1992-1997 Buick Skylark: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1997 Buick Skylark and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Acceleration (V6)
- Automatic-transmission performance
Cons
- Noise
- Instrument cluster (early models)
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Steering/handling (base suspension)
Vehicle Highlights
Buick redesigned its front-drive compact for 1992, with striking "new age" styling. Wheelbase was the same as before, but overall length grew by 9 inches. Oldsmobile's Achieva and Pontiac's Grand Am, on the same platform, look totally different. Base and Gran Sport (GS) editions came in 2- and 4-door sedan body styles. Base models got a Quad OHC 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine; Gran Sports, a 3.3-liter V6. All Skylarks had antilock brakes, power door locks, and a split folding rear seat. Instead of an airbag, Skylarks had GM's door-mounted front seatbelts, which could be left buckled for automatic deployment.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick Skylark GS coupe Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1997 Buick Skylark. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1997 Buick Skylark.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Buick Skylark:
Adjustable Ride Control dropped to an option, as Gran Sports adopted a Gran Touring suspension. A stripped entry-level model joined the line, along with a midlevel Limited--equivalent to the '92 base model. Gran Sport coupes and sedans again topped the line. The base Quad OHC engine lost 5 horsepower. New features included a child-height anchor for the rear shoulder belt.
1994 Buick Skylark:
A 3.1-liter V6 replaced the 3.3-liter, as Skylarks added a driver-side airbag and optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
1995 Buick Skylark:
Skylarks got a new Quad 4 base engine with plenty of zest: 150 horsepower, to be precise. A new tubular rear axle put springs and shock absorbers on the same line as the back wheels. Automatic-transmission fluid now was supposed to last 100,000 miles.
1996 Buick Skylark:
A passenger-side airbag arrived for 1996, along with toned-down styling and a larger Twin Cam base engine. This latest version gained a new grille, hood, and headlamps, resulting in an appearance more closely related to other Buick models. The dashboard had a more traditional layout than the prior one, which had been criticized for oddly placed gauges and controls.
1997 Buick Skylark:
Given the extensive modifications made last year, the 1997 Skylark returns with few changes for its final season.
Our road test for the 1992-1997 Buick Skylark includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1997 Buick Skylark and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1997 Buick Skylark is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Performance from the initial base engine isn't bad, but that 4-cylinder unit--though quiet enough at cruising speeds--grows noisy and coarse at higher rpm. Acceleration is adequate, but the snarling and growling can annoy. Either V6 is more responsive to the throttle at all speeds, yielding brisk passing power. Road noise gets to be a problem at highway speeds, and poor sound insulation just adds to the unpleasantness. Unlike previous versions of GM's Quad 4 engine, the 150-horsepower variant for 1994 is smooth and quiet. Same with the slightly larger Twin Cam that arrived a year later. For that reason, a V6 isn't nearly as essential for comfortable cruising as it was in 1992-93 Skylarks. Base suspensions do a poor job of absorbing rough pavement, and lose composure in tight turns. An optional firmer suspension and larger tires make a Skylark feel more agile and responsive, without a big penalty in ride quality. Standard antilock braking is a plus, activating quickly in panic stops; but lack of an airbag on early models is not. Interior space isn't bad for four, even in the back seat. Rear leg room is adequate for adults, but there's not really enough space for stretching out. Access to the back seat isn't so easy, even in 4-doors. Clearly marked analog gauges are spread out so far on early models that those at the ends are hidden by the steering wheel. The ample trunk has a bumper-height liftover, but the opening is too small for easy loading of large items.
Value for the Money
Riding and handling better than prior Skylarks, this more modern Buick can still be a sensible choice, despite loud engines and poor insulation.
Riding and handling better than prior Skylarks, this more modern Buick can still be a sensible choice, despite loud engines and poor insulation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick Skylark GS coupe Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
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 Skylark includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Buick Skylark .
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:
TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992-94)
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. (1994)
Brake wear:
The front brakes wear out prematurely because of the friction compound. GM, and several aftermarket companies, have brakes with lining that will last longer. (1991-95)
Coolant leak:
Some cars mysteriously lose coolant because of a bad seal on the pressure cap of the surge tank. (1992-94)
Engine knock:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number one main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise:
An intermittent rattle at start up may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
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. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-97)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1997)
Ignition switch:
The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position or the accessories may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)
Traction control indicator light:
The Enhanced Traction Control (ETC) warning light "ETC OFF" may glow and the cruise control stops working, but there is no problem with the system. If the computer failure memory is cleared, everything returns to normal. No current fix. (1996)
Transaxle 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)
Valve cover leaks:
The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)
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 | $540 |
| Alternator | $225 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,105 |
| Brakes | $245 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $565 |
| Exhaust System | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $450 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $350 |
Our price chart for this generation Buick Skylark details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Gran Sport | $2,000-2,400 | $1,400-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Skylark | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Gran Sport | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| Skylark | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Gran Sport | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Skylark | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1994 | |||
| Gran Sport | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Skylark | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Gran Sport | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Skylark | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Gran Sport | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Skylark | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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 Skylark include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.4 | 103.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.1 | 189.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | 68.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.2 | 53.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2888 | 2941 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.3 | 13.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.2 | 15.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 37.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.5 | 33.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Skylarks have had five different engines over this 5-year period, starting with a 120-horsepower, 2.3-liter Quad OHC four and, in the Gran Sport, a 3.3-liter V6. Also optional in base models, the V6 whipped out 160 horsepower. The Quad OHC dropped to 115 horsepower in Skylark's second season. Both engines were connected to a 3-speed automatic transmission. No 4-speed automatic was available until 1994. A 3.1-liter V6, making 155 horsepower, replaced the 3.3-liter that year and was available only with the new electronic 4-speed automatic, which could be installed in other models. The base engine zoomed to 150 horsepower for '95, adopting a dual-overhead-cam configuration and Quad 4 designation. A counter-rotating balance shaft reduced vibration. Yet another base engine went into 1996 models, the Twin Cam, displacing 2.4 liters and developing the same 150 horsepower as the previous 2.3-liter four.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 150 | 145 | 3-speed automatic: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 21/31 |
3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 150 | 150 | 4-speed automatic: 22/32 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 115-120 | 140 | 3-speed automatic: 22/31 4-speed automatic: 22/31 |
3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 155 | 185 | 4-speed automatic: 21/29 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 204 | 160 | 185 | 3-speed automatic: 19/29 | 3-speed automatic: 20.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Buick Skylark include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Skylark |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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 1992-1997 Buick Skylark directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992 coupe:
Passenger's side easy-entry seat adjuster on some cars may fail to fully lock after seatback has been tilted forward and seat slid forward, then returned to original position; seat could slide forward in sudden stop.
1992 with column shift:
Misadjustment of "Park" lock cable on some cars makes it possible for steering column to lock while in motion and ignition switch is "off."
1992:
A small number of cars were assembled with incorrect right rear spring mount; in the event of a rear impact, the right rear wheelhouse flange could sever the fuel-tank filler pipe and spill fuel.
1993:
The neutral-start safety switch may have been fractured during installation which could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or not start at all.
1994:
On some cars, welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions.
1995:
If the starter fails, and the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, the high electrical current flowing through the ignition switch could cause a fire.
1996:
During deployment of the passenger airbag, the airbag can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel. This might cause the airbag to not deploy properly.
1996:
If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high currents flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.
1996:
Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
1996:
Steering-column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened. This could cause loss of steering control.
1997:
In rear-end collision, sheetmetal in left rear quarter panel on some cars may damage fuel tank or lines.
1997:
Omitted protective cover for underhood fuse center could result in short circuit and possible fire.
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