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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 192.00-
2000 BUICK PARK AVE - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
By BANG DO - July 1 - 1:50 pmTHE VERY FIRST TIME WE DROVE IT OUT AND BEFORE EVEN FINALIZING THE DEAL THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS WE DROVE HOME ON A SATURDAY EVENING. ONLY WENT 2 MILES FROM DEALER. AFTER TAKING IT BACK FOR REPAIR. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER ANOTHER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING SOME OTHER SENSOR WAS ALERTING US WITH THE BELLS AND LIGHT. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART SO THEY TOOK ONE OFF OF ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE BUICK.
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Best car Ive owned - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
By BuickDriver - June 20 - 2:00 amI have enoyed owning this car. We are selling due to the large size of our family. I reluctantly agreed with my wife on this decision. I find the car to have all the luxury of a very expensive car. The pleasure of driving a quality solid built large car is most satifying when your used to cheaply built economy vehicles. The gas mileage has been surprisingly good (21 to 28 mpg) for a large car. My wife bought a new Buick Regal in 1990 that we drove until last summer. We then sold it and it is still on the road with over 170,000 miles. I may not buy other GM products, but I will buy another Buick.
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1998 Ultra - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
By dbaugh - April 20 - 5:10 amThis is fine and fun to drive big car. four sets of clubs in the trunk and upper 20s on the highway.
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Buicks gones bad - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
By Cojak Wisnewski - April 8 - 10:00 amThe Buick started out as a nice idea. Looked comfortable for an old fart such as myself. But then it got ugly. Stuff started going wrong, the engine started to loose power, and yup, you guessed it .. the valvetrain was shot. After 23,347 miles, the valvetrain died. I needed to get it replaced. I sold the car. I didnt like it. End of story.
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Park Ave Sucks - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
By degucken - March 31 - 10:00 amI have owned fords, gm , mitsubshi, and never have I had so much trouble with a vehicle, i have been in for major repairs (+$500.00) MORE THAN TEN TIMES since I purchased it new including computer, front wheel hubs, twoheatewr blowers, manifold never will I buy another GM product
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Great Car - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
By Great Car For Me - February 9 - 10:50 amCar has all the goodies and has exceeded expectations. Purchased with 25,000 miles and have added 17,000 in a year. Gave up my 2000 Impala for it. Cant believe I got so much for what I paid. Great car for a tall man. My car has the road package which I love. Great ride. Cant believe someone would pay premium for a different name plate. Replaced front brakes at 42,000. Back-up sensors are great for the parking lots.
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WOW What A Car - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
By cbs - December 21 - 10:00 amThe 2000 Buick Park Ave is one of the best cars Ive owned. I have put 160,000 miles on this auto and have done nothing but regular maintenence. I did replace the front shocks at 130,000 miles. No mechanical breakdowns at all.
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A lemon - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
By Dee - December 19 - 9:23 amOur car shakes at speeds over 65 mph. The dealer has changed tires, balanced them and has us running the tires at 29 lbs until the suspension supposedly loosens up. The last time we drove it, the lights in the radio were flickering like a candle was burning behind it(husbands description). If we could get everything to work, we would love it but as it is; we feel we are being asked to put up with a lemon!!!!
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This is a great car! - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
By Mike Petti - November 26 - 12:23 pmThis car is powerful, handles great, is comfortable to ride in on long trips, cruises the freeways like a champ, gets excellent fuel mileage for a car its size, and is fun to drive and great to be seen in. I absolutley love it and plan to buy an other one. Its a Cadillac at a lower price. Its the nicest car I have ever driven.
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An Excellent American Sedan - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
By Jake H. - October 11 - 10:00 amThis car has served me well over the last 10 months. Never once failed to crank, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 115, thats saying something. A/C and Heat become effective very quickly after cranking. I fit ALL of my belongings at college, plus a friends, and 3 of his bags in this car, and still got 24 MPG on the highway home. My best is 30.7 MPG highway using no A/C and with a light load. Very fuel efficient on the highway. No so much in the city-acceleration kills it. Set the cruise and be happy.
