Target Audience:
Value-oriented buyers seeking an affordable mid-size sedan with comfortable touring manners
Segment:
Entry-level mid-size sedan / coupe
Competitive Advantage:
Lower price point than many mid-size rivals, roomy interior for its class, and V6 availability rare in this price range
Distinctive Styling:
Flush composite headlamps and wraparound bumpers unique to the Skylark generation
Engine Choice:
Optional 3.1L V6 alongside the base 2.4L four-cylinder
Comfort Focus:
Quiet-tuned cabin with soft-tuned suspension suited to highway cruising
Manual Type:
Owner's / operator's manual supplied with the vehicle
Coverage Areas:
Instrument panel, controls, operation, driving, service schedule, maintenance and owner care, appearance care, and specifications
Page Count:
Approximately 380 pages
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicator lamps and their meanings
Controls:
Headlamps, turn signals, wipers, cruise control, mirrors, and climate control operation
Seats and Restraints:
Seat adjustment, head restraint positioning, safety belt use, airbag information, child restraint installation
Starting and Shifting:
Key positions, starting procedures, automatic transmission selector operation
Driving Tips:
Braking guidance, traction considerations, trailer towing recommendations
Warning Devices:
Horn, hazard flashers, and other hazard-warning functions
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel, fuel fill door operation, fuel tank capacity
Scheduled Services:
Maintenance interval charts for normal and severe usage conditions
Fluids and Lubricants:
Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid specifications
Engine Compartment:
Fluid check and fill points, belt inspection, battery care
Tires:
Inflation pressures, rotation intervals, tread wear, and wheel changing / jack use
Fuses and Bulbs:
Fuse block locations, circuit ratings, and lamp replacement procedures
Owner Checks:
Recommended do-it-yourself checks between dealer visits
Appearance Care:
Cleaning of paint, trim, glass, upholstery, and carpet
Specifications:
Engine data, dimensions, and capacities
Capacities:
Oil, coolant, and fuel system capacities
Roadside Assistance:
Buick roadside assistance program details
Customer Assistance:
Owner satisfaction and customer relations procedures
Reporting Safety Defects:
US and Canadian government reporting instructions
Warranty Information:
Reference to the separately supplied warranty booklet
Parts Information:
Fluid and replacement part part numbers where applicable; full parts catalog not included
Repair Procedures:
Owner-level service only; full mechanical repair procedures are not covered in an owner manual
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base Engine:
2.4L (146 cu in) Twin Cam L4
Optional Engine:
3.1L V6 (MFI)
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Recommended Fuel:
87 octane or higher unleaded gasoline
Engine Type:
Transverse-mounted, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:
Approximately 150 hp (2.4L); approximately 175 hp (3.1L V6)
Performance Data:
N/A - exact output figures vary; verify with the underhood emissions label or service literature
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (supplemental restraint system)
Safety Belts:
Three-point lap/shoulder belts for outboard positions
Side Impact Protection:
Reinforced side door structure
Head Restraints:
Adjustable front head restraints
Brakes:
Power