1997 BUICK Park Avenue

Grandpa Car is Awesome

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Excellent car! I'll drive it till it turns to dust. very good gas mileage and extremely comfortable. Excellent functions and features. Only thing missing is cup holders and a power sunroof.

Top car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased used in 05 $4500 never regretted having a Buick. Best mileage 38 average 27 on long trips. We like the 8 way seats and all the gadgets that came with the car. We have another Park Ave a 92 and what a nice car this is our fifth Buick all Park Avenues. Today it has 155,000 miles and we expect another 100,000 plus miles.

comfortable but waiting for long run

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I just got this car from my dad who couldn't drive it anymore, reviews are helpful... Gas gauge dances all over the place, windshield wiper stopped in the middle of windshield on off position, door lock button and window button fell into door.. But its 12 years old. Engine runs great, smooth on the highway and very very comfortable. Cup holder folding into armrest is annoying. Love the safe feeling of the car, will ride it till the wheels fall off, changing oil to keep it going! Janet

same as above and below

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

Same problems everybody else had, manifold melted oil and anti freeze mixed trahed engine found out when we replaced motor sensors were glued back on after being snapped , ,Nice, paint peeling off the trunk spreading like cancer the bug shield plastic wrap crap on the hood peeling, sunroof warped closes 1/4" lower on one side, control pad on both seats hang out, yup glad to know I'm not alone lol

happy with ole Bessie

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We bought this car from our neighbor. He had bought it used. I love this car. It drives like a dream. I has given me very little trouble. (Battery, plugs, tires, etc.) The only complaint that I have is the paint on the trunk has flaked off. Other than this, I love it.

Good Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Very good car with amazing gas mileage for the size and build. My Father and Grandmother both have Buicks, (Dad's is a 92 Park Ave and Grandma's is a 89 Century). They both got great gas mileage, but not as good as mine! I get 34 highway and 26 city. It is a good heavy car that holds the road when driving and is good on ice with the automatic traction control option. The previous owner had the melted plastic piece on the manifold, but his warranty covered it and he told me if it happened again he would cover it personally. Haven't had one major problem with it and the former owner only had the plastic piece problem. 157,000 with only one problem isn't bad.

Shame on GM!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Sharp car but GM refuses to make good on all the 3800 engines damaged by plastic intake manifolds (class action lawsuit only gives you $50 or so unless the entire engine is replaced & then what you get won't cover it.) (GM wonders why people are buying other brands?) Replaced alternator, battery, pwr st. pump, transmission parts, warped rotors, Intake manifold, I/M gaskets separately (which are now leaking again for 3rd time) ashtray replaced psgr seat controls replaced, wipers very erratic, Rear air shocks, front strut mounts bad, had to pull engine mount just to replace serpentine belt, repeated problems with rough upshift, (dealer says" no code, no problem") Gets 30-4o mpg highway. Nice ride.

Dependable luxury

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I purchased this car when it was 4 years old for a mere $10,500! At the time it had 71,000 miles and was in a very good shape. This car turned me into strong Buick fan and I don't want to part with it as long as possible. In the last 7 years I had some issues, but they were not serious enough to cost a lot of money. I was seriously considering buying another Park Avenue.

Five years.... 208K and counting

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car over five years ago for 1000 dollars because it had 152000 miles on it. Now it has 208000 and still going strong. I put rear shocks on it because my wife thinks it's a truck. It's been on countless long trips, with no problems other than a blown tire after I ran over a bungie cord (hardly the cars fault) Rides smooth and I average 21 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on long trips. Been paid for and awesome. Yeah, it's an old mans car, but no monthly payments and pure realiabilty make up for that!

Never again

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

This car is absolutely terrible. Everything except the transmission and radiator has been replaced at least once and many components are the third or fourth generation. The trunk leaks, the headlights are as worthless as candles, 3 alternators, 2 steering pumps, 3 fuel pumps, 4 fuel senders, one PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, one water pump, multiple dash realys, air conditioning controls four times, and a myriad of other componenets. Currently, the rear defogger doesn't work and the fuel guage is out again. Not worth it, even if its given to you.

