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2005 Buick Park Avenue Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2005 Buick Park Avenue Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2005 Buick Park Avenue Review
Buick's flagship sedan gets revisions to grille and taillamps for 2005, and the base Park Avenue model gains the front-fender "portholes" previously reserved for the top-line Park Avenue Ultra. Both models have a 3.8-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. The base model has 205 hp, the Ultra is supercharged for 240 hp. ABS, self-leveling rear suspension, and leather upholstery are standard. So is a front bench seat for 6-passenger capacity; Ultra offers optional front buckets. Ultra has 17-inch wheels, the base model 16s. Standard for Ultra and optional for the base model are a firmer Gran Touring suspension, OnStar assistance, traction/antiskid control, and a tire-pressure monitor. Optional rear obstacle detection and a head-up instrument display are also available. Buick says 2005 is the final model year for Park Avenue's current design, which dates to 1997. It says the final 3000 Park Avenues will be Special Edition models with identifying logos, chrome alloy wheels, and available black-and-platinum exterior.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
News
Park Avenue lives on in spirit with the V8 version of the 2006 Lucerne, which ladles new styling and more-upscale appointments on the basic LeSabre/Park Avenue platform. An entry-level 3.8-liter V6 model aims to keep value-minded LeSabre owners in the Buick fold. The costlier, more luxurious V8 Lucerne uses GM's familiar 5.3-liter engine, newly modified for front-wheel drive and featuring GM's fuel-saving Displacement on Demand cylinder-deactivation system. Pontiac's upcoming Grand Prix GXP uses this same V8.
Meantime, GM has shelved its rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform and several new models planned for it, including a V8 Buick flagship sedan positioned upstream of Lucerne. GM eliminated the program as an emergency cost-cutting measure in the face of a severe profit squeeze brought on by slumping sales and the crushing cost of worker health-care benefits.
Meantime, GM has shelved its rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform and several new models planned for it, including a V8 Buick flagship sedan positioned upstream of Lucerne. GM eliminated the program as an emergency cost-cutting measure in the face of a severe profit squeeze brought on by slumping sales and the crushing cost of worker health-care benefits.
2005 Buick Park Avenue Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy (supercharged V6) |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling (base suspension) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Base models have ample power, Ultras are impressively quick. Smooth, alert transmission aids both.
| 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 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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Road noise nicely muffled. Ditto wind rush below 65 mph. Engine just mildly intrusive even in full-throttle acceleration.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
More than in most class rivals, enhanced by flat trunk floor and low load lip.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 58 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 79 |
2005 Buick Park Avenue Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/28/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $35,555 | $32,177 | $795 |
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| Ultra 4-door sedan | $40,730 | $36,861 | $795 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front split bench seat, 10-way power front seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, automatic level-control suspension, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Ultra adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 supercharged engine, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, woodgrain/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, climate controls, radio), heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights and passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, compass, rain-sensing windshield wipers, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/upgraded sound system, trip computer, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Gran Touring suspension, 235/55R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Option Pkg. 1SE
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||
|
Base
|
$2,140
|
$1,840
|
|
Traction control, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, climate controls, radio), driver information center (tire-pressure monitor, trip computer), rain-sensing wipers.
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Prestige Feature Pkg. PCR
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||
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Base
|
$2,150
|
$1,849
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|
Antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system, heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights, automatic day/night driver-side and inside mirrors, compass, universal garage-door opener, head-up instrument display, chrome alloy wheels. Requires Option Pkg. 1SE.
|
||
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Gran Touring Pkg.
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||
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Base
|
$285
|
$245
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Gran Touring suspension, variable-assist power steering, 225/60R16 touring tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Option Pkg. 1SE.
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Luxury Pkg. PCR
|
||
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Ultra
|
$1,875
|
$1,613
|
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Power sunroof, front bucket seats, center console, rear air-conditioning vents, 12-disc CD changer.
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5-Passenger Seating Pkg.
|
||
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Ultra
|
$185
|
$159
|
|
Front bucket seats, center console, rear air-conditioning vents.
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Special Edition Appearance Pkg.
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Base, Ultra
|
$0
|
$0
|
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Badging, chrome alloy wheels. Base requires Option Pkg. 1SE.
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Safety |
||
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Antiskid system
|
||
|
Base w/Pkg. 1SE
|
$495
|
$426
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system
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Base, Ultra
|
$295
|
$254
|
|
Requires head-up display. Base requires Option Pkg. 1SE.
|
||
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
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Base
|
$215
|
$185
|
|
12-disc CD changer
|
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Base, Ultra
|
$595
|
$512
|
|
Base requires Option Pkg. 1SE, Concert Sound III speakers.
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Concert Sound III speakers
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Base w/Pkg. 1SE
|
$295
|
$254
|
|
Power sunroof
|
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Base, Ultra
|
$1,095
|
$942
|
|
Base requires Option Pkg. 1SE, universal garage-door opener.
|
||
|
Head-up display
|
||
|
Base, Ultra
|
$325
|
$280
|
|
Requires rear-obstacle-detection system. Base requires Option Pkg. 1SE, universal garage-door opener.
|
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Heated power mirrors
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Base
|
$80
|
$69
|
|
Includes turn-signal lights, driver-side automatic day/night. Requires Option Pkg. 1SE, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
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Base
|
$80
|
$69
|
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Includes compass. Requires Option Pkg. 1SE, heated power mirrors.
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Universal garage-door opener
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Base
|
$100
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$86
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Requires Option Group 1SE.
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Cargo net and cargo liner
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Base, Ultra
|
$90
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$77
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Engine-block heater
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Base, Ultra
|
$35
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$30
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Special paint
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Base, Ultra
|
$750
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$645
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Base requires Prestige Pkg. 1SE.
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base
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$800
|
$688
|
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Requires Option Pkg. 1SE.
|
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2005 Buick Park Avenue Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Buick Park Avenue 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 206.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3778 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 19.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | Supercharged ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.8 /231 | 3.8 /231 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 205 @ 5200 | 240 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 230 @ 4000 | 280 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 20/29 | 19/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Buick Park Avenue 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Buick Park Avenue Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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