1993 Buick Riviera 3.8 pushrod V6 from Liechtenstein
Summary:
Rivieras make me happy
Faults:
First was the water pump. This is typical though.
Next it needed new transmission lines, they were leaking. It is a problem with this model as they age.
Passenger window is starting to "creep." This is on and off.
CD player is inoperative. I installed an aftermarket unit. Factory speakers are good.
Power antenna stays up. This doesn't really bother me.
Factory key fob works about 50% of the time and is very random. When this feature works it gives reason to celebrate.
General Comments:
My first car. I'm 21, its still the only car I've had. Most of my friends have gone through two or three.
Regardless of all of its minor issues, I am in love with this car.
It is loaded with luxury and is absurdly comfortable.
The seats are made of soft leather and are very roomy and adjustable to any position on the x-y-z plane I believe.
I am a sucker for the ornate digital instrumentation which is a signature of this vintage riv.
The styling is unique and lovable. The body dates back to 1989 but it still impresses others.
The engine performs excellently and provides ample acceleration at any speed. Remarkable for a heavy coupe.
The GM 3.8 V6 is invincible.
The suspension is soft so it gets floaty on bumps and it feels loose on sharp turns.
My cars name is the "Amsterico"
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th August, 2004
26th Aug 2006, 20:37
I feel every person is entitled to their opinion. If the person likes the car he likes the car, period. I know many people who have hated their first car after driving it for an extended period of time, and I myself am considering buying a Riviera for my first car. So this particular opinion is useful!
23rd Sep 2006, 19:30
Of course the young man is entitled to his opinion. And it WAS a valid, informative opinion. When it comes to cars, many young people are very knowledgeable, even though they haven't owned many. I'd hate to think that one could render a pertinent opinion only after having owned 12 cars over thirty-five years. Now, that IS ridiculous. Using that logic, none of us could make a valid comment about anything unless we've owned 12 of them and were at least 50 years old.
19th Oct 2006, 21:40
Well, I've never owned a Buick. I'm here researching before I buy my next car. But I'm 45, & I agree with what my Mom said when I was head over heels with someone as a teenager: "If you don't know what love is at 16, you won't know at 60." I've found it's true :-)
17th Apr 2005, 19:33
Read your Riviera review. With all due respect, and in appreciation of the car's styling, the fact that you've never owned any other car lends little credibility to a review. It's like being with your first girlfriend and saying she's great. Compared to who, to what? When I was 21 I had a 1965 Pontiac GTO. I loved her. And now she's a classic collector car. But only now, after owning twelve cars since then, can I make an all important comparison and give a meaningful review. The fact is, I wish I still had that car. But, sentimentality aside, will you still feel the way you do about your Riv after owning other cars or in 35 years from now? Not likely.