Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Full-size luxury sedan
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and refined transportation, often for longer journeys or executive use.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 1998:
        
        
            Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS, Mercury Grand Marquis
        
     
    
    
        
            Luxury Appointments:
        
        
            Plush interior, quiet ride, ample passenger space, often equipped with premium features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and advanced audio systems.
        
     
    
        
            Performance Focus:
        
        
            Emphasis on smooth, composed ride quality and effortless power delivery rather than sportiness.
        
     
    
    
        
            Purpose:
        
        
            To guide the owner in the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and care of their 1998 Buick Park Avenue.
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Provides essential information to maximize the owner's experience and maintain the vehicle's condition, replicating the official dealership-provided document.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Coverage:
        
        
            Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY procedures, towing, safety considerations
        
     
    
        
            Secondary Coverage:
        
        
            Vehicle operation, instrument panel, warning lights, climate control, audio system, seating adjustments, lighting, wipers, power accessories, fuel and oil recommendations, tire care, emergency procedures
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this model year and type of manual)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Type:
        
        
            Owner's Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine operation and basic maintenance, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Brake system fundamentals, steering system basics, suspension system overview
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Instrument panel and controls, lighting systems, power windows and locks, audio system operation, basic warning light explanations
        
     
    
        
            Comfort And Convenience:
        
        
            Climate control system, seating and interior adjustments, keyless entry (if equipped), cruise control
        
     
    
    
        
            Operation:
        
        
            Starting and driving the vehicle, parking, using various controls and features
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance, basic cleaning
        
     
    
        
            Safety:
        
        
            Seat belt usage, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures (flat tire, jump starting), towing considerations
        
     
    
        
            Diy Activities:
        
        
            Limited DIY tasks such as replacing wiper blades, checking and topping up common fluids, and changing certain light bulbs
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Covers owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not delve into complex diagnostic procedures or full mechanical rebuilds, which are found in service manuals.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            L36 (3.8L Supercharged V6) and L67 (3.8L Supercharged V6)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            3.8L (231 cu in) V6, Naturally Aspirated (L36) and Supercharged (L67)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower L36:
        
        
            205 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque L36:
        
        
            230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower L67:
        
        
            240 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque L67:
        
        
            280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type Recommendation:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (for L36) and 91 octane (recommended for L67 Supercharged for optimal performance)
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            GM Goodwrench 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (P/N 12346290) or equivalent DEX-COOL compatible coolant
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission:
        
        
            N/A (4T65-E was standard across all models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) available on Ultra trim, standard on some later models
        
     
    
        
            Overdrive:
        
        
            All gears are equipped with overdrive functionality for improved fuel economy.
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4 stars)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4 stars)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) available
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Side-impact airbags not standard, may be optional on Ultra trim.
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners
        
     
    
        
            Child Safety:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard; typically relies on seat belt routing for child seat installation.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Delco Electronics AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional). Features include seek/scan, volume control, and tone adjustments.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Automatic Climate Control (ACC) standard on Ultra, optional on base. Features digital temperature display and automatic fan speed adjustment.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control system for easier highway driving.
        
     
    
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Optional keyless entry system with remote transmitter.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended for optimal performance).
        
     
    
        
            Tire Rotation Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Check fluid level regularly. Replacement interval typically around 50,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions, consult service advisor for precise recommendation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 quarts (with filter) for 3.8L V6
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 12.0 quarts (11.4 L)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Intake Manifold Gaskets:
        
        
            Leaking intake manifold gaskets, particularly the plastic ones, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine overheating.
        
     
    
        
            Supercharger Coupling:
        
        
            On supercharged models (L67), the supercharger drive coupling can wear out, leading to a loss of boost and power.
        
     
    
        
            Window Regulators:
        
        
            Power window regulators can be a common failure point, leading to windows not moving up or down.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Components:
        
        
            Wear on front suspension components like ball joints and control arm bushings can lead to noise and steering issues.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Buick Legacy:
        
        
            Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, upscale, and reliable American sedans, often associated with a mature demographic and a focus on quiet, smooth transportation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Park Avenue Heritage:
        
        
            The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a prestige trim level to a standalone model known for its spaciousness and luxury.
        
     
    
        
            Third Generation Pa:
        
        
            The 1998 model is part of the third generation of the Park Avenue (1997-2005), a significant redesign featuring a more aerodynamic profile and updated platform.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Detroit, Michigan, USA (General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant)
        
     
    
    
        
            Model Production Years:
        
        
            1997-2005 (Third Generation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Previous Award Predecessors:
        
        
            While specific awards for the '98 model aren't readily available, its predecessors often received recognition for comfort and value within their class.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Perception:
        
        
            Generally viewed as a comfortable and spacious luxury sedan, though sometimes criticized for handling dynamics compared to some import competitors.