1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy (city)
- Size and weight
Vehicle Highlights
A famous old name, last used in 1958, graced the latest full-size, rear-drive Buick, offered first as an Estate wagon. Fully restyled with a rounded aero look, Roadmaster used the same chassis and mechanicals as the Chevrolet Caprice and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser wagon--both redesigned for '91. A driver-side airbag was mounted in a standard tilt steering wheel. Antilock braking was standard. Only one powertrain was available: a 170-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. Wagons had woodgrain siding and two or three rows of seats, for up to 8-passenger capacity. A fixed-glass "vista roof" sat above the middle bench, while a 2-way tailgate swung open to the left. Center and rear seats fold to create a flat cargo area, which can hold a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick Roadmaster sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Buick Roadmaster:
A 4-door sedan joined the Roadmaster wagon as an early '92 model, carrying a 5.7-liter V8 engine that developed 180 horsepower. That engine also went into the Estate Wagon, displacing the original 5.0-liter.
1993 Buick Roadmaster:
Change was minimal.
1994 Buick Roadmaster:
Dual airbags were installed, but even bigger news went under the hood. Roadmaster buyers got a modified version of the LT1 engine used in Chevrolet Corvettes. Similar in displacement to the prior V8, the LT1 sent 260 horsepower to a new 4-speed automatic transmission. A redesigned dash held new gauges, with climate controls higher and a knee bolster below.
1995 Buick Roadmaster:
Only a handful of minor changes marked the '95 models, including long-life automatic-transmission fluid. Larger, foldaway style mirrors were installed, and radios got bigger controls. Sedans wore new bodyside moldings, while Estate wagons added a shade for the "vista roof" as well as a cargo cover.
1996 Buick Roadmaster:
For its final season, the traditional-size, rear-drive Roadmaster enjoyed only a few changes. Engine coolant could last 5 years or 100,000 miles, and automatic climate control became standard.
Our road test for the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Naturally, not everyone needs a boat this large, but Roadmaster ranks as one of the better examples of this now-extinct breed.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick Roadmaster sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
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 Roadmaster includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Buick Roadmaster .
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:
Model 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (All years)
Engine noise:
The exhaust valves on the 5.0- and 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad and have to be replaced. (1994-96)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a clicking that can be both heard and felt, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
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 | $460 |
| Alternator | $195 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $780 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Exhaust System | $410 |
| Radiator | $510 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $290 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $305 |
| Universal Joints | $200 |
Our price chart for this generation Buick Roadmaster details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Roadmaster sedan | $2,800-3,300 | $2,100-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Roadmaster wagon | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| 1995 | |||
| Roadmaster sedan | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Roadmaster wagon | $2,700-3,200 | $2,000-2,400 | $600-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| Roadmaster sedan | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Roadmaster wagon | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1993 | |||
| Roadmaster sedan | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Roadmaster wagon | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| Roadmaster sedan | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Roadmaster wagon | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Roadmaster wagon | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
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 Roadmaster include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 115.9 | 115.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 215.8 | 217.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.1 | 79.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.9 | 60.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4211 | 4572 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.0 | 92.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.0 | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.9 | 37.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Roadmaster wagons started off with a single engine: a Chevrolet-built 5.0-liter V8 with single-point fuel injection, making 170 horsepower, connected to a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. A 5.7-liter V8 arrived along with the sedan, rated at 180 horsepower and yielding considerably more torque than the 5.0-liter. The Corvette-based LT1 engine installed in 1994 Roadmasters made 260 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. Although the block was the same as that used under prior Roadmaster hoods, most internal parts were new. The LT1 engine had one fuel injector for each cylinder, plus a stainless-steel dual exhaust system. A new electronic 4-speed automatic also entered Roadmasters for '94.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 170 | 255 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 180 | 290-300 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 260 | 330-335 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 13.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Buick Roadmaster include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Roadmaster |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
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 Roadmaster directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991-92:
Secondary hood-latch assembly can corrode, causing high latch release effort and possibly preventing hood from latching properly.
1991-92:
Shoulder-belt guide loop plastic covering may crack and expose steel subplate; seatbelt webbing could be cut in a crash.
1992:
Antilock brake system modulator can corrode and leak fluid; can reduce brake effectiveness and increase stopping distance.
1994:
Fuel-tank fasteners can detach, eventually allowing tank to sag and strike roadway.
1994:
Oil cooler inlet hose may be too close to steering gear, causing chafing; could result in oil leakage and fire.
1994:
On a few cars, paint between wheel and brake rotor/drum can cause lug nut to loosen.
1994-95:
At low temperatures, throttle return spring could fail, and engine speed may not return to idle.
1994-95:
Lower ball joint on a few cars sent to Guam and Puerto Rico can separate.
1995:
Improperly adjusted transmission linkage may permit shifting from "park" position with ignition key removed.
1995-96 station wagon:
Airbag caution label and roof-rack caution label were incorrectly installed on same side of sunvisor.
1995-96:
Wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification. This could result in wheel loss.
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