1996 Buick Riviera Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.71/5 Average
34 Total Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 34.00
  • Bought My Dream Riviera New in 1996 - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    I drove my 1996 Buick Riviera out of the showroom and could drive it back there today to sell as a new car, it still looks that fantastic! Ive taken excellent care of this car and its only been the dealership for all maintenance. It was my daily driver for 10 years with 112,000 km (70,000 miles) now. Only had 2 problems: 1. theres been an electronic bug in the tape player GM has acknowledged the problem but no fix, since it only happens one-in-awhile I live with it 2. I recently had to replace the ABS Pressure Modulator Valve which cost $50 for the part and $75 for labor. Otherwise, the car has been a dream and it still turns a lot of heads!

  • Supercharged Riviera - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    I bought this car for $260 in 2010. It had sat for 3 years. I put a new $150 battery in under the rear seat and drove it home 20 miles with no brakes! I had all 13 brake lines replaced. It needed a hood and fender and lights from a deer collision sometime before I bought it. I drove it to work while I was replacing body parts. I replaced all the engine pulleys and belts and hoses and radiator. The interior is flawless and the exterior is exquisite. It just looks fast! It is one of the fastest cars I have ever owned! I have used it to teach my son to work on cars. o2 sensors give false electronic messages. replaced both...runs better than ever! one hub bearing. 209k miles.

  • My Rivi needs help - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    I bought a 96 Rivi about 3 months ago, from a dealership. Brought along my then-roommate who said he was a mechanic. He declared my car worthy of purchase, and I eagerly bought this car. I have had numerous problems with this car, from the motor mounts breaking to the transmission failing to the car overheating a lot. But I will not give up on this car. I love the supercharged engine and how it growls when I step on the gas pedal. And I have yet to see another Rivi on the road, even tho I am driving this car daily.

  • Awesome ride by Buick. - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    I bought a nice 96 Riviera that is Supercharged for $400! It has been sitting for three years due to drivers sudden death. It was a very sad story. I bought a $144 battery and put under the seat. It started right up and ran great! No knocks but it had a great big brake line leak. I drove it the 20 miles home with no brakes! It was a comfortable ride and man the power was awesome! The buttery leather seats and carpet and still like new! It is like riding the the space shuttle cockpit! Tires and brakes were just replaced! Engine and tranny are superb! I have it at the shop now to replace the brake lines and I am looking for a hood and fender as it hit a deer just before it was parked

  • In my opinion - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    I got this car almost 2 years ago and when i first got it i loved it, i got it checked out before buying it and the car mechanic said it would be a good buy. Now two years later i have had to replace many many things and every replacement has been very expensive. the fuel mileage for this car is very poor. (granted my car is super charged). But this car is very sturdy and safe feeling which is very nice. In my opinion if your looking to buy this car dont buy it unless youre looking to do it for a collectors item since it isnt made anymore.

  • Enduring Love - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    My Riv is like the most perfect mate who you just know is going to break your heart someday. Our rocky romance was immediate. She was in and out of the shop constantly for the first two years...thank God for GM-Certified warranties! Fast forward 12 years and Im still as much in love with her as back then. Even more so because for the past 10 years all she has required of me is feeding and the usual changing. Ive grown to listen and know her like none beforehand. She might not be the most nimble and quickest of athletes on the asphalt but, she pampers me with an uncompromised ride, comfort, economy, and timeless styling. With 220K+, our days together are numbered and there goes my heart.

  • After Six Years - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    Have now put 88000 miles on it. It has 2 problems that were not worth fixing so I live with them. The trans lost 4th gear at 163k miles and the paint peeled badly from 8th year on. I was getting 27-28 mpg till trans issue. Now get 21 both city and hwy mpg as a 3 speed. Have always run regular with no issues. Car has now lost all its value but still starts instantly and purrs quietly.

  • Never had a better vehicle - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    I puchased my 1996 Riviera in 1998 and still own it today. I stopped driving it full time in 2005. It currently has 164,000 on the odometer. It had 39,000 miles on it at purchase I averaged about 19,000 miles a year when using it as an everyday driver. I couldnt see trading or selling this car for the "book value" when it is still in fantastic mechanical and cosmetic shape. I now take to car shows and believe it or not a lot of people dont even recognize the car as a GM or Buick. They havent made the Riviera since 1999 so there just isnt that many left driving around. I have trophyed in numerous shows and will probably never get rid of this car.

  • AWESOME RIV - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    Great car! Ive owned Caddies,Mercedes,Volvos and Vettes & this rates at the top! 31.8 MPG, peppie but refined with beautiful lines! Interior comfort to match Mercedes,sporty luxury as good as the eldoradoes but much better engine. I Love this car!

  • over 210000 mile running strong - 1996 Buick Riviera
    By -

    This car has been as good a car as one could ask for. Things have went wrong but car kept going down the road until I could get it fixed. I always traded cars every two yrs buying 2 yr old cars or less. Feel this car was killed off by buick dealers as no local dealers within 60 miles carried this model new. I had to drive 120 miles to purchase this one. And within two yrs car lost 50% of value. This car has turned more heads than the other 22 cars I previously owned. Gas mileage is very impressive with size of car and supercharger. the car is supposed to use high test gas but this car has never been run on it for over 150000 miles with no change in performance.

Buick Riviera Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area