Positioning:
The Buick Reatta was positioned as a premium, front-wheel-drive personal luxury sports coupe, targeting buyers seeking a stylish and comfortable alternative to European sports coupes.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird SC, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird (higher trims), and certain Japanese sports coupes of the era.
Manual Advantage:
Provides vehicle-specific, technician-level information for accurate and efficient maintenance and repair, eliminating the need for generic guides.
Digital Benefits:
Offers convenience of digital access, searchable content, printable specific pages, and protection from physical wear and tear of traditional manuals.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting/Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Case (if applicable), Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension
Chassis And Body:
Brake Control, Brake Systems, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Tire & Wheel, Suspension
Electrical And Accessories:
Electrical System, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt Systems, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior Trim, Multiplex/CAN Communication (early implementation)
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, troubleshooting flowcharts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Specifications And Data:
Tightening torques, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free)
Printability:
All pages printable, allowing for enlarged image printing
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800 cc) naturally aspirated V6
Engine Code:
L27 (likely, for 1991)
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Central Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System Type:
Liquid-cooled
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not Rated (Vehicle Safety Standards of the era were less comprehensive)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not Rated (Vehicle Safety Standards of the era were less comprehensive)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Not Standard
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS) were standard.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, shoulder belts were height-adjustable.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure
Audio System:
Optional Delco-Bose premium sound system with cassette player, AM/FM stereo, and graphic equalizer.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with digital display was available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Early Multiplex:
Features an early form of multiplexed wiring for certain functions, requiring specific diagnostic approaches detailed in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SG/CD, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 in warmer climates).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Coolant Type:
GM Geniune Universal Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
Electrical gremlins, particularly with power accessories and sensors; aging suspension bushings; potential for starter/alternator issues; interior trim degradation.
Powertrain Reliability:
The 3800 V6 engine is generally considered robust and reliable, but proper maintenance is crucial.
Brand Focus:
Buick, as a division of General Motors, historically focused on upscale, comfortable vehicles, transitioning into more performance-oriented and stylish models in later years.
Reatta Concept:
The Reatta was conceived as a more modern, two-seater personal luxury coupe, moving away from Buick's traditional large sedan image. It was initially based on a modified Riviera platform.
Production Start:
1988 (for the 1989 model year)
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing Craft Centre, Lansing, Michigan, USA
Production Volume:
Relatively low production numbers compared to mainstream models, contributing to its collectible status.
