Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped transportation, often for longer journeys.
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/300M, Toyota Avalon, Mercury Grand Marquis
Defining Characteristics:
Smooth ride quality, spacious interior, QuietTuning acoustic insulation, comfortable seating, extensive feature content for its era.
Primary Coverage:
Features, Controls, Maintenance, Service Schedules, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing, Safety Considerations
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-350 (typical for this model year and type of manual)
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine identification
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, fluid level check, general information
Brakes:
Brake system operation, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Steering And Suspension:
Power steering system, suspension components, wheel alignment concepts
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, circuit protection, instrument cluster, warning indicators
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, climate control modes, air recirculation, cabin air filter
Infotainment And Comfort:
Audio system operation, climate controls, power windows, power seats, mirrors, locks, keyless entry
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat LATCH system, traction control, StabiliTrak (if equipped)
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure check, bulb replacement (simple), wiper blade replacement
Do It Yourself Activities:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, checking and adding fluids, basic interior cleaning and care
Towing Considerations:
Towing capacity, trailer wiring information, safe towing practices, towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground or on a trailer
Safety Considerations:
Proper seating positions, airbag system warnings, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures
Depth:
Owner-focused, covers operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code:
L36 (3.8L V6 Supercharged)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3791 cc)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Induction:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with Supercharger
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.5 (with filter change)
Coolant Type Recommendation:
GM P/N 12346109 (Dex-Cool, Orange) or equivalent
Coolant Capacity Quarts:
11.0
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (typically for this era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (typically for this era)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional (StabiliTrak on some models)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Front pretensioners, three-point belts in all seating positions
Child Restraint:
LATCH system in rear outboard seating positions
Audio System:
Delco Electronics premium sound system, optional CD changer, AM/FM stereo. Available steering wheel audio controls.
Climate Control Tech:
Dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims, offering independent temperature control for driver and passenger.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist (Ultrasonic) was an available option.
Lighting Features:
Automatic headlamps, fog lamps (optional), interior courtesy lighting.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system with remote key fob.
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe service intervals.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Coolant Flush:
First at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 12345899 (Dexron III/VI compatible) or equivalent
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12377967 or equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
As needed, use a washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures in cold climates.
Common Wear Items:
Upper strut mounts, control arm bushings, water pump (especially on supercharged engines), fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system leaks, transmission solenoid issues.
Supercharger Specific:
The supercharger belt, idler pulley, and tensioner are wear items and may require replacement. Supercharger clutch/pulley may fail.
Electronic Issues:
Climate control panel failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent electrical gremlins can occur due to age.
Brand Focus:
Buick has historically focused on comfort, quietness, and a premium, yet accessible, luxury experience within the General Motors portfolio.
Previous Generations:
The Park Avenue nameplate has a long history dating back to the 1970s, evolving through various iterations of Buick's flagship sedan. The 2003 model represents the final generation of the Park Avenue, known for its refined chassis and focus on comfort.
Manufacturing Location:
Fairfax, Kansas, USA (GM Fairfax Assembly)
Production Years For This Generation:
1997-2005
