1998 Buick Park Avenue from North America - Comments

Let's see, nothing major, what makes me mad is quality issues and part costs.

The plastic cover around the driver's side seat control broke off, I was MAD!

The plastic cover over the driver's side seat track falls off all the time, not broken, but it is retarded that it won't stay on.

The seats wouldn't heat up.

Ashtray won't stay shut, again this made me MAD! IT costs about 300 dollars because they can't just replace the broken part they have to do the whole thing.

This is an OK choice if you buy it used or can't afford a Lincoln or a Cadillac. It is a nice looking car, and has some neat features. I bought the car loaded, it has heated seats, dual climate zones, a sunroof, and a HUD. The HUD is a hologram that is projected on the windshield, so you don't have to look down at your speedometer, instead your speed is displayed right in front of you. The reason I didn't get the supercharged Ultra trim line is because I drove one and I didn't notice much more power than the standard 205 horse engine. I figure that on a 3900 pound car it needs at least 300 horse if you want some performance. You just can't compare this car to a Town Car or a De Ville. I know the Town Car only has 240 horse, like the Ultra trim line, but it feels a lot quicker. I have the touring suspension, and still I think heavier cars like the Lincoln and Caddy ride much much better. Don't get me wrong, It is a nice ride, but there isn't as much float to it as the other flagships.

Handling is interesting because it is a front wheel drive car. My turning ratio is great turning one direction, but turning the other it isn't as good. Still it handles quite well, and is surprisingly low to the ground.

Performance ESTIMATES: 0-60 7 seconds, and I guess the 1/4 mile in about 17-18 seconds. Don't worry though kids, you can still spin the tires, you just have to stomp the pedal to the floor.

Despite the stereotypes, the car does not ride as well as it should.

It needs more horsepower and torque preferably from an 8 cylinder engine. The supercharger is weak and is a waste of money. Also a pain if something breaks in it. Lots of money for 40 horsepower.

Less interior plastics, and a genuine wood trim wouldn't hurt, the one I have is plastic.

One thing I get a lot of complaints about is that in the rear seats there are no headrests. That is absolutely a must. The newer Park Avenues do have them though, but not having the neck support sucks if you want to sleep.

Weak air conditiong for the rear passengers.

Good sound system for being a stock setup.

The Cabin is quite large and can seat 3 adults in the back and 3 up front.

The trunk space is just awesome. That is one thing about having the front wheel drive, is you don't get the ridges and wasted space like in a rear wheel drive where the tranny is sitting back there too. Trunk space is great, it also has a pass through, if you are carrying lumber, (I don't know why you would in a nice car.) I think its about 19.5 cubic feet of flat useable space.

Handy steering wheel lets you adjust volume and air conditioning.

The front headrests are retarded because unless you lean back in your seat, which most don't, they serve no purpose, they need to be further forward so they can at least touch the drivers head.

Overall I like the car, but Buick had better make some more improvements to this car. I have heard rumors of Buick changing a lot with the Park Avenue. Check it out at motortrend.com. If you are too late, basically they said that the Park Avenue might be getting the 275 horse version of the Caddy northstar engine and switching to a rear wheel drive platform. Possibly a name change for it too. Then since Buick would be using a Cadillac engine Cadillac would only offer the premium 300 horse engine or maybe bore the northstar to a 5 liter. I think Buick has always been better then Pontiac and Oldsmobile. But being a GM "luxury" car maker they are in Cadillacs shadow. In conclusion, this car is a good choice for the high 30 thousand range, but a better choice, if you are looking for ride and power would be a Cadillac or a Town Car, or if you are a high roller, a Jaguar XJR. Look for one used, the Park Avenue depreciates terribly. A 98' is only worth about 10 thousand according to the Kelly Blue Book.

I Traded In my 2001 Caddy For A lower mileage 2000 Ultra and it is the best trade up I ever made. The supercharger Is awesome and the Ultra Has a comfort Level FAR superior to the De Ville for a big person (6'5", 280lbs). My next car will most definitely be a supercharged Buick.

Headrests are designed to prevent whiplash. They keep your head from snapping back during an accident. You can rest your head on them, but that's not what they're there for.

I own a 1991 Park Ave with 231,000 miles on it. I Just recently bought another one, off ebay 1995 Park Ave Ultra with just 62,000 miles on it. The super Charger does make a big difference 0-70 mph not so much passing at 65-75 mph. I once owned a 1985 Cadilac Sedan De ville. I prefer the Buick's. As a side note I own a 1997 Ford ranger and the switch that adjusts the heat/AC broke. Ford said I needed a new heater box $200 part $700 labor, and that's not even a luxury vehicle.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Maybe you don't look for the same things I look for in a car. I don't think that the Park Avenue is nicer than a DeVille, which is what I'm guessing was your previous car.

I'm sure some people have had good luck with Park Avenues, I was just saying that this model and ones like it tend to be on the cheap side, quality wise. Look, I'm not the only person on this website who has had bad experience with the 97-05 Park Avenue model. There are a number of other folks on this website that have had a lot of problems as well. If you are smart, get one used, and make sure it has been well maintained.

My car is always in a garage and has good care, but still, the chrome plastic pieces on the front bumper are starting to bubble up. They should have used metal (yeah right).

What difference does it make if you can go 0-70 one second faster? It isn't a sports car! I couldn't justify the extra price of the ultra model for 40 more horsepower. I drove both of them, didn't really notice a lot of a speed difference, (there was some) so I opted that I wouldn't get the ultra, save a little money and never have to worry about a GM supercharger problem.

Go look at the people who have left reviews for the town car. Pick a year, the vast majority have loved the car. With Cadillac and Buick Park Avenues, it just isn't the same. If you want true comfort, you have to go with Lincoln or something European. We could argue about Lincoln vs. Cadillac all day, but for someone who has had quite a few cars from both makers, I like the Lincoln better. Cadillac has done some nice things, but it's just not all there.

Technologically speaking, Cadillac is generally a step ahead of Lincoln, nowadays it's a few steps ahead of Lincoln, but that means nothing in terms of quality and people liking the car.

"The supercharger is weak and is a waste of money"

One of many clues in this article to let you know that this reviewer has not a sweet clue of what they are talking about.

I reviewed about 200 different cars on this site before buying my most recent car. Thank you so much for this site, and for the reviews and comments.

I purchased a 1998 Park Ave. I love this car. I have never named a car before, but her's is Sadie. This car has been a dream to drive and I have had no problems.

I will continue to check this site and to purchase from Buick/GM from now on. Thanks again!

I'm thinking of getting a used 1998 park ave ultra supercharged. my dad owned a '93 bonneville SSE with the 3800 SC engine. he just sold it last year and bought it new. there was never a problem with the supercharger unit. he changed the gear case oil once on it at about 100,000km which is more than the recommended interval. I would have no problem buying a 3800SC engine.

The idea of the supercharger is to give you some extra power from a standing start to give the impression of a V-8 where a V-6 will fit. it is no coincidence that the last generation of riviera was produced with far more supercharged models versus the naturally aspirated 3800.