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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  Ultra - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Middlefork - October 29 - 6:06 am

  120,000 miles. City and Hwy. No problems. Wifes car and she has loved it.

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  I like my Ultra - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Cimunique - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Buick Ultra in 1992. I drove it until it 1997 when it was in an accident. I didnt want to get rid of it because I really liked the body style. I did not have any problems with that vehicle until until I was hit. The Ultra I have now is great like the one before. I make sure all the maintainence is done timely and it has been a job to own. It is a great vehicle. When I buy another car it will more than likely be a Buick Ultra. I dont know of a better vehicle.

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  Good but some flaws. - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By not_another_buick - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very good car, but several things are frustrating. The ash tray will break and not stay closed due to a poor design. A new one costs $125. You can fix it yourself for free if you take it out and see the problem area. Definate flaw! Also the covers on the back of the front seats werent attached very well. These will also break. They can be fixed for free again with a drill and a screw, but how many people will do that who drive a Buick. Shouldnt have too either.

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  I love this car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By MICHELL - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I could not have made a better choice. I jst love this car. The way it looks to the way it handles on the road. I love Peacock Buick and Bob Evers. He is the best salesman I ever had. No pressure at all. He knew every detail about the Park Ave Ultra , then I ever wanted to know....

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  not worth the money - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By clayton - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Too many problems for this price car. In less than 50,000 miles, new brakes around,new water pump,electrical problems, both power window controls broke into door,wiper control malfunction($500), traction control malfunction inspite of $500 repair to front wheel.

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  Nicer than Cadillac - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By taxdude - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Thats what everyone was saying at the Auto Show. Great American styling inside and out.

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  99 Park Avenue - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By R Bishop - May 12 - 2:36 am

  I just wanted to say that GM Corp screwed up when they stopped producing this beautiful road car! There is no car in my opinion that compares with this ride and stability that the Park offers. I have driven the new Lucerne and was in fact, disappointed! Wake up GM. Dont force me to purchase a "foreign car"

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  Exceptional and Comfortable Value - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By New CA Buick Fan - March 8 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased this car used from a dealer, one owner, with only 43,000 miles on it. The interior looks brand new and the exterior is nearly flawless. Amazing amount of car for the money and a much better performer than the Lincoln Town Car or Toyota Avalon. Amazingly comfortable front power seats, great fuel economy (30 hwy), lots of room everywhere and a pleasure to drive. The Park Avenue soaks up bumps very well and provides a comfortable ride. Maintenance costs very low and also very inexpensive to insure. I think Im a new Buick fan!

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  a nice automobile - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By mat1776 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with this Park Avenue. It has all the "bells and whistles", making it a comfortable ride on long trips. Have put just under 30,0000 miles in a little less than one year. No problems of consequence - only a small glitch with the electronic odometer. Pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage - well over 30 mpg on the highway. Also, surprised with the quality of road feal. It handles very well on curves and hills at high speeds.

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  Park Avenue owner of 2 years - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By wb8rni - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I get 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The interior is very comfortable. At 6-2", I enjoy having headroom with the seat-back fully up. It handles well on wet and dry roads at freeway speeds even during heavy wind and storm.