Buick is breaking ranks with other domestic automakers and extending its warranty from 3 years and 36,000 miles to 4 years and 50,000 miles on every 2006 model.
The move is an effort to keep up with high-end competitors as well as demonstrate Buick is not on the road to extinction like Oldsmobile.
Buick also will make the OnStar communications system standard on all models beginning in 2006 and prices on Buick models will be reduced by $100 to $500.
The new warranty will cover virtually everything except oil changes. The warranty includes roadside assistance and courtesy transportation when a Buick must remain in the shop overnight.
The current warranty on Buick and most other domestic brands is three years, or 36,000 miles. By extending its warranty, the GM division will be in the same league as other premium brands. But Buick's biggest challenge is overcoming its image as an older person's vehicle. The typical Buick buyer is 68 or older.
Buick has long enjoyed a solid quality reputation. The brand placed fourth in the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.
Buick's challenge is translating its reliability into sales and drawing new, younger customers. Despite a whopping 36.4 percent spike in demand last month on the strength of GM's employee discount sale, Buick sales are down 8.4 percent this year.
