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 111 through 120 of 192.00-
SUGGESTIONS - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
By Robert Fromm - April 11 - 10:00 amThis is the second Buick Park Avenue that I have owned and I would recommend anyone thinking of buying the Park Avenue to look no further.
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great car - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
By kens - April 6 - 10:00 amI bought this car used with 20,000 mi on it from a rental place. It has been almost perfect. the only problem i had was a electronic door lock switch falling inside the door. however as a rental you can be sure it git rough use. now had 35k miles on it and have never done anything but scheduled maint.
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Luxury performance and great mpg - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
By Ron Brock - March 21 - 11:06 pmThis is my first Park Avenue, and plan to add a second soon. I have become spoiled by the excellent ride and drive of this car. It is loaded with features that some highend new cars dont offer at this time. I feel safe in this car, performed very well in crash testing. The large interior space is well thought out, wind and road noise are very hushed. The supercharged engine makes great power yet I always get 33- 34 mpg highway. There are few cars that advertise those figures and none of this size and content that I am aware of. The depreciation is high but that only makes more sense to purchase a clean used one if you plan to hang on to it. I think GM discontinued a winner.
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I love my Park Ave - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
By Jerry03 - March 8 - 2:00 amMy wife and I bought our jet black Park Ave Ultra in December of 2002. We’re the only ones in our small town of 4,000 people to have one, and we absolutely love it! We are faithful Park Avenue owners (buying new since 1986; Ultras when they first came out; even had an Electra T-type) and were considering an STS, but fell in love with the new Ultra. Excellent ride, handling, and all the comfort and features of a Caddy for about 15 grand less. Exterior very classy with new grille and portholes. Supercharged 3800 performs well. Havent had many problems with it that werent taken care of under warranty.
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Lots of used car for the money - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
By Buick Guy - March 5 - 2:00 amPurchased 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.
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How I love Buicks - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
By Lenell - February 4 - 4:40 amI was reading that a Buick owner had a vibration problem at 60mph. I had the same thing but at a much lower speed. We found out that the left front half axle was bent. The axle was replaced and the tires which resolved the vibration problem. I found out from Buick, that there was a problem with how these Buicks were anchored to the transporters which in turn would bend the axle. I havent had any problem or any other problems with my Buick once that issue was resolved. It is a very dependable car, with an average gas mileage of 26mpg on long runs.
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Too many trips to the repair shop - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
By linda cowherd - January 18 - 2:00 amIve 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!
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AVOID AVOID AVOID - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
By jim kirk - January 2 - 10:00 amThis is the worst car I have ever owned in my life. Poor engineering, poor build quality, terrible reliability. Every time I get in it, I wonder if it will end up on the tow truck again. My plastic intake manifold cracked, the coolant mixed with the oil and destroyed the engine. Cost 4,000 plus for a used engine. Other problems include 10" of water in trunk, failed steering rack, warped brake rotors, cracked leather, failed heated seat, constant electrical problems, broken door handle, door lock switch fell into door, burned out (and irreplaceable) dash lights. AC compressor bearing grinding, water pump, wonkie transmission. I rate this car a ZERO, but the scale doesnt go that low
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great ride - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
By cleopuppy - December 25 - 10:00 amSimply an excellent value.
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Great Car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
By Teeter - December 1 - 2:00 amDrove Chrysler products for years but switched to Buick - from Century to Park Ave. Best car we have ever owned by far.
