Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sedan/Coupe
Brand Positioning:
Buick offered a blend of comfort, style, and value within GM's lineup, targeting a mature demographic seeking reliable transportation.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Interior Space:
Known for a relatively spacious interior for its class.
Ride Comfort:
Emphasized a comfortable, compliant ride quality typical of Buick.
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of features and price point for the mid-size segment.
Instrument Panel And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard indicators, switches, and controls
Comfort And Convenience:
Operation of climate control, audio system, power windows, locks, and seats
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and auxiliary lighting controls
Safety And Security:
Seat belt operation, airbag system, anti-theft system, and child restraint information
Driving And Operation:
Starting procedures, gear selection, parking brake, and fuel filler operation
Wheels And Tires:
Tire inflation pressures, wheel nut torque specifications, and seasonal tire changes
Fluid Reservoirs:
Locations and recommended types for coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid
Maintenance Schedules:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, inspections, and tune-ups
Do It Yourself Procedures:
Guidance on basic maintenance tasks like checking fluid levels, replacing wiper blades, and changing light bulbs
Towing Considerations:
Recommendations and procedures for towing a trailer or the vehicle itself
Emergency Procedures:
Information on dealing with breakdowns, flat tires, and jump-starting the battery
Troubleshooting Tips:
Basic guidance for common vehicle issues and indicator light meanings
Vehicle Care:
Tips on cleaning, washing, and protecting the exterior and interior of the vehicle
Roadside Assistance:
Information on emergency services and contacts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug inspection, belt checks
Basic Repairs:
Wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, battery terminal cleaning
Fluid Checks And Top-Offs:
Coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid levels
Tire Maintenance:
Inflation pressure checks, rotation recommendations, spare tire usage
Winter Driving Preparation:
Antifreeze checks, battery condition, tire condition
Towing Setup:
Weight distribution, trailer lighting connection basics
Depth:
Owner-level, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Not a diagnostic or repair manual.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (for similar models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (for similar models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for similar models)
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front: automatic shoulder belts, manual lap belts; Rear: lap belts
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat lap belt anchorage points
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check fluid level regularly, change every 30,000-50,000 miles or as indicated by severe service schedule.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for conventional coolant, longer for Dex-Cool (if equipped, though unlikely for '95).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
GM Type 1 Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III ATF
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, transmission solenoid issues, dashboard indicator light failures (e.g., check engine), HVAC blend door actuator failures, some electrical gremlins common in GM vehicles of this era.
Buick Legacy:
Founded in 1899, Buick is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its premium features and comfortable ride.
Skylark Lineage:
The Skylark nameplate has a long history with Buick, evolving from a luxury convertible to a mainstream compact/mid-size car.
Eighth Gen Introduction:
The eighth generation (1992-1998) marked a significant redesign, moving to the GM W platform, sharing components with models like the Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
Manufacturing Location:
Wentzville, Missouri, USA
Production Years:
1992-1998 (Eighth Generation)