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:

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  Best Ued Car - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Used Park Purchase - September 28 - 4:00 pm

  I commute 47 miles to work one way and have previously have had small or intermediated size autos. The PA gives me consitently 32 MPG on the highway and 28 overall mpg. The ride is fantastic and overall performance exceptional. If your looking to purchase a quality automobile look no further than a used Park Ave.

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  Luxurys best value - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By 3rd Owner - September 16 - 9:10 pm

  The electronics will go out on you and expect to pay a few hundred to fix (rear defrost, seat adjuster). As everyone says, 30+ mpg highway (I once averaged over 38 on a 150 mile trip!) but in the city its a dog, Ill get anywhere from 13-21 in the city. I think it looks great, and the sound system is amazing. Buy it if you want to be spoiled without burning a hole in your wallet.

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  FIVE YEAR REVIEW - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By JOE D - July 20 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT VALUE EXCEPT STEEP DEP [RECIATION

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  Great 2005 Buick PA - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By jerry - July 12 - 9:43 pm

  Although the car required a few minor adjustments initially, it has proved to be an excellent car. I am pleased with the ride, the overall performance and fuel economy. Having owned several PA"s this one seems to be the best of all. Very pleased.

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  Love at first drive!!! - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By eril - June 30 - 12:43 pm

  Ive had this car for a week now with 123,227 miles on it and im in love with it. The ride is better that most european cars ive had before. Im a sales man so i drive arround a lot and this car makes me enjoy the road more each time i drive it. Its very good on the gas too and fits all my family comfortably. All it needs is a good paint job and it will look like new!!!

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  Beautiful vehicle, couldnt ask for anything better!!! - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By rob208 - June 25 - 11:45 pm

  I have a 2005 Buick Park Avenue Ultra Special Edition in white diamond tricoat and it is the most beautiful car Ive ever seen. The ride is very smooth, the seats couldnt be more comfortable, and everything is automatic, from the windshield wipers, lights, and much more. If you buy this car, you must get the Ultra with the supercharged engine, it is a rocket and flies effortlessly. This is not a car just for elderly people, I am under 20 and love this car, it is an eye catcher and is often mistaked for a Cadillac. It is absolutely gorgeous vehicle that drives great, gets 30+ mpg on the highway, plenty of room, and is a very reliable AMERICAN car. Very highly recommend.

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  Comfortable cruiser - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Randy - June 19 - 5:26 pm

  A dream to drive. Terrific highway mileage, apporaching 30 mpg. Comfortable seats and good sound system make long-distance driving a dream. The car is so well engineered that on straight roads, it drives itself; and Im along as a safety observer. Its a shame the resale value is poor, for its a better car than many with better resale, including one with all intitials as a name. But Ill never sell this car, so its of no relevance to me.

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  My park avenue - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Supercharged me - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This vechical is safer , Faster, more reliable in any situation then anything in its class. The Lincoln and Cadillac may have a V8 but this supercharged v6 does 0-60 in 6 seconds. My family and myself love to travel in this vechical and we have had no problems with it so far. I love Buick, its a family legacy.

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  Ultra - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By sherwood - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Third ultra, the other two I drove 250,000+ miles each with no problems and excellent fuel economy for a luxury car.

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  Quality used car - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By SilverBulett - May 15 - 10:00 am

  General Quality: Very Good to Excellent. 44K Miles on odometer when purchased. Minor problems with: power seats, CD changer (nio instructions), brake lights (fuse), and transmission (some slippage when started & humidity is 90+%). Nice ride. Good fuel economy. Comfortable interior. Great room for a passenger car. A big factor in buying this car was the big depreciation: originally a $40K car I picked it up for $16K. Compared to Nissan Max, a $34K car (2001) sells for $17K, this is a bargain.