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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  Great Car Overall - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By JAB1998 - January 30 - 2:06 am

  Flaws are similar to other reviews. Ash tray was replaced once @ $125, but next time it was super-glued closed! This car gets over 30 mpg on road trips & about 24-26 around town. It is comfortable to drive, large trunk & back seat allow for passengers on trips. Drivers seat (leather) is coming loose at seam between front & back, but overall the interior is holding up well. With close to 180,000 miles on this 12 yr old car, I cant complain about some wear & tear. This car is loaded with features. I love radio & cruise controls on steering wheel, 2 memory power seats, & my favorite is the temperature and compass on the rear view mirror! I am sad that they are not making this model anymore...

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  My second leased Ultra - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By rdg - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Car is very comfortable. Get alot of complements - appears the new port holes get attention with Ultras chrome wheels. The 2003 addition of front and rear stablizer bars keeps the car relatively flat in corners as compared to the previous 2000 Ultra I leased. Overall I have found Ultras (2000 & 2003) very reliable and mechanically troub

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  99 Buick Park Avenue - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By zippy95 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  No repairs other than normal maintenance in 5 1/2 years! Great car, econhomical to drive - about 28 mpg on hwy, 19 in traffic.

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  happy with ole Bessie - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By toquinn55 - November 5 - 2:30 pm

  We bought this car from our neighbor. He had bought it used. I love this car. It drives like a dream. I has given me very little trouble. (Battery, plugs, tires, etc.) The only complaint that I have is the paint on the trunk has flaked off. Other than this, I love it.

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  Five years.... 208K and counting - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By turbochris - October 15 - 3:40 am

  I bought this car over five years ago for 1000 dollars because it had 152000 miles on it. Now it has 208000 and still going strong. I put rear shocks on it because my wife thinks its a truck. Its been on countless long trips, with no problems other than a blown tire after I ran over a bungie cord (hardly the cars fault) Rides smooth and I average 21 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on long trips. Been paid for and awesome. Yeah, its an old mans car, but no monthly payments and pure realiabilty make up for that!

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  03 Buick Ultra - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Buick03 - September 26 - 9:33 pm

  This Buick Ultra really looks good to me. It has some "sparkle" to it. I like the quiet ride and wonderful radio sound. Handles very good, and wonderful engine. I have had older Park Ave Ultras, and they have been great cars!

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  Ultra! - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Drew - September 17 - 7:30 pm

  i love this car. I dont know how the regular Park Ave is but the Ultra is awesome. The supercharger is such a convienience not to add I rarely loos the random red light races. I get 28 miles to the gallon which is great. It gets the best fuel economy in its class. If you dont have one I suggest you look into it. Great car all around.

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  1998 Park Avenue - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Bobby Hood - September 14 - 8:36 pm

  This car has given excellent service over the last four years. It has only had two major failures both of which had to do with the plenium (intake manifold) rupturing and dumping water on the pistons. Neither instance seemed to have harmed performance in any way. The only other problem--last week the power steering unit fell off. I do not remember any specific thing I may have hit in the road that could have broken the bolts, but the car has had a couple of jolts from things which I ran over at high speed. One of which was the recap off a truck tire at night. It did warp a rim. Its cranked right away (179,000 miles) and it has been a great road car.

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  Never again - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By LD - July 28 - 1:40 pm

  This car is absolutely terrible. Everything except the transmission and radiator has been replaced at least once and many components are the third or fourth generation. The trunk leaks, the headlights are as worthless as candles, 3 alternators, 2 steering pumps, 3 fuel pumps, 4 fuel senders, one PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, one water pump, multiple dash realys, air conditioning controls four times, and a myriad of other componenets. Currently, the rear defogger doesnt work and the fuel guage is out again. Not worth it, even if its given to you.

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  Best All-Round - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By DRM - July 27 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my Park with 89k miles and am approaching 100k with no issues. Drives and sounds like a new vehicle. My car was a one-owner with all service records. You wont find a vehicle with the same high mix of size, fuel economy, PRICE, dependability and comfort. Its the best all-round. I would highly recommend it as a used vehicle purchase. The only negative point that I see is the interior design - does not live up to a $30k+ vehicle. Exterior is very timeless and classy. Ride and fuel economy is excellent! I chose it over Cadillac (price and dependability), Lincoln (price and fuel econ)and Chrysler (dependability).