🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1995

Model Code:

J-body platform (GM E platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Personal luxury coupe

Positioning:

Positioned as a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped grand touring coupe, emphasizing a premium experience.

Key Competitors:

Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (earlier generations), potentially some luxury sedans depending on feature set.

Distinctive Attributes:

Distinctive styling, comfortable ride, spacious interior for a coupe, advanced (for its time) technology and features.

Powertrain Emphasis:

V6 engine providing smooth power delivery for comfortable cruising.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, do-it-yourself activities, towing, safety considerations

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this era's owner's manuals)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system basics, cooling system, exhaust system basics, transmission operation

Chassis:

Braking system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview, wheel and tire information

Electrical:

Lighting systems, instrument panel and controls, audio system operation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), basic electrical troubleshooting guidance

Body & Interior:

Seating adjustments, climate control operation, interior features, door locks, trunk operation

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning and care

Diy Activities:

Likely includes guidance on changing wiper blades, replacing air filter, checking battery terminals, possibly changing light bulbs

Safety And Emergency:

Operation of safety belts, airbag system explanation, emergency procedures, jacking and tire changing, towing precautions

Information:

Instrument cluster indicators and warnings, operating instructions for various vehicle functions

Depth:

Owner-level understanding of vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes that would be found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability:

Readable on Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems

Printability:

Printable on standard printers

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from a digital source, otherwise image-based (OCR capability not guaranteed)

Quality:

Digital reproduction quality (dependent on source scan/file). Typically high-resolution for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)

Engine Code:

L67

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)

Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V-angle

Aspiration:

Supercharged

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

285 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for optimal performance)

ECU:

GM's Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T60-E

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Only automatic offered for this engine)

Shift Modes:

Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Sport/Performance)

Torque Converter:

Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency at cruising speeds

📐 Dimensions

Length:

196.3 inches

Width:

72.2 inches

Height:

54.1 inches

Wheelbase:

107.9 inches

Front Headroom:

38.1 inches

Front Legroom:

42.4 inches

Rear Headroom:

36.1 inches

Rear Legroom:

31.5 inches

Trunk Volume:

16.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3550 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4400 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Likely 4-star (based on similar era GM vehicles)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-star (based on similar era GM vehicles)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or optional

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure, strong A-pillars

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and optional CD player, often with premium speaker systems (e.g., Bose).

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (Climatronic).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system

Phone Integration:

No integrated smartphone connectivity (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) as this technology was not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (consult manual for exact interval based on driving conditions)

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check manual, but typically around 30,000-60,000 miles for severe service

Coolant Change:

First change around 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (with appropriate coolant type)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate, refer to manual)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (with filter)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 1052744 (Green) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant (though Dex-Cool was not standard on this model year)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Engine Issues:

Supercharger belt wear, lower intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 series engines), occasional EGR valve issues.

Transmission Issues:

Potential for '3-2 downshift clunk' if not properly serviced, solenoid issues.

Electrical Issues:

Power window regulator failures, instrument cluster dimming or pixelation, BCM (Body Control Module) issues.

Suspension Issues:

Strut and shock absorber wear, control arm bushings.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable and stylish American vehicles, often targeted at a more mature demographic.

Generation:

This 1995 Riviera is part of the sixth generation (1995-1999), which introduced a significant styling update and platform change, moving to the front-wheel-drive GM E platform.

Previous Generation Traits:

Previous generations often featured larger V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, with a focus on traditional American luxury. The 1995 model marked a shift towards a more modern, front-wheel-drive coupe.

Manufacturing Location:

Lake Orion, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

1995-1999 (for this generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the '95 model are difficult to pinpoint without dedicated automotive reviews from that year, Buick generally aimed for a premium feel. The 3800 Series II V6 engine (which this supercharged version is based on) was highly regarded for its smoothness and reliability, often appearing on 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' lists in later iterations.