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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  comfortable but waiting for long run - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By janetb - July 10 - 8:26 am

  I just got this car from my dad who couldnt drive it anymore, reviews are helpful... Gas gauge dances all over the place, windshield wiper stopped in the middle of windshield on off position, door lock button and window button fell into door.. But its 12 years old. Engine runs great, smooth on the highway and very very comfortable. Cup holder folding into armrest is annoying. Love the safe feeling of the car, will ride it till the wheels fall off, changing oil to keep it going! Janet

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  Love Park Avenues - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By keeda - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Park Avenue and the last two have been supercharged. I love having the power when needed in high altitude areas as well as on freeways. I love not being tired after driving for 8 to 10 hours. I love not feeling like I am crowded inside.

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  1997 Buick Park Avenue 4 Dr STD Sedan - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By randy - June 6 - 7:36 pm

  With 3 children we needed room but didnt want a minivan. Bought this car with 86000 miles. Numerous problems that werent major but irritating. The accuators on the a/c went out and would not blow through the vents $500. Window switch broke $200. Radiator leaked $250. Harmonic balancer went out $175. We like the comfort of this car. It was made to drive long distances. Good gas mileage and power.

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  2003 Ultra, an excellent buy - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Timbo - June 6 - 3:40 pm

  This 2003 Park Avenue Ultra is my second Ultra. I also own a 1992 (which has lived up to its 4s and 5s for long-term reliability and quality). This is an exceptional vehicle. Excellent for the buyer (not for the seller - very low resale), which enabled me to purchase the car well under what its worth in my eyes. I have now owned it for a little over a year and its been fantastic. Mine is fully optioned (I bought it in Hawaii and it has heated seats). There is nothing about this vehicle that I would change (save putting an LS2 into it). It is granite in color, with the chrome accent option and a tastefully done leather interior. The Supercharged 3800 V6 is spectacular.

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  03 Buick - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Molly & Bob - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mrs. & I both drove Buick Regals & had no idea that the Park Ave was so comfortable. My wife suggested we try & test drive one - oh my, what comfort. I purchased one & am soo thrilled I did. Thanks to her I feel so happy every time I get in the car. told so many people about the comfort. Was at the local hardware store & when I came out 2 men were admiring my Park Ave. I talked one of them into sitting in the drivers so he could feel real comfort. Thanks GM

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  2005 - My 5th Park Avenue - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Michael - May 8 - 9:06 am

  We purchased our 5th and sadly last PA, as our new 2005 was the last year available. We currently own a 1999 with 105K miles as well. Previously owned 85, 88 and 94 PA models. All 5 have been the most reliable vehicles I have owned and the most comfortable car to drive. Very good economy for a large car, consistantly 21 in town and 29 - 31 mpg on the interstate. The only major repair necessary on any of the 5 was a transmission service at 125K miles on the 1988. None have ever used oil and the GM 3.8L V6 is bullet proof and very quiet. If looking at pre-owned, I highly recommend finding one with the touring package. Ill be keeping the two I have now until the wheels fall off.

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  My favorate car - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By poppy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the finast car I have owned. It is so smooth riding. The only problem in the 4000 miles that I have had is a sticking drivers door and that was fixed in 10 minutes. Dealership is the greatest in South Florida. I would give this car a 9

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  Best car out of 18 in 20 years ... - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By thin41 - April 7 - 11:26 pm

  The quality, smooth ride and handling, power of the Buick Park Avenue is outstanding and exceptional. I have owned a LeSabre and a Century, but this leather recliner on wheels out performs all cars I have had and is like a little piece of heaven :) Too bad Buick does not manufacture anymore :( 10 out of 10 in my book.

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  Another Buick - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By vuittion - March 18 - 11:50 am

  I would have to say that over all this is the last car that I would buy for a long while. This car may be big but it is stylish and is one of its own class of cars. When i drive this car I feel the long history of true American Style every time I drive my car it feels as if I am driving a car from the 50s the craftsmanship, the style, the look and the handling its what Buick has for years always offered with its cars my Park Avenue is by far the best, reliable, dependable and going strong at 110000 miles and will for a long time to come. My hat goes to the designers of this car they truly made one hell of a good car.

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  Great Car - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By cmann - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new and have enjoyed it ever since. It is the second Park Ave. that I have owned after owning Cadillacs. Had 1 problem with the electronic dash, dealer fixed it under warranty and have not had any problems since. The back seat is slightly smaller than my lst Park Ave., but still quite comfortable. The suspension has really been improved and rides as smoothly has the Japanese Luxury cars. I bought it fully loaded and love all the bells and whistles.