1997 Buick Park Avenue 4 Dr STD Sedan

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

With 3 children we needed room but didn't want a minivan. Bought this car with 86000 miles. Numerous problems that weren't major but irritating. The accuators on the a/c went out and would not blow through the vents $500. Window switch broke $200. Radiator leaked $250. Harmonic balancer went out $175. We like the comfort of this car. It was made to drive long distances. Good gas mileage and power.

97 Park Avenue Ultra

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This has been a very reliable car and is very comfortable to drive and is user friendly.

Big car, great gas mileage

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this so I could have a big luxury car, yet also wanted to be able to get wife and all 4 of my kids in if necessary. Great on cruising interstates, and pretty good on curvy roads as well. It's very roomy and comfortable with a large trunk. Surprisingly great gas mileage, around 27-30 on highway. It has served my purposes well as a luxury car for business driving, yet it's good for family trips. It's reliable with no mechanical or engine problems, and gets good gas mileage for a car of this size to boot.

Broken Buick

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

I bought this car from the original owner when it was 3 years old. The car has a pretty good ride and is comfortable. The biggest problem with this car is that many things have gone wrong with it and were expensive to fix. There was a problem with a plastic piece by the manifold that melted and filled the crankcase with antifreeze ($900). Water pump ($300) Some timing sensors ($550). Alternator, battery, serpentine. ($500). Starter ($300). Wipers won't return.

Disappointment

Performance: 2 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

We bought this used from a reliable friend mechanic. In no time the paint was fading and peeling, the plastic manifold broke & quite a big repair bill even fixing it ourselves & buying parts on the net. Air conditioning went & had to replace condensor etc, The front power seat mechanism works, but is popped out of the seat. Seatbuckles broke. Something has happened to the struts. We've nearly always owned GM since my husband retired from there. Owned an Olds that went almost 300K miles until hit when stopped. Only one time failed to start when the timing chain needed replacing at way over 100K. We have lost a bundle on this Buick. Really a shame and sorrowful!

AVOID AVOID AVOID

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

This is the worst car I have ever owned in my life. Poor engineering, poor build quality, terrible reliability. Every time I get in it, I wonder if it will end up on the tow truck again. My plastic intake manifold cracked, the coolant mixed with the oil and destroyed the engine. Cost 4,000 plus for a used engine. Other problems include 10" of water in trunk, failed steering rack, warped brake rotors, cracked leather, failed heated seat, constant electrical problems, broken door handle, door lock switch fell into door, burned out (and irreplaceable) dash lights. AC compressor bearing grinding, water pump, wonkie transmission. I rate this car a ZERO, but the scale doesn't go that low

Good decision

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I am very happy to have purchased this vehicle. Because of it's high depreciation, I got a real bargain. It is a loaded luxurious sedan in perfect condition with low milage for a great price.

Cruising Machine

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Large, comfortable, powerful automobile. Very good servicability except for belts. Excellent reliability through 143,000 miles.

Love My Ultra

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my Ultra in Woodbridge Virginia with 74,500 miles and it has been a great car. I like the size of the car and it rides like a limo on the highway. The only problems I've had was with getting the fan, supercharger belts and water pump replaced at 125,000 miles for over $700. I've also had the front brake roters replaced twice due to warpage. The car runs great still and I now have over 144,000 miles on it. I believe I'll get over 200,000 on it like the Olds Regency I still own with over 211,000 miles on it which my son crashed it for me.

1997 Disaster

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

I purchased this low milage car just recently from a person I know well. He took painstaking care of it. It looks brand new inside and out. Within two months the door lock button popped inside the door. The transmission failed and cost $1975 to rebuild. The ash tray broke and won't stay closed. The volume button on the steering wheel functions some of the time. The self- leveling feature has failed and I shudder to think what that will cost to fix. This could be a wonderful car if it was better built. I have had many GM cars over the years most of them purchased new (I still have my 84 El Camino) but this is the last one.

This Car Has Great Potential

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

We went from an S-class Mercedes to this car and find it much roomier, more comfortable, and far better on gas (28-29 mpg highway driving.)

