Market Position:
The 1992 Buick Riviera represented Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe, aiming to blend American comfort and style with advanced technology.
Competitors:
Competed against other premium coupes such as the Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark VII, and high-end offerings from Japanese and European manufacturers.
Key Features:
Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior, available Supercharged 3800 V6 and powerful 4.6L Northstar V8, Magnasteer variable assist steering, optional Electronic Control Suspension (ECS).
Engine:
3.8L (3800) V6 Supercharged & Naturally Aspirated, 4.6L Northstar V8
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4T60-E)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Disc, ABS System
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion, Magnasteer Variable Assist
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Independent Suspension, Electronic Control Suspension (ECS)
Electrical:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics
Climate Control:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Automatic Climate Control
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Frame and Structure
General Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Tire Rotation
Engine Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Component Replacement (e.g., spark plugs, belts, hoses), Fuel System Diagnostics and Repair, Cooling System Service
Transmission Service:
Fluid and Filter Changes, Transmission Removal and Installation, Internal Component Diagnosis
Brake Service:
Pad and Rotor Replacement, Caliper Service, Brake Fluid Flush, ABS System Troubleshooting
Suspension And Steering:
Component Replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints), Alignment Procedures, Power Steering System Service
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Wiring Faults, Component Testing, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant Charging, Component Replacement (compressor, evaporator), Blower Motor Service
Body And Interior:
Panel Repair, Window Regulator Replacement, Trim Piece Installation
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.
Engine Option 1:
3.8L (3800) Series I V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
231 cu in (3800 cc)
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Engine Option 2:
3.8L (3800) Series I V6 (Supercharged)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
231 cu in (3800 cc)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
275 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Engine Option 3:
4.6L Northstar V8
Engine Option 3 Displacement:
281 cu in (4600 cc)
Engine Option 3 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine Option 3 Torque:
265 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
0 60 Mph Approximate:
7.5-9.0 seconds (depending on engine)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher recommended for Northstar)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not extensively rated by modern standards, but designed with contemporary safety features.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (optional on some models)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, front and rear seat belts, reinforced body structure.
Infotainment System:
Delco AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD Player, digital climate control display.
Driver Assistance Features:
Magnasteer variable assist steering, optional Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) for adjustable ride height and damping.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB found on this model).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/oil type).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years (check manual for specific fluid type and interval).
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Specification:
GM Type 1 (Green) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Known Issues:
Early Northstar engines had head gasket issues; supercharger belts on the 3800SC can wear; some electrical component failures (e.g., window regulators, climate control modules); suspension bushings can degrade over time.
Brand Heritage:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for comfort, quietness, and a touch of luxury in the American automotive landscape.
Model Evolution 1992:
The 1992 model marked the second year of the sixth generation Riviera, which was a significant redesign featuring a more aerodynamic and contemporary shape, moving away from the previous generation's more angular styling. It was built on a re-engineered version of the GM E-body platform.
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors' Lake Orion Assembly plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years For Generation:
1990-1994
