1997 Buick Riviera Coupe review from North America
"It's a classic personal coupe - GM should make more!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car is a pleasure to drive, however, it has had its share of needed repairs: wheel bearings, belt pulley bearings, radiator, power aerial, water pump etc., but this comes with a high mile daily driver.
The car has a trademark shudder in steering at low rpms and routine brake replacement, but it's still a fast, comfortable car.
We have a problem periodically with no-start issue. Insert key and turn - all the accessories power up but no crank over of engine. Have examined all possibilities including key chip - now have read that maybe it's a security triggered delay. We will be looking into that!
I have had a '91 Buick Regal GS and a '93 Park Avenue when I bought the Riv for myself - then my wife took it for her car. Both other Buicks reached 500,000 kms, neither ever taking a drop of oil (but similar issues as the Riviera is presenting). We also have a mint 1971 Cadillac with 45,000 original miles and a GMC truck. All GMs, but I now also have an '07 Suzuki SX4 (which will fit in the trunk of the Caddie).
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 litre supercharged Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 89000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 290000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Buick Park Avenue |
| Date of Entry | 15th June, 2009 |