1997 Buick Park Avenue Base 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Don't believe the bad hype, the Park Avenue is awesome

Faults:

Birds like to poop on it.

General Comments:

When Toyota diagnosed my Tacoma with 80 percent rot and rapid spreading, I had the unfortunate task of searching for a new vehicle to fill the void. She was averaging 30 miles to the gallon on the highway, and I knew it would be impossible to find a vehicle that would give me 8 years of 100 percent no problems.

I started my research, and quickly became attracted to Buick. I've owned several Grand Marquis (mind you I'm 19), and I decided to step down from a V8.

I found Bertha for 4995 on sale with just 75,000 one owner miles. She had just been completely serviced and detailed, so I bought her, and she's been a dream.

I get 22 miles per gallon city, and 29-31 highway.

The options are insane. I have all but the supercharger and heated leather.

It's comfortable, easy to drive and decent on gas for a car of this size.

Don't mind the bad reviews on here; if you can track one down that's been maintained right, then you can be sure that you're getting a good deal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2008

12th Jun 2008, 20:35

I am 23 and have driven a Park Avenue for about 3 years now (a '99 with 140,000 miles). It has been very reliable and I am currently averaging over 27 mpg riding in complete comfort. I am now looking at a loaded 2005 with 13,000 miles. It is pricey at nearly $25,000, but these cars are worth it. It probably sold for over $40,000 new just over 3 years ago. I would recommend this model for anyone who appreciates a traditional American luxury car. No boring Japanese cars for this kid.

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1997 Buick Park Avenue 3.8 from North America

Summary:

This is a simply wonderful car and should not be replaced with anything else

Faults:

My intake manifold failed at about 175,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable to ride in. It drives like a dream and is my all-time favorite car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2008

1997 Buick Park Avenue from North America

Summary:

I would not buy another Buick

Faults:

Fuel, starting.

I have a 1997 Park Avenue and would like to get rid of, but need it for transportation. Have one problem after another. I have had many electrical problems with it. Now it will not start. First repair the mechanic changed the module that gives spark to the spark plugs with some other module which was replaced. Car started and in a couple of days I had same problem again. Was told that the fuel pump was fine and was not the problem. No repair codes found on its computer. This time when I took the car back to have it fixed, it would not start for the mechanic and when he got in equipment hooked up the car started and now he can not find anything wrong. I can not rely on it anymore. Anybody have a clue of what might be wrong? When it runs it is a nice driving car, would like to keep if for the time being.

General Comments:

Handles great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th March, 2006

28th Mar 2006, 08:43

"I would not buy another Buick"

- What with the way that GM is going now, you probably won't be able to to that in the future!

28th Mar 2006, 15:41

Buick, Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab are all potentials for the chopping block as GM slides ever further towards bankruptcy.

10th Nov 2006, 23:23

GM would never phase out Buick. As of 2003 it was the only badge that makes a profit under GM. I think lately Cadillac has picked things up, and they would have been much better off canceling Pontiac and keeping Oldsmobile. Lately they have shrunk down, cutting employees and benefits trying to compete with the Japanese. I do own a Park Avenue, a 2001 model which I picked up used for $9000 a few years ago. It is comfortable and quiet with a little bit of "go" when its needed. I don't demand a lot of a car other than it be comfortable and quiet, but for that price I couldn't have gotten a 10 year old Honda Accord. GM is generally a good used buy because depreciation is so steep. I wish GM the best and hope they can turn around 30 years of bad management and labor relations.

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1997 Buick Park Avenue 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Sluggish, but comfortable

Faults:

Also seems to be the head gasket- received a tip that it may be plenum. I will check with the mechanic.

Other than that the car has been good- just a geezer boring car, bit of a dog off the line, but comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th January, 2006

1997 Buick Park Avenue V6 from North America

Faults:

Front seats continue to have problems.. head rests worst... electric raise and lower mechanism fails and has been replaced. Trim around base keeps falling off. Worst problem is that the head rests are too far to the back that they do not function as anything... in a crash you would have a broken neck before you head touched the rest... and it just will not serve as a headrest !!

General Comments:

GM doesn't think it's a problem. Car OK in most all other aspects..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st June, 1998

23rd Feb 2001, 20:16

"Headrest" is shorthand for Head "Restraint" incidentally. Thanks for your comments on this vehicle I am considering purchasing.

18th Aug 2004, 17:13

I am looking to purchase my first car and have been reading many user reviews before making my final decison. Iam about to purchase a 98-00 Buick park avenue I noticed no complaints of major problems with engines or transmissions . Iam looking for a reliable car that will stand the test of time and was wondering if any owner of the park avenue would lable this car as anything else.

Thank you.

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