Positioning:
The 1993 Buick Riviera represented Buick's entry into the personal luxury coupe segment, emphasizing comfort, style, and a smooth driving experience.
Competitors:
Competed with models such as the Ford Thunderbird/Cougar, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight/Ninety-Eight (coupe variants), and Chrysler Cordoba/New Yorker (coupe variants from earlier years).
Design Language:
The 1993 Riviera featured a sleek, aerodynamic design characteristic of the early 1990s, with a focus on a spacious interior and refined aesthetics.
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of American luxury, V6 power, and a comfortable ride at a potentially more accessible price point than some European or Japanese luxury coupes of the era.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive owner's manual covering all aspects of operating, maintaining, and caring for the 1993 Buick Riviera.
Specific Sections:
Safety Seats, Seat Belts & Supplemental Air Bags; Instruments & Controls; Pre-Driving Checks & Adjustments; Heater, Air Conditioner & Audio Systems; Starting & Driving; In Case of Emergency; Service and Appearance & Care; Maintenance and Do-It-Yourself; Technical and Consumer Information; Index.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this era and vehicle class, actual may vary slightly)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, starting, ignition, fuel systems, exhaust.
Chassis:
Brake system operation and checks, steering system basics, suspension basics.
Electrical:
Instrument panel, controls, lighting, basic electrical system overview, fuse information (location/identification).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (heater & A/C), audio system operation, power accessories (windows, seats, locks), interior features.
Lighting:
Operation and basic care of headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, and hazard lights.
Wiper And Washer System:
Operation of windshield wipers, washer fluid checks and refills, wiper blade replacement.
Passive Safety:
Seat belt operation and adjustments, child seat installation guidelines, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR/Airbag) system explanation.
Basic Operation:
Pre-driving checks, starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking.
Maintenance:
Routine checks (fluids, tires), oil change intervals, filter replacement, battery maintenance, wiper blade replacement.
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in case of breakdown, flat tire, overheating, jump starting, emergency contact information.
Appearance And Care:
Exterior care (washing, waxing), interior cleaning, paint care.
Fluid Checks:
Detailed instructions on checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.
Depth:
Owner-level technical information focused on understanding vehicle function, basic checks, and routine maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair.
Diagnostics Focus:
Provides information on understanding dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common driver-reported issues, but not detailed diagnostic flowcharts or repair procedures requiring specialized tools.
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800) Series I V6 OHV
Engine Code:
L27 (for 3.8L)
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Injection Type:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 octane)
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)
Displacement:
3791 cc (231 cu in)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (approximate)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Not explicitly available for this model year and era in a standardized format comparable to modern ratings.
Braking System:
Front disc / Rear drum (standard), with optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped on this model year.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear lap belts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and premium sound systems (e.g., Bose) were available.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (HVAC) with air conditioning.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and power driver's seat were common options.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initially at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (check manual for specific coolant type).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (check owner's manual for exact specification, especially in extreme temperatures).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron-III (or equivalent GM specification for 4T60-E)
Coolant Spec:
GM Type 1 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 (ensure clean and dry when topping up).
Common Wear Items:
Water pump seals, intake manifold gaskets (3800 V6), valve cover gaskets, accessory drive belts, O2 sensors, spark plugs, catalytic converter.
Transmission Issues:
The 4T60-E transmission is generally robust but can experience issues with solenoids, torque converter clutch engagement, and internal seals if not properly maintained.
Electrical Issues:
Can include issues with power window motors, climate control actuators, and dashboard warning lights, particularly due to age.
Heritage Summary:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped American vehicles, with the Riviera nameplate being a prominent representation of its personal luxury offerings since the 1960s.
Seventh Generation:
The 1993 model is part of the seventh generation Riviera (1989-1994), a significant redesign from the previous generation, featuring a more aerodynamic, sleeker profile.
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA (GM Assembly Division)
Production Years:
1989-1994
