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 171 through 180 of 192.00-
Big car, great gas mileage - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
By TMM - January 19 - 6:36 amI bought this so I could have a big luxury car, yet also wanted to be able to get wife and all 4 of my kids in if necessary. Great on cruising interstates, and pretty good on curvy roads as well. Its very roomy and comfortable with a large trunk. Surprisingly great gas mileage, around 27-30 on highway. It has served my purposes well as a luxury car for business driving, yet its good for family trips. Its reliable with no mechanical or engine problems, and gets good gas mileage for a car of this size to boot.
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My best car - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
By Ian_Baker - January 12 - 12:43 pmDont believe the review that says this drives like a BMW. It doesnt. I had a 1984 BMW M6. Fantastic, but totally impractical. I bought the Buick as my winter car with 95,000 miles on it when 3 years old - my 3rd Park Avenue. I still own the Park Av, but not the BMW. If you want a car to zip along an autobahn buy a BMW, if you want a car to drive on the typical lousy roads that you get in New England, buy the Buick. The one I bought had all the toys, rear parking, touring package, heads-up display. Its a really great car. Dont believe the mileage - I get 18 "city" and 27-30 mpg, depending on how hard I drive, on the interstate.
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highway driving - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
By william ridenour - January 12 - 10:00 amvibration in front end when exceeding seventy miles per hour or more and no one seems to know why or explain the problem.
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same as above and below - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
By donny87 - December 23 - 7:56 amSame problems everybody else had, manifold melted oil and anti freeze mixed trahed engine found out when we replaced motor sensors were glued back on after being snapped , ,Nice, paint peeling off the trunk spreading like cancer the bug shield plastic wrap crap on the hood peeling, sunroof warped closes 1/4" lower on one side, control pad on both seats hang out, yup glad to know Im not alone lol
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Park Avenue SS - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
By y2khorseman - September 28 - 10:00 amFantastic car, never had any problems. Very quick and sporty for its size.
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trouble in ultra land - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
By Charles Weisling - September 16 - 2:00 amBought new 2/03, trouble from 1st 1,000miles. road vibration in front wheels. Dealer unable to correct with new lower control arms, new suspension, road force balancing, new wheels, new tires, and other means, all with GM approval. After many trips to dealer, forced Buick to re- purchase vehicle. My third Buick Park Ave, Ultra is my last.
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Very Good Vehicle - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
By Desrochers - September 11 - 5:16 pmVehicle is very good on icy roads. Very comfortable to ride even on long drives and many hours
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My Dream Park Avenue - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
By davidprescottaz - September 9 - 3:13 pmWhy did GM stray from the Park Avenue and create the Lucerne when they had this car in their line-up? Any idea how hard it is to find a bench seat in a car anymore? I finally decided to hunt for a clean PA and one finally appeared. Low miles and looks like it has been well cared for. Buick is pricing themselves out of the market place and has no entry level cars anymore, that is why I purchased a used Park Avenue. Talk about all the bells and whistles! I wonder if it will wash itself? I spent more for a used PA at a dealership so I could have the security of having an extended warranty for all the electronic items in this car.
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Best Bang for the Buck - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
By john stumpf - August 24 - 4:03 amYou wont find a better car for the money. Its size and safety (crash tests) along with the exceptional fuel economy are unsurpassed. Even the Accord cant provide what this car can. Too bad it has that senior citizen image. But then I bet those seniors driving it, have be around the block a few times and got a nice bank account besides. Do yourself buy this one and keep the other $20k in the bank!
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New 03 ULTRA - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
By Jake02324 - August 17 - 10:00 amTraded 01 Lesabre--what a difference in ride ,handling and looks. Only have 500 miles but still can not get over all the good features.Finally got the 2 memory seats AND the exits working correctly. Had not seen many around and then saw 3 like mine and a black one in 2 days!
