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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  Excellent car....not ur grandmas Buick - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jake - June 2 - 8:46 am

  From the gorgeous, classy, yet timeless exterior of my silver park avenue ultra, to its sumptuous leather interior, Buick has put an eye to details in this car. Doesnt simply have memory seats. Its has memory seats, mirrors, radio, and climate control that is link to your individual key fob. The supercharged 3800 model 6 cylinder gasoline engine is known to be one of GMs best small engines, and mine happens to be supercharged. Effortless acceleration and highway passing power sum up this engine, and reliability is excellent as long as you maintain it. SEATS AREA SIMPLY AMAZING. My only complaint is possibly more thigh support, but i have very very long legs. Sound system is 2nd to none.

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  Best Buy - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ken Posson - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I like the car for its ride and plenty of inside and trunk room. I think the seats need more attention, although there are plenty of adjustments. I have owned two Buick Ultras and have had transmission problems with both. The warenty took care of it but GM needs to put more quality into their parts. I have compared them all and I have found that dollar for dollar, I cant beat the value of the Buick. I should also mention, that the Buick that I now have has all of the bells and whistles available and I love them all.

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  Our 2002 Buick Park Avenue - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jon White - May 4 - 10:00 am

  As daily drive, this car is performing very well. We have driven this car on four around trips from Virginia to Texas and back over the past 8 months. Fuel mileage on these trips has avg. 29 MPG while driving at or above the posted speed limits. Comfort level is very good. Its a very easy car to drive and enjoy.

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  New Park Avenue - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By A. Glockner - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Park Avenue for the 2002 model year. The changes made in ride handling and performance were amazing. Gas mileage on both city and highway combined is 26.7mpg. Simply outstanding for this large comfortable model. I strongly suggest get the handling package. It is worth the extra cost.

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  This Car Has Great Potential - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Susannah111 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We went from an S-class Mercedes to this car and find it much roomier, more comfortable, and far better on gas (28-29 mpg highway driving.)

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  perfect cruiser - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Garrett M. Benson - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the perfect car for any occasion. It is comfortable and gets incredible fuel miledge for the size of this interstate cruiser. I am only 24 years old, and I know that this is typically an older mans car, but I, and my friends my age, are very impressed. I clocked in on our last vacation a 500 miles tank of fuel and averaged 34.4 Miles Per Gallon!! That is truley amazing! Garrett

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  Best Car to Date - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Mark - March 9 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased my second 1999 Park Ave after trading in my first 99 for a 2004 Grand Prix. While the Grand Prix is sporty, it doesnt hold a candle to the size, ride, mpg and trouble free driving I have experienced with the Park Avenue. I routinely get over 30 mpg on the highway and over 20 mpg in the city, that is better than my 4 cylinder pick up truck! I purchase my current Buick with 57,000 miles on it and now have over 112,000 and have only had to perform routine maintenance on the vehicle. It is a comfortable, reliable ride that I never get tired of. I also have a 2007 Lucerne, but as nice as it is, I prefer my Park Ave and will replace it with another when the time comes.

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  Good Car - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By davermon - March 1 - 12:00 am

  Very good car with amazing gas mileage for the size and build. My Father and Grandmother both have Buicks, (Dads is a 92 Park Ave and Grandmas is a 89 Century). They both got great gas mileage, but not as good as mine! I get 34 highway and 26 city. It is a good heavy car that holds the road when driving and is good on ice with the automatic traction control option. The previous owner had the melted plastic piece on the manifold, but his warranty covered it and he told me if it happened again he would cover it personally. Havent had one major problem with it and the former owner only had the plastic piece problem. 157,000 with only one problem isnt bad.

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  Grandpa Car is Awesome - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Chase - February 15 - 1:30 am

  Excellent car! Ill drive it till it turns to dust. very good gas mileage and extremely comfortable. Excellent functions and features. Only thing missing is cup holders and a power sunroof.

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  Decent not perfect - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Scott - February 11 - 1:23 am

  Overall weve enjoyed this car. 7 years now and still going. Had to replace 2 of the 3 spark modules (these replaced distributors in the mid 90s) A timing belt-no engine damage though. Plastic cooling system part got leak. No major engine work. Annoyances- rust at the bottom of the doors, gas gauge kept falling past stop peg and finally broke. Ashtray got sticky and broke in open position. Power door locks on drivers side broke. Engine developed a moderate oil leak aroung 100K. Lots of power for a big car with a V-6. 4 adults are confortable. I am a very large man so it is tight to sit 3 in the front, but can be done. Flow through door from trunk has been handy though I dont ski.