2005 Buick Park Avenue: Road Test
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2005 Buick Park Avenue ▼
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- MSRP: $35,555 -$40,730
- Invoice: $32,177 -$36,861
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Our road test for the 2005 Buick Park Avenue includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Buick Park Avenue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Buick Park Avenue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Buick Park Avenue help you decide if a 2005 Buick Park Avenue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.7 |
Base models have ample power, Ultras are impressively quick. Smooth, alert transmission aids both.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.1 |
Base test model averaged 19.8 mpg in a city/highway driving mix. Test Ultra averaged 15.3 mpg in mostly city work, 20.3 in mainly highway travel. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for base model, premium for Ultra.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8.2 |
Standard chassis favors comfort over handling; it delivers a cushy ride, but with too much float over dips. Firmer Gran Touring suspension provides better body control without being harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6.8 |
Mushy, imprecise with standard suspension. Gran Touring suspension reduces body lean, front-end plowing, steering numbness, but not enough to disguise Park Avenue's generous length and weight. Cumbersome turning circle. Available antiskid control works well. Brakes strong, but nosedive pronounced in quick stops, especially with base suspension.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Road noise nicely muffled. Ditto wind rush below 65 mph. Engine just mildly intrusive even in full-throttle acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8.7 |
Abundant head and leg room on comfortable seats, though standard bench is too narrow for three adults. Available buckets more effective at holding occupants in place. Outboard front safety belts spool out from seat and are thus handy, but not all testers find them a comfortable fit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8.3 |
Roomy for two adults and more spacious than in LeSabre, Buick's other large sedan. Still, three's a squeeze, and a slightly firmer cushion would increase long-distance comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
More than in most class rivals, enhanced by flat trunk floor and low load lip.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Park Avenue offers traditional American comfort and amenities at prices that undercut those of other premium large cars. For that, it earns Recommended status--with emphasis on the Ultra model as the better performer and the better value in this line. Continuing slow sales and end-of-line status mean attractive discounts and other incentives should be available.
Total Score
| Base | Ultra | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 66 | 68.2 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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