Township plant in Lansing, Michigan. The Encore GX and Envista compact crossovers are made in South Korea by GM Korea.
The Envision midsize SUV has been manufactured in China through the SAIC-General Motors joint venture since 2014. Due to significant US tariffs on Chinese imports, GM raised the Envision’s price by nearly $5,000 for 2026 and has announced it will move Envision production to a US plant in Kansas City, Kansas beginning in 2028.
What Models Does Buick Currently Offer?
Buick’s current US lineup consists entirely of SUVs. The Envista is the entry-level subcompact. The Encore GX is the compact crossover option. The Envision occupies the midsize segment.
The Enclave is Buick’s largest US model, a full-size three-row SUV that competes with the Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX at a more accessible price point.
In China, Buick sells a much broader lineup including sedans, minivans, and electric vehicles that are not available in the US market.
Buick vs Cadillac vs Lincoln: Who Makes Each?
All three are American luxury or near-luxury brands belonging to major US automakers. Buick and Cadillac both belong to General Motors. Lincoln belongs to Ford Motor Company.
Cadillac sits above Buick in GM’s hierarchy as the flagship luxury brand, targeting buyers of BMW and Mercedes. Buick targets a softer, more comfort-focused buyer who wants upscale refinement without the ultra-premium price.
Lincoln competes most directly with Buick in terms of price and target customer, while Cadillac is repositioning further upmarket with high-performance and ultra-luxury electric vehicles.
Why Is Buick So Popular in China?
Buick holds an unusually strong reputation in China that far exceeds its profile in the United States.
The brand’s prestige in China dates to the early 20th century, when Buicks were favored by Chinese officials and business elites. This historical association with status and quality has persisted into the modern era.
GM sells more Buick vehicles in China each year than in the United States, making China the brand’s most important market globally by sales volume.
What Is Next for Buick?
The most significant near-term change is the Envision’s production move from China to Kansas City, Kansas, scheduled to begin in 2028.
This shift is driven by US tariff pressure that pushed the 2026 Envision’s price up sharply and caused a 60.9% drop in Q4 2025 sales year over year.
Beyond the Envision move, GM is expanding Buick’s electric vehicle offerings in China through the Electra series, and may eventually bring electric Buick models to the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Buick
Is Buick made in the USA?
Partially. The Buick Enclave is assembled in Lansing, Michigan. The Encore GX and Envista are made in South Korea. The Envision is currently made in China, with a move to US production planned for 2028.
Is Buick the same as Cadillac?
No. Both are General Motors brands, but they target different buyers and price points. Buick is an accessible luxury brand. Cadillac is GM’s flagship luxury brand competing against BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus at higher price points.
Is the Buick Envision made in China?
Yes, as of 2025 and 2026. The Buick Envision is assembled in China by SAIC-General Motors. GM has announced it will move production to a Kansas City, Kansas plant beginning in 2028 to avoid US import tariffs.
When was Buick founded?
Buick Motor Company was founded on May 19, 1899, by David Dunbar Buick in Detroit, Michigan. General Motors acquired Buick in 1904 and it became one of the founding brands of General Motors in 1908.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.