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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  Newbie Park Avenue Owner, and Impressed - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By alaskasarah - March 24 - 12:46 pm

  I am a 27 year old woman living in Alaska, with two toddlers. My last car, a base model Honda Accord, was totaled in an accident and I bought this car yesterday as a replacement. I couldnt believe I found a 13 year old Park Avenue in cherry condition with 20,000 original miles on it. An elderly gentleman (is anyone shocked? ;-) had been driving it, but found it too hard to get in and out of at 75 years old so he very reluctantly sold me the car. It is like butter to drive, and quite zippy in acceleration. The interior comfort is second to nothing Ive experienced. I am six feet tall, and for once there is room to spare. The exterior is pure understated class. I couldnt be happier.

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  Nice car, no problems, Id buy another one - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By paul mockalis - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  My car was bought with 98k from a very small dealership. He put 4 new Eagle GTs on and fixed the stabilizer strut which was worn from normal wear. I had a set of front struts put on and left the rears alone, then tuned it up with a fresh set of NGK Iridium plugs,a K&N air filter and oil filter, and use full synthetic oil. The car runs,drives,and performs perfect,with no problems at all. Theres something to say about putting top quality tune- up components and oils into your vehicle,dont be affraid to invest a little money because the results will be very noticable.

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  nice car - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By william p. storti - March 13 - 10:00 am

  second time we bought a used buick,it is a nice car to drive very suprised that this car road just like a cadilac.

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  be careful - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By sad - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous problems with this car. Windows, air, heat, sunroof, auto seat, transmission. Every time Ive had to fight to get the things fixed even under the factory warranty. Even then still not right. Additionally the mechanic says there is a transmission problem and they still wont fix it saying there is nothing wrong. Crazy. Why cant the Americans build a car that holds up? And this is their top of the line!! Its almost like Buick has a policy of obfuscate. This is very disappointing to say the least. Im going to trade it on one of those imports. Sorry folks... I want to support American labor but it reaches a point....

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  13 years old and still a fantastic car. - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By jackt19 - March 8 - 5:37 am

  We bought this car when it was one year old, with 14000 miles on the clock in 2001, to be my wifes daily driver. By far, it is one of the best cars we have owned. Twelve years later shes only got 68K on the odometer and it runs perfectly. It has been an extremely reliable vehicle and is a pleasure to drive. It is very quiet at highway speeds, and gets exceptional mileage for a vehicle this size, 19 city / 30 highway. If youre hunting for a used example, you cant go wrong.

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  I couldve had a V8 - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By imagedude - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is so far a nice car to drive. I think - for the price - it is loaded with features. I really like the room (Im 64") and appreciate the lack of center console. All imports seem to have this annoying "feature" which is always in my way. The drive is smooth, though I wish it had the torque feel of a V8. Hey, its a big car, put a V8 in there. Even the 4.8L V8 in the Tahoe would be nice. Though 240 ponies gets me up and going I feel it lacking.

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  Review of my 2000 Buick Ultra - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By joshel - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is anexcellent, safe vehicle.

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  If it was only a little better looking! - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Alan - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  Overall Ive been happy with this car. I put on a lot of miles and averaged about 21mpg which is impressive for a car this size. The supercharged engine really boogies, and it has every option you can ask for. But it is not attractive. As my kids say: its a "grampa car". I did have problems with the rear struts and rotors, but that might have been caused by Brooklyn roads.

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  2-Ton Performance Sedan - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By bflowers - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The Buick Ultra is the best car Ive ever owned. All-steel body can really take the punishment, and the ten-way power seats wouldnt even fit in most cars in this price range.

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  Costly comfort - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By rcshn - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This beautiful, luxurious, roomy Detroit turnpike-mobile has been nothing but trouble. At 37000, I needed $2700 worth of engine work. At 38000, the starter died. At 40000, I had electrical problems with the transmission. The CD player hasnt worked since 1998. I like these big boats. Ive been driving them for 30 years. But my next car is going to be an Avalon, or Saab, maybe an older Lexus or Q-series Infiniti. Never buy this car without the Gran Touring suspension. Expect large repair bills early.