I'll never buy another

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 3

This is the third Buick I have owned. The two previous ones were LeSabres. I have just spent $5100 on a new engine because the plastic manifold plenum used by GM caused my engine to fill up with water and caused major damage. The window switch has broken, the car gets water inside the passenger area when in a car wash or in the rain. The rotors have been replaced because of warpage, the water pump was replaced, the air compressor was replaced, the sensing wipers have not worked properly, the ash tray broke and will not close, the seat control panel snapped off.

not worth the money

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Too many problems for this price car. In less than 50,000 miles, new brakes around,new water pump,electrical problems, both power window controls broke into door,wiper control malfunction($500), traction control malfunction inspite of $500 repair to front wheel.

Costly comfort

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

This beautiful, luxurious, roomy Detroit turnpike-mobile has been nothing but trouble. At 37000, I needed $2700 worth of engine work. At 38000, the starter died. At 40000, I had electrical problems with the transmission. The CD player hasn't worked since 1998. I like these big boats. I've been driving them for 30 years. But my next car is going to be an Avalon, or Saab, maybe an older Lexus or Q-series Infiniti. Never buy this car without the Gran Touring suspension. Expect large repair bills early.

Beware 75,000 miles

Performance: 1 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

Look out if you own a '97 Park Avenue that is approaching 75,000 miles. I bought mine new, and bought an extended warranty. As soon as the warranty was up, the paint started cracking, the cruise control went out, the passenger door handle broke, the window switch broke, the door lock collapsed inside the door panel, the gas guage broke. This care sucks. I talked to Pitre Buick before the warranty was up on some of these things but got stalled. After the warranty expired, no help. I called Buick. There response: tough luck. Why not buy a new car from us? Buyers beware, Park Avenues fall apart after 75,000 miles.

The Best Car I have Ever Owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is the fourth Park Ave. that I have owned. I have 145,000 miles on this car now and I am shopping for another one just like it. It is a sporty large comfortable car. With only a few minor problems in the four years I have owned it, I would highly recommend a Park Avenue Ultra for a consumer who needs ultimate comfort and reliability, and styling.

I like my Ultra

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my first Buick Ultra in 1992. I drove it until it 1997 when it was in an accident. I didn't want to get rid of it because I really liked the body style. I did not have any problems with that vehicle until until I was hit. The Ultra I have now is great like the one before. I make sure all the maintainence is done timely and it has been a job to own. It is a great vehicle. When I buy another car it will more than likely be a Buick Ultra. I don't know of a better vehicle.

W. O. Long

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Has been an outstanding car. Gives very good milage, excellent performance, and overall fun to drive.

97 park ave

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

Vehicle with excellent potential. comfortable and quiet. Decent acceleration, good handling(with touring suspension) an honest 30 MPG highway and room for six -- in compfort Minuses: mechanicals not as robust as they should be. Replaced brake rotors twice from warpage, replaced a waterpump at 32000 miles (disgraceful), the power window switch has been replaced once and has failed again, the moisture sensing wipers have never worked properly -- but who needs them. Now, the oil pan gasket is leaking and it's a $375 repair, and I know three others with same engine and same oil pan problem. I'd buy another, though, as nothing else in the domstic market compares.

great car; but expensive to repair

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 3

I bought my 1997 buick in the spring of 2000; thank the lord I had mechanical breakdown coverage. I had to have total brake job; replaced intake manifold gasket, belt tensioner for serpentine belt, waterpump, rear defrost stopped working 165.00 to repair; wasn't covered. For such a hefty purchase price, there were quite a few problems. Now it's fixed; is now a great car to drive.

Park Ave Sucks

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

I have owned fords, gm , mitsubshi, and never have I had so much trouble with a vehicle, i have been in for major repairs (+$500.00) MORE THAN TEN TIMES since I purchased it new including computer, front wheel hubs, twoheatewr blowers, manifold never will I buy another GM product

Solid but overpriced

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

For a top of the line Buick car has to much cheap interior plastic. Build quality is poor. It hasn't left me stranded but I'm glad I bought an extended warranty. Repairs have cost between $3500 and $4000.