2003 Buick Park Avenue: Road Test
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2003 Buick Park Avenue ▼
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- MSRP: $34,600 -$39,725
- Invoice: $31,313 -$35,951
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Our road test for the 2003 Buick Park Avenue includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Buick Park Avenue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Buick Park Avenue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Buick Park Avenue help you decide if a 2003 Buick Park Avenue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Ultras impressively quick. Base models have ample power. Both aided by smooth, alert transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Base Park Avenue averaged 19.8 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Test Ultra averaged 15.3 mpg in mostly city work, 20.3 in primarily highway travel. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for base model, premium for Ultra.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
Standard chassis favors comfort over handling and delivers a cushy ride, though with too much float over dips. Firmer Gran Touring setup provides better body control without being harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Mushy, imprecise with standard suspension. Gran Touring Package reduces body lean, front-end plowing, steering numbness, but not enough to disguise Park Avenue's generous length and weight. Cumbersome turning circle. StabiliTrak works well. Brakes strong, but nosedive pronounced in quick stops, especially with base suspension.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
Nicely quelled road noise. Engine only mildly intrusive in full-throttle acceleration, wind only above 65 mph.
CONTROLS
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Gauge layout seems squeezed into dashboard, though available head-up display suits some drivers. Lots of buttons, switches, and not always logically grouped. Oddly, traction-control on/off switch is at tip of transmission shift lever. Cabin decor is old-school Americana, with lots of shiny faux wood. Ultra's plastic center console bin covers work with embarrassing lack of smoothness.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
Abundant head and leg room on comfortable seats, though bench seat is too narrow for three adults. Available buckets hold driver in place better. Outboard front safety belts anchor to seat; they're easy to reach, but not all testers find them a comfortable fit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Roomy for two adults and more spacious than in LeSabre, Buick's other full-size sedan. Still, three's a squeeze, and slightly firmer cushion would increase long-distance comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
More than in most near-luxury cars. Enhanced by flat trunk floor and low load lip.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
In a class dominated by imports, Park Avenue gives up some prestige in exchange for traditional American room, power, and amenities at a competitive price.
Total Score
| Base | Ultra w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 66 | 59.8 |
Total Score: 65
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