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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  2004 Ultra - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Joe Pratt - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Performs as better than my last Ultra. Gas milage/performance are superior as you get both with this vehicle. The Ultra gives the buyer Most available options from GM for the lowest cost i.e. Stabilitrack, heads up display, 12 disc CD player, built in phone, leather interior, sun roof, chrome mag wheels, and many other options.

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  The Flash - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By K.F. - December 30 - 3:06 am

  I bought the P.A.Ultra with touring package (used) after owning a similar older Park Ave, which I grew to love. This car is a dream and the fuel injection gives it amazing power. The touring package makes handling very tight and responsive. The car is a TOTAL driving experience:great sound system, luxury comfort:walnut interior trim, leather seats, power everything, sunroof etc. It shows what American engineering can produce if it wants to. I hope the new model Buicks can carry on this fine tradition, but Id be surprised.This is a real car!

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  1998 Buick Park Ave. Ultra - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By William R. Hayward - December 23 - 10:00 am

  for a large car, looks sleek & fast. comfortable road car, gets 27 to 32 MPG on highway, 17 t0 18 around town. exceptional, effortless acceleration, very fast & quiet ride. transmission shifts smoothly & quiet.at 60,000 miles, no mechanical problems, totally reliable car. minus side, uses premium fuel, soft, mushey cornering, not a mountain racer. I would buy this car again, used, a great value.

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  Beautiful - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Beautiful!!! - December 6 - 2:03 am

  This is the most awesome car! The ride, comfort, stability, handling, looks, everything about this car is wonderful! I will never own another car but this!

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  2000 Buick Park Ave. - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By honest ed - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Superb vehicle. I now have 64,000 miles-no repairs. Original Conquest tires still have at least another 10,000 miles. Car gets 30 mpg on the highway, 23 in the city.Only complaint is that brake rotors are thin.

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  Vibration Problems Kills the Fun - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By rstuart202 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the styling and overall comfort of the car. However, a highway-speed vibration has taken all the fun out of the new car. I have had 4 sets of tires installed and newly designed lower control arms installed. It still vibrates at 60+ MPH. Very disappointing after spending nearly 40k.

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  It has been a good choice - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Dal - October 10 - 10:46 pm

  Purchased it used and being in what seemed to be in decent shape. Love the ride and room. Get about 26 mph which I thought was a couple of mpg short. But it is supercharged. Traded in an older LS400 Lexus which I liked. But I think this rides better,just as comforable,and I would guess a lot less to repair. Havent had to yet. Has 94000 miles now. This car looks like its going to be a keeper. My next used car will probably be another Buick thanks to this one.

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  high quality car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By David Linton - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 11 months. To date it has not been back to the dealer for any warranty repairs. The supercharged engine gives it plenty of power and it was very comfortable on the one long trip (3000 miles) that I have taken.

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  Great road car. - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By papanav - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Effortless acceleration and smooth, gliding ride. Gran touring suspension is the only suspension I have ever had in my Park Avenue, this being my second. Although the engine is12 valve push rod technology, the supercharger provides ample power with excellent gas mileage. My 94 Ultra was a great car, that is why I bought another one.

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  I Love It - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By BigBoyJr60 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  One of the besat cars I have ever owned. This is the third Park Ave. I have owned, and all 3 were excellent.