1982 Buick Riviera Coupe review from North America
"A true American classic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission self-destructed in 1992.
Heater core replaced once.
A/C recharged twice.
Fighting rust is an ongoing battle.
At least two sets of CV joints.
Oxygen sensor.
Not bad for an old dog with gobs of miles...
General comments?
I love my old Rivee. most people don't believe it's a front-wheel drive, judging by its size. These were the days when American automakers used to sit down and actually use their heads before designing a car, not this modern computer generated crap. My kids even like it, it looks like a 80's version of a bonny and clyde gangstermobile.
Recently repainted the car "cheap" at a ma and pa body shop for under $1000. The engine has always run new like since the day it was purchased, and besides its original goodwrench oil, it has only sipped on pure synthetic oil for the rest of its 466,000 miles.
Recommended reviews
| A sci-fi headturner of a car |
|
| 1985 - Riviera Standard 307ci 5.0 The sweetest car ever!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 1982 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 Liter V8 (305 or 307?) Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 18 miles |
| Most recent distance | 466000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Caprice '78 |
| Date of Entry | 30th January, 2001 |