1996 Buick Skylark Custom 2.4 liter from North America

Summary:

When it runs it's OK

Faults:

I had to replace the water pump.

I had to replace the catalytic converter.

I had to have the water pump replaced again! (warranty from the repair man covered it).

I had to replace the ignition coil housing.

I had to have the coil assembly housing and the ignition coil replaced.

I had to have the catalytic converter changed again.

It has quit again! We believe it is the fuel injection.

I just want to get it fixed, and next month pay it off and drive it around the block one more time before it quits again!!!

General Comments:

When it is running... it drives fairly well. I have no complaints with the way it handles or rides, just that lately it doesn't do it very often. I have put mega bucks in this car and am determined to drive it at least once after it is paid off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 2002

8th Sep 2003, 13:49

My son has this "dog"---- (the 2.4 liter dual-overhead version)

Repair costs are ASTRONOMICAL (if you can find a mechanic who will work on it)

Example...replacing the water pump (which is driven by the timing chain... there are printed procedures... the cost is almost $700.00)

Enough said...

1996 Buick Skylark Limited from North America

Summary:

It is a nice car, but the brakes are a real problem.

Faults:

The worst problem is that the brakes have had to be replaced about every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. I've had several cars before this one and never had to replace the brakes one time. I've replaced the brakes once a year since I've owned the car and I do not ride the brakes. I can't stand that. So it is definitely a manufacturers defect.

At 75,000 the window is now making growling sounds and I just last week had them replace the motor in the window. It now sounds the same if not worse. Did they even do anything to it?

At about 35,000 I had to have new struts and and shocks put on my car. This is very expensive.

The trunk latch, since I bought the car, has never shut right. You have to slam it about 5 times for it to shut.

I hear the sound of wind in the passenger window, but the dealer says the seal is tight. No leaking but the sound drives me crazy at times.

Air conditioner has been redone 2 times in the last year. I don't even use air that much. I like natural air. But it's nice to have when it's really humid.

Every time I go to get an oil change, some kind of hose is leaking and needs replaced.

The car as far as handing and comfort is very good. I love it in that department. Pick up and go on the high way is very good too. No hesitation.

The list could go on and on, but the worst thing is the brakes. I cannot say enough about them. If the brakes could have been fixed or I didn't have to pay for them. Overall the car would have been a good car.

General Comments:

The brakes on this car really need improvement.

The car handles nicely.

Seems to need a lot of repairs, if I didn't have the extended warranty I would be broke.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th January, 2002

14th Jul 2006, 18:00

Very good article. I also have had to replace rear shocks, front struts, brakes twice in last year, alternator, ignition switch, and now I believe all four window motors are going bad. When I put the windows up or down, it takes 5-10 minutes to get them up as they will only go so far up and stop. Then I have to let them rest and try again.. Oh and by the way, the a/c does not work. I'm told the compressor is leaking.

14th Sep 2006, 16:09

I have a 1997 Skylark and I thought the problems I was having were just due to age. My trunk latch has finally stopped working. I had the same problem with repeatedly having to slam the trunk shut then it just stopped catching at all. I also have the slow window problem. My window has gotten so bad that it will only go up an inch or so and then has to set for a long period of time to try again. If I am going to go through a car wash I have to prepare a day or two in advance to get the window rolled all the way up. I have had the car less than a year and had to replace the brakes, alternator, battery and water pump all within a months time. But I do Love the car!!

1996 Buick Skylark Custom 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Just like McDonald's, fast and cheap!

Faults:

Replacement of the entire brake system at 50,000 miles.

Coolant system replaced at 65,000 miles.

Rear suspension replaced at 40,000 miles and front then rear again at 95,000 miles.

At 85,000 miles the oil pump was busted, leading to a seized engine and $2,000 replacement head.

Muffler clamp rusted out at 91,000 miles leading to dragging of the muffler down a highway.

General Comments:

This car is a pleasure to drive. Not too small and not too big. Comfortable for front seat drivers, but cramped in the back seat.

When someone is tailgating my Skylark, 5 seconds later they wonder where I went. Surprising power for a Buick. When I need to pass another vehicle, it is no problem to get past them. My friends talk about these 200, 250 horsepower cars. 155 horsepower is plenty for this little Skylark.

I would highly recommend this car for first timers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2001

1996 Buick Skylark Custom 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Very good solid buy

Faults:

I have needed to fix a coolant and oil leak on the car at 60,000 and I had a new alternator put in at about 58,000.

General Comments:

I really love this car. It has been fun to drive and is very peppy. I would highly recommend it. I had to do my brakes at about 21,000 but it was due to my bad driving style at the time. I love Buicks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2000

1996 Buick Skylark Custom V6 from North America

Faults:

I have less than 19,000 miles on it and I need new brakes, the same thing happened with the last Skylark I had too. I've never needed brakes that soon on other cars I owned.

General Comments:

The last car I had was a Skylark . I started having problems with it after 2 1/2 yrs. I talked to the manufacturer who gave me a coupon for $2000.00 off a new one. The new one is better except for the new brakes I need.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th September, 1998