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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  Young Park Driver - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By youngparklover - November 21 - 11:53 pm

  Great Car, gobs of torque off the line. Comfy interior. Engine is coarse compared to Japanese makes, but not offensive. Had to repair the seat motors on both front seats to a tune of $1400.00. Very quiet car! Drives very nice. Like the Heads up display. Tire pressure monitor has I am sure saved my tire after I found a nail by letting me know before it went flat and driving on it. Great safety feature. Wish I had Stabilitrack and side airbags. Really Really love the Concert III sound system, really rocks. Dont like that I cant select CD from the steering wheel but can select am/fm. Huge trunk a major plus. Buy this car and youll be happy.

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  Too good to believe - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By jack - November 17 - 6:43 am

  Bought new and have been happy with this model from the gitgo! Acceleration, even today with 147,800 miles on er is truly amazing. Still get 30-31 mpg on hwy and 22 city at resonable speeds. Can burn all grades of fuel even though they specify premium for supercharge. If they wre still made, wed buy another even at the higher price of gas. If comfort is your desire this ride cant be beat either coss country (12 to 20 hrs. At a stretch) or stop and go city snarls. Style is still as good today as it was when first introduced. Too good to believe, ya, thats right, it is.

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  A pleasure to drive - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By forklift - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have the Park Avenue SE, and Ive been nothing but pleased. The 3.8 engine is capable of doing the job, and provides acceptable gas milage for a car this size. I drive in New York City, and the ride is pretty smooth. I wish the Gran Touring suspension package was available in all Park Avenue models, but cest la vie. Still, I would recommend this to anyone. Since Cadillac changed their body styles, I actually find the Park Avenue to look better. Finally, for under $40K, there is no other car that offers this much luxury.

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  Good decision - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By jam4568 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy to have purchased this vehicle. Because of its high depreciation, I got a real bargain. It is a loaded luxurious sedan in perfect condition with low milage for a great price.

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  Smooth machine - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By highegt - October 14 - 11:23 am

  This is the nicest automobile I have ever owned. Independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, premier transmission, one of Wards Auto World 10 best engines of all time, a curvy body and an interior as quiet/comfy as my living room topped off with 32 mpg on the highway - what else has all that?

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  Travel Tales - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Don Ely - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Have owned this Ultra for about 5 months, now. Just finished a 4500 mile driving tour around all the Western states. Great trip, averaging 28.3 miles per gallon fully loaded with A/C on all the way. Comfortable, easy driving. Have owned many (17) Buicks. This one is great, but its not a Roadmaster.Buick needs to revive the Roadmaster. Id buy in a minute.

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  A super car - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By EGOLDMAN - September 11 - 12:16 am

  I have 61,000 miles on my Park Ave and have almost no problems with the car. It delivers an amazing 31 mpg on the highway, 24+ in city on regular. It is very comfortable, and goes through snow like a snow plow. I still have 3 of the original Goodyear tires, and they still have decent tread. The car has all the electronic goodies, and none have gone bad. I am afraid to trade this car for the Lucerne because it is so good.

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  Ralphs view of Park Avenue - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ralph Marteri - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Having first decided to buy a US made car that is roomy and gets good gas mileage, the list came down very quickly. I have had six cars with the Buick V-6 engine, and it seems to be a decent compromise. Reliability has been generally good, and I am comparing that to three S-Class Benz models I have owned.

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  VERY PLEASED - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By WIDENHOUSE - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I ALWAYS THINK OF BUICKS BEING A CAR FOR THE ELDERLY. I AM OLD BUT THE STYLE OF OUR BLACK ULTRA IS NOT. WE GOT EVERYTHING ON THE CAR THAT BUICK OFFERS AND WE COULDNT BE MORE PLEASED.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Martin R. - July 15 - 10:46 pm

  I drive my Buick daily. I also take long trips. Iv found this vehicle to be one of the best cars to drive besides my Landcruiser. Those friends that have driven my car will be considering the Buick as there next vehicle. I purchased my vehicle after driving my wifes Buick Park Ave Ultra.