1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1996 Buick Park Avenue
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1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue ▼
- Price Range: $900 - $2,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Acceleration
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Climate controls (early models)
- Steering/handling (base suspension)
Vehicle Highlights
Taking over the spot in Buick's lineup vacated by the Electra sedan, the Park Avenue wore a new body on an updated front-drive chassis with the same wheelbase, but eight inches longer overall. Oldsmobile's Ninety Eight uses the same design. Base and more posh Ultra editions came with antilock braking, a driver-side airbag, height-adjustable seatbelts, and Pass-Key theft-deterrent system. New tuned port induction helped boost horsepower of the 3.8-liter V6 engine to 170, and torque to 220 pound-feet. Also new was GM's electronic 4-speed automatic transmission, whose computer integrated controls for the transmission, engine, and cruise control.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick Park Avenue Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Buick Park Avenue:
A supercharged Ultra edition went on sale for '92, and Park Avenues could have traction control as an option.
1993 Buick Park Avenue:
Park Avenues earned a slightly stronger base engine, as well as new grilles and taillights. For the first time, regular and Ultra editions had different styling touches. Automatic ride control became an option, adjusting suspension damping in three modes.
1994 Buick Park Avenue:
Dual airbags were installed for 1994, and the Ultra's supercharged engine gained 20 horsepower. A dashboard switch could turn off the traction-control system. New options included a heated driver's seat and steering-wheel controls for the radio and climate systems.
1995 Buick Park Avenue:
Base Park Avenues got a much stronger engine this year: a Series II edition rated at 205 horsepower. Base cars also got a new grille, bodyside moldings, and fascias. New instrument clusters went into both models, while climate controls got larger buttons and brighter graphics.
1996 Buick Park Avenue:
Park Avenue Ultras gained 20 horsepower, courtesy of a Series II supercharged engine. Both engines got long-life coolant, plus 100,000-mile spark plugs. A new Personal Choice feature went into models with keyless entry. The remote-entry transmitter could adjust driver's mirrors, door locks, lighting, and other accessories to either of two settings. Also new was magnetic variable-assist steering.
Our road test for the 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Although the initial engine in this heavyweight sounds harsh at full throttle, the sedan is fairly brisk and smooth, as the V6 responds quickly. Engine flaws are more noticeable because the transmission shifts so beautifully--and doesn't slip repeatedly into and out of overdrive like so many 4-speed automatics. The Ultra edition's supercharger does its job well, with a noticeable increase in passing ability. Step on the gas and you get a spirited, satisfying response--but in an understated manner with no hint of raucousness. Adding 35 horsepower to the base engine in 1994 gave it ample power for most situations. Neither engine is particularly economical, but they could be worse. A base Park Avenue registered an average of 21.4 mpg in a long trial. Mileage around town, however, was in the 15-18 mpg neighborhood. An Ultra averaged 19.7 mpg, and the supercharged engine demands premium fuel. The Park Avenue's ride is comfortable, even cushy, with a soft feel from the base suspension. The car gets bouncy and floaty over wavy surfaces, and leans heavily in turns, which yield plenty of tire howling. The automatic ride control introduced in '93 reduces the floating sensation. Expect some firmness with the Gran Touring option, which got wide tires for better grip and handling, with only slight sacrifice in ride comfort. Steering in both the base and Ultra editions is too light, and doesn't center well after turns. Four adults sit comfortably in pillowy seats, with generous head and leg room all around. Even six can ride without undue squeezing, helped by space under front seats for rear occupants' feet. Wide doors permit easy entry/exit. Automatic climate controls in the Ultra (optional on base model) are arranged in two rows of seven small buttons, mounted low and away on the dashboard, thus hard to reach. That situation improved in 1994.
Value for the Money
Park Avenue has sold well and is certainly worth a look. Take note, though: LeSabres offer many of the same features at a lower cost.
Park Avenue has sold well and is certainly worth a look. Take note, though: LeSabres offer many of the same features at a lower cost.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick Park Avenue Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Buick Park Avenue includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Buick Park Avenue .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1991-94)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-96)
Coolant leak:
The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-96)
Cruise control:
Cruise control doesn't stay engaged, or drops out of cruise. (1991-95)
Cruise control:
If the cruise control doesn't stay engaged or drops out of cruise, the brake switch can usually be adjusted. (1991-95)
Engine knock:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number one main bearing. (1992-94)
Engine noise:
An intermittent rattling noise at start up is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991-95)
Oil consumption and engine knock:
Models with the 3.8-liter engine are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock during normal driving conditions due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transmission leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $725 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,270 |
| Brakes | $215 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,010 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $810 |
| Exhaust System | $610 |
| Radiator | $445 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $955 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
Our price chart for this generation Buick Park Avenue details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Park Avenue | $2,800-3,300 | $2,100-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Park Avenue Ultra | $3,100-3,600 | $2,400-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1995 | |||
| Park Avenue | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| Park Avenue Ultra | $2,700-3,200 | $2,000-2,400 | $600-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| Park Avenue | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Park Avenue Ultra | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| 1993 | |||
| Park Avenue | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Park Avenue Ultra | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1992 | |||
| Park Avenue | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Park Avenue Ultra | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Park Avenue | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Park Avenue Ultra | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Buick Park Avenue include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 205.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3536 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 170-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine was the sole Park Avenue engine at first. In its second season, that engine was joined by a supercharged version. Supercharging, also used on the Pontiac Bonneville SSEi and Olds Ninety Eight Touring Sedan, aimed to increase power without lag or non-linear delivery--two drawbacks associated with turbochargers. The 205-horsepower supercharged V6 powers 1992-93 Ultras. It got a boost to 225 horsepower for 1994-95, then 240 horses for '96. Meanwhile, the base engine gained a bit of torque for 1993, but kept the same 170-horsepower rating. A 205 horsepower Series II 3.8-liter V6 became standard for '95.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 170 | 200-225 | 4-speed automatic: 18/27 | 4-speed automatic: 21.4 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 205 | 230 | 4-speed automatic: 19/29 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Supercharged ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 205-240 | 260-280 | 4-speed automatic: 18/27 | 4-speed automatic: 19.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Buick Park Avenue include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Parking-brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth when applied, reducing cable load to rear brakes; parking brake might not hold the vehicle, allowing it to roll.
1992-93:
Transmission-cooler line in cars with certain powertrains sold in specified states can separate at low temperature.
1995:
Driver-side headlamp lens has incorrect aim pad number; if headlamps are reaimed using those numbers, result would be out of specified range.
1996:
"Key in the Ignition" warning chime, driver seatbelt-unbuckled warning, and other functions may not operate properly.
1996:
Backfire can break upper intake manifold, resulting in possible fire.
1996:
Cars were assembled with one or more incorrect safety belt and/or buckle ends, so belt may not latch properly.
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