Overview & Reviews

Park Avenue. Monopoly buffs and New Yorkers hold that name dear. And so do those whose automotive tastes run toward old-school American luxury, the kind that's reflected in the Buick Park Avenue. To these folks, soft, pillowed seats, smooth and quiet powertrains and a ride quality that shields occupants from the nasty noises and jolts of the outside world are of paramount importance.

Originally introduced in the mid-1970s as a super-posh trim level for the Electra model, the early Park Avenue boasted velour upholstery so thick and soft you'd swear you were sitting on Queen Victoria's sofa. Other hallmarks of this 455-cubic-inch, V8-powered, disco-era bruiser included more faux wood trim for the cabin and more chrome trim for the body.

Downsized in 1977, the Electra Park Avenue was still a big car that could be powered by a large V8. A more serious downsizing program took place in the mid-'80s that saw the big Electra morph into a slimmed-down, squared-off sedan that was much shorter and lighter. The powertrain did an about-face as well, as the new Buick flagship adopted front-wheel drive and exclusively used fuel-efficient V6 power.

The dawn of the 1990s saw the Buick Park Avenue transition from a trim level to its own model when it replaced the Electra. Slightly larger than the boxy '80s version, this Park Ave boasted an elegant, softly curvaceous body. An available supercharged V6 sated the appetites of those who longed for the thrust of the distant past, while luxury features such as dual-zone climate control kept the hedonists happy.

For 1997, a more polished Park emerged and loyalists of the isolationist school of auto design were not disappointed, as the big Buick still prioritized a plush ride over precise handling. For the new millennium, however, Buick's managers decided a changing of the guard was required. The Park Avenue (and the LeSabre) was replaced by the Lucerne.

Most Recent Buick Park Avenue

The most recent Buick Park Avenue, produced for the 1997-2005 model years, served as the brand's flagship large sedan. This model's stiffer platform improved ride and handling characteristics and also minimized the chance of any squeaks and rattles as compared to the previous generation. Styling was evolutionary, with the same silhouette shaped with smoother body sides and crisp fender peaks. The cabin redesign included larger gauges and more easily used controls, though storage spaces were in short supply and the radio still had too many small buttons.

Base and Ultra trims were offered, with the latter providing additional luxuries such as leather seating, a power passenger seat and an upgraded audio system. With the front bench seat, the Park Avenue could seat up to six passengers.

Engine choices were a tried-and-true pair of 3.8-liter V6s. The standard Park Avenue came with the naturally aspirated version (205 horsepower), while the Ultra boasted the supercharged version (240 hp). Both models drove their front wheels through a four-speed automatic.

In a review of the Buick Park Avenue Ultra, we lauded the car for its strong acceleration (zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, surprisingly good steering and traditional ability to gobble up vast amounts of Interstate in supreme comfort). Noted downsides included disappointing interior build quality and mediocre braking performance. Some drivers will also find the car's ride quality to be overly floaty, especially if the car isn't equipped with the suspension-stiffening Grand Touring package.

Key upgrades through the years include available OnStar communications in 1998, stability control (standard on Ultra) in 2000, available park assist in '01, and a new grille, 17-inch chrome wheels and the addition of fender "portholes" for the '03 Ultra.

As a used car consideration, the Park Avenue fares respectably. Draws include relatively low pricing, a roomy interior, good engine performance and fuel economy, and the pride of owning something that truly fulfills the "rides like a Buick" cliché. Potential buyers might want to also check out the Toyota Avalon, as it provides very similar traits.

Past Buick Park Avenues

The previous generation of the Buick Park Avenue was produced from 1991-'96. Well-equipped base and more luxurious Ultra versions were offered. With its curvaceous body and (on the Ultra) supercharged V6 power, this Park Avenue was a showroom star for the tri-colored-shield division of General Motors.

Initially, both Park Avenues came with Buick's bulletproof 3.8-liter V6 that made 170 hp, but for 1992 the Ultra received a supercharged version that pumped out 205 hp. There were a few other upgrades during this model's run as well. In '94, the Ultra got 20 more hp and heated seats were a new option. The base Park Avenue got its power boost for '95 so it made 205 hp. The last year ('96) of this generation saw the Ultra receive the Series II supercharged V6 (with 240 hp) and variable-assist steering.

Whether one chooses the standard Park Avenue or the Ultra, this Buick is a solid choice for a used luxury car thanks to its comfortable ride, power and admirable fuel efficiency.

Prior to this Park Avenue was the 1985-'90 version, which marked a major downsizing of the model and a switch from rear- to front-wheel drive.

User Reviews:

• 

  Broken Buick - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Joe R - February 8 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this car from the original owner when it was 3 years old. The car has a pretty good ride and is comfortable. The biggest problem with this car is that many things have gone wrong with it and were expensive to fix. There was a problem with a plastic piece by the manifold that melted and filled the crankcase with antifreeze ($900). Water pump ($300) Some timing sensors ($550). Alternator, battery, serpentine. ($500). Starter ($300). Wipers wont return.

• 

  Disappointment - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By BootsyClay - October 8 - 5:13 am

  We bought this used from a reliable friend mechanic. In no time the paint was fading and peeling, the plastic manifold broke & quite a big repair bill even fixing it ourselves & buying parts on the net. Air conditioning went & had to replace condensor etc, The front power seat mechanism works, but is popped out of the seat. Seatbuckles broke. Something has happened to the struts. Weve nearly always owned GM since my husband retired from there. Owned an Olds that went almost 300K miles until hit when stopped. Only one time failed to start when the timing chain needed replacing at way over 100K. We have lost a bundle on this Buick. Really a shame and sorrowful!

• 

  Never again - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By LD - July 28 - 1:40 pm

  This car is absolutely terrible. Everything except the transmission and radiator has been replaced at least once and many components are the third or fourth generation. The trunk leaks, the headlights are as worthless as candles, 3 alternators, 2 steering pumps, 3 fuel pumps, 4 fuel senders, one PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, one water pump, multiple dash realys, air conditioning controls four times, and a myriad of other componenets. Currently, the rear defogger doesnt work and the fuel guage is out again. Not worth it, even if its given to you.

• 

  Ill never buy another - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By mrmark - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Buick I have owned. The two previous ones were LeSabres. I have just spent $5100 on a new engine because the plastic manifold plenum used by GM caused my engine to fill up with water and caused major damage. The window switch has broken, the car gets water inside the passenger area when in a car wash or in the rain. The rotors have been replaced because of warpage, the water pump was replaced, the air compressor was replaced, the sensing wipers have not worked properly, the ash tray broke and will not close, the seat control panel snapped off.

• 

  an average car - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By tri-ble - December 24 - 2:00 am

  an easy ride and handling car. the doors are not a good fit to the body,noisy engine when first starting out .the colder it is the worse it sounds,gets better as it warms up... if the door problems are corrected and the noisy engine problem is soved we would like this vehicle a lot better and feel that we were getting our moneys worth. not a quiet enough car for the price

• 

  be careful - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By sad - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous problems with this car. Windows, air, heat, sunroof, auto seat, transmission. Every time Ive had to fight to get the things fixed even under the factory warranty. Even then still not right. Additionally the mechanic says there is a transmission problem and they still wont fix it saying there is nothing wrong. Crazy. Why cant the Americans build a car that holds up? And this is their top of the line!! Its almost like Buick has a policy of obfuscate. This is very disappointing to say the least. Im going to trade it on one of those imports. Sorry folks... I want to support American labor but it reaches a point....

• 

  Costly comfort - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By rcshn - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This beautiful, luxurious, roomy Detroit turnpike-mobile has been nothing but trouble. At 37000, I needed $2700 worth of engine work. At 38000, the starter died. At 40000, I had electrical problems with the transmission. The CD player hasnt worked since 1998. I like these big boats. Ive been driving them for 30 years. But my next car is going to be an Avalon, or Saab, maybe an older Lexus or Q-series Infiniti. Never buy this car without the Gran Touring suspension. Expect large repair bills early.

• 

  Lots of used car for the money - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Buick Guy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car with 76k. Ergonomics and controls are lame for such an expensive car, but still lots of used car for the money. I have driven about 1500 miles so far. This car is no sports car, but for a large sedan, power is ample (205 hp) and handling seems secure. In my mid 30s and it has surprised me how much people have commented to me that I bought an old people car. Buick has a serious image problem. Neverthless, I prefer to drive something different from the typical rat racer.

• 

  Too many trips to the repair shop - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By linda cowherd - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive made 14 trips to the repair show. Dealership has been awsome, GM stinks. They dont return calls. Did finally provide extenede warranty at n/c but I never got anything in writing to prove it. Dealership finally printed off their computer showing warranty. Repairs made, so far, on doors, transmission, heads up computer, leak in trunk, on star was not programmed correctly, key would not release, lock/unlock buttons on inside car, door panel keeps coming off, engine races and runs rough when starting up..who knows what will be next!

• 

  The Worse Buick I Ever Had - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ron Tarigo - January 14 - 1:40 am

  This is my second Park Ave Ultra, and it is the worst. The gas mileage is the terrible. Suspension! You feel every crack and hole in the road. Outside sounds! You hear it all. Acceleration! Forget it. You need to press down all the way on the gas pedal to get it to accelerate. Steering! To make this car make a sharp turn, forget it. A sharp U turn it cannot do. A sharp turn into a parking space, after 3 to 5 up and backs you can get in the parking space. This is not a Park Ave Ultra. This is a car that was thrown together and put out to sell. I still have my 99 Park Ave Ultra and I will take it over this one any day. I leased the 2005 for 3yr. I wished I bought it so I could get rid of it .