1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster: Road Test

More stable than its predecessors, with a firmer suspension than Chevrolet's structurally similar Caprice, the Roadmaster offers capable highway handling for a car of this class. The ride is smooth and steady, with less bounce over bumps and sway in the corners than a Caprice suffers. The big wagon feels stable and is easy enough to control at high speed. Steering is more accurate and the ride more controlled than a Caprice's. Even so, the generously sized sedan and wagon tend to bound and float over wavy surfaces. Antilock braking works well, with good control. Acceleration with the initial 5.0-liter V8 is good. Snappier yet, especially when passing or merging, is the 5.7-liter V8 that became standard for 1992. Hottest of all: the Corvette-based 260-horsepower V8 tucked into 1994-96 models. Those Roadmasters also contain dual airbags, rather than a driver-only airbag as in earlier models. Gas mileage is barely passable in town, but surprisingly good on the road. We averaged 24 mpg on a highway trip in a Limited sedan with the 180-horsepower engine, but mileage dropped below 16 mpg in city driving. Six fit easily in a sedan, and the wagon's rear-facing third seat holds two youngsters. The fixed-glass "vista roof" manages to brighten the wagon's interior. A roomy Roadmaster with Trailer-Towing Package can haul 5000 pounds. In addition to a large cargo area, the wagon has numerous storage bins and pockets. Sedans offer a huge trunk, but rearward visibility is marred by thick roof pillars. Controls are straightforward. Full analog gauges, including a tachometer, are better than Caprice's. Nine large climate-control buttons may be reached by the driver or front passenger.

Value for the Money
Naturally, not everyone needs a boat this large, but Roadmaster ranks as one of the better examples of this now-extinct breed.