1998 Buick Riviera review from North America

As like most Riviera owners, I had my belts, rotors and crank sensor go a bit prematurely.

I had to recently replace the fuel pump and a few electrical issues that were caused by negligence of full proper tune-ups by the previous owner.

The downside of the supercharged Riv is the cost of the repairs. For example, what should be a quick, cheap and simple change of new belts down at Jiffy Lube, due to the superchager, you have to completely drop the engine out of the car; a $900 repair!

It has held up *very* nicely.

Though when a light comes on, be prepared to be hit hard. : (

Overall, for a car with over 100,000 miles, I haven't had to throw much money at this car. And it's greatest selling point is of course its styling. Friends are always wondering what the heck I'm driving and how I can afford it. After only seeing the 'R' emblems ('Buick' is nowhere to be found on the outside of the car), a few people in my family thought it was some sort of new sporty Rolls Royce.

There is definitely no shortage of power here either. I've stomped a few pesky ricers with the cheese slicers on their trunks around town. And I was neck to neck with my friend's 92 5.0 Mustang until about 120mph (he would beat me after that due to his gear ratio).

The interior is.... kinda boring as previously stated by others. It's got the same ol' GM 'bench' dashboard. Though uninspiring inside, it is VERY comfortable. And with a trunk that could fit a Chinese family, this is a wonderful road-trip vehicle.

Regarding the fuel economy with a supercharged engine, I still get better gas-mileage than my friends stock Mustang and about the same as my fiance's V6 Accord! Not too shabby for a boat of this size.

My only beef is with the handling. I've owned three Buicks sedans now. And this has got that 'slushy' Buick feel - to an even greater level. While going at 60 mph, it can be a bit tiresome to maneuver around higway curves. The reaction time and control is simply sloppy and lacking. I sometimes wonder how some elderly women can handle the thing at such speeds without grinding into a few guard rails.

Though, I love the Riv!! Sporty, luxurious and like no other!!