Positioning:
The 1994 Buick Park Avenue represented Buick's flagship full-size luxury sedan, positioned as a comfortable, quiet, and refined American cruiser targeted at buyers seeking premium appointments and a smooth ride, often competing with models from Lincoln, Cadillac, and Chrysler.
Key Competitors:
• Lincoln Continental/Town Car
• Cadillac Sedan de Ville/Fleetwood
• Chrysler New Yorker/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
• Mercury Grand Marquis
Distinguishing Attributes:
• Emphasis on ride comfort and quietness (often marketed as 'library quiet')
• Spacious interior with plush seating
• Smooth V6 engine performance
• Classic American luxury styling
• Front-wheel drive architecture (common for Buick luxury sedans of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid requirements, basic maintenance, fuel system overview.
Chassis:
Brake system operation, steering, suspension (general overview for driver).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, entertainment system operation, battery care, basic electrical precautions.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control operation (HVAC), locks, security features, seating adjustments, power accessories.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, jump-starting the battery, changing wiper blades, basic cleaning procedures.
Safety Features:
Operation and limitations of seat belts and airbags (if equipped, though airbags were less common or standard in '94 depending on trim/option), child seat installation guidelines.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic fuel conservation tips.
Depth:
Focused on owner education and basic operation, not in-depth repair diagnostics. Covers what the driver needs to know for daily use and routine care.
Engine Option 1:
3.8L (3800) Series I V6
Engine Displacement 1:
3791 cc (231.3 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Engine Horsepower 1:
170 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Option 2:
3.8L (3800) Series I Supercharged V6 (Park Avenue Ultra)
Engine Displacement 2:
3791 cc (231.3 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6, Supercharged
Engine Horsepower 2:
205 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine Torque 2:
275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (R+M)/2 recommended for naturally aspirated; premium might be beneficial for supercharged variant based on owner's manual recommendation.
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Transmission Model Standard:
GM 4T60-E
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transaxle (heavy-duty, for supercharged engine)
Transmission Model Optional:
GM 4T65-E (likely, though specific designation might vary slightly; often shared with other GM FWD vehicles)
Transmission Features:
Electronic controls, overdrive, torque converter clutch.
Length:
Approximately 205.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 74.6 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.9 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 110.8 inches
Front Headroom:
Approximately 39.5 inches
Front Legroom:
Approximately 42.4 inches
Rear Headroom:
Approximately 38.2 inches
Rear Legroom:
Approximately 38.1 inches
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 17.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 3500 lbs (Varies by option and trim)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 3700 lbs (Varies by option and trim)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Acceptable (based on available data for similar models of the era, specific '94 ratings may vary or be unavailable)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Acceptable (based on available data for similar models of the era, specific '94 ratings may vary or be unavailable)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not Applicable (Testing standard not yet established for this model year)
Active Safety Features:
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models
• Traction Control (often optional or standard on Ultra models)
Passive Safety Features:
• Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
• Front and rear seat belts
• Side-impact protection (internal structural design)
• Collapsible steering column
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems, CD players, and graphic equalizers were available.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) was a hallmark feature, offering precise temperature management. Manual temperature controls were also available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, often steering wheel mounted.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not typically available on this model year.
Bluetooth Integration:
Not available.
Aux Usb Ports:
Not available.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Owner's manual would provide specific guidance.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Typically recommended every 6,000 - 8,000 miles.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 50,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter, or as specified by GM's dexcool or equivalent coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30, API Certified. Specific GM specification (e.g., GM 6094M) would be listed.
Coolant Specification:
GM specified ethylene glycol coolant (e.g., Dex-Cool or compatible green coolant for older systems prior to Dex-Cool becoming standard).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron III automatic transmission fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
GM power steering fluid or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for refill (check dipstick when warm).
Common Wear Items:
• Intake manifold gaskets (prone to leaking on 3800 Series I engines)
• Head gaskets (less common than intake, but possible failure point)
• Water pump
• Accessory drive belts
• Spark plugs and wires
• Front strut mounts/bushings
• CV joints (due to FWD design)
Electrical Common Problems:
Dashboard illumination issues, power window/lock actuator failures, intermittent sensor faults.
Air Filter Example:
Likely AC-Delco A1643C or equivalent Fram CA3562, Motorcraft FA1352. (Actual part numbers can vary based on exact build date and supplier. Manual may list a GM part number.)
Oil Filter Example:
Likely AC-Delco PF2 (or PF35) or equivalent Fram PH13 or equivalent. (Actual part numbers can vary.)
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, quiet, and stylish American vehicles, often appealing to a more mature demographic seeking a refined driving experience. The Park Avenue is a continuation of this lineage.
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a trim level to a distinct model. The 1991-1996 generation represented a significant redesign, moving to a front-wheel-drive platform and adopting a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile compared to its predecessors.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembly typically occurred at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant (Michigan, USA).
Model Year Production Dates:
Generally, 1994 model year vehicles were produced from late 1993 through late 1994.
Automotive Journal Awards:
While specific awards for the '94 model are not widely publicized in a centralized manner today, Buick's 3800 V6 engine (both naturally aspirated and supercharged variants) was consistently praised by automotive critics for its smoothness, reliability, and power delivery, often receiving accolades in 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' lists in subsequent years.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Typically rated well for comfort and quietness, with mixed to average ratings for reliability, particularly concerning certain engine components like intake manifold gaskets on the 3800 Series I engine.