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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  What a steal! - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By benthereoften - August 6 - 4:02 am

  Got this as salvage after the driver hit a deer...all fixed up....for only $2200. Drove it 750 miles to Miami in comfort at 31 mpg. Heated seats are toasty! The only thing I would "improve" would be the inside drivers handle so that it is a bit more intuitive/natural. Otherwise, this car is just about the best combination of cost and comfort that I have ever seen. And at 64", it fits!

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  Review of my 2000 Buick Ultra - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Joe - July 31 - 6:13 am

  The reliability of this vehicle is outstanding. In 5 years of driving not one component of the vehicle has failed. I have only had to change the battery, and replace the tires. I am amazed at the reliability, and performance of the vehicle.

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  DBs Opinion - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By rosa/dee - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Park Avenue Ultra has proven to be an excellent vehicle.

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  Dependable luxury - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By buickfan - July 25 - 9:33 am

  I purchased this car when it was 4 years old for a mere $10,500! At the time it had 71,000 miles and was in a very good shape. This car turned me into strong Buick fan and I dont want to part with it as long as possible. In the last 7 years I had some issues, but they were not serious enough to cost a lot of money. I was seriously considering buying another Park Avenue.

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  An excellent rider - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Allen Johnson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great gadgets, excellent ride, plenty of room. Lots of trunk space.

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  W. O. Long - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By W. O. Long - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Has been an outstanding car. Gives very good milage, excellent performance, and overall fun to drive.

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  Park Avenue - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Paisley - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Buick has provided a most comfortable ride and a fair element of prestige and operational economy. The only real negative is the rapid depreciation and this will continue to plague the Park Avenue as well as most other domestic vehicles. Our service experience with the dealership has been excellent and we will probably continue to drive Park Avenues because for traveling and for storage capacity it has been a marvelous vehicle.

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  a great ride - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By cleopuppy - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Dollar for dollar this car cant be beat.

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  My best driving experiances - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Leo W. Dupuis - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Driving for over 42 years and being in the automotive repair trade for more than 35 years doesnt make me an expert but Ive owned and driven many more vehicles than the average person and can say that this car is a compliment to the American car industry.It is truly the luxury vehicle of its time.Even without considering all the "bells and whistles" its basic features are all you could ask for in a full sized luxury "RIDE".

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  99 Buick LeSabre Custom - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By penly - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought it recently as my wifes car. Its a good solid car bought with low miles and well under book because of its fuddy duddy image. Bought it mainly for the overall value. Boy do these things depreciate fast, which worked out very well for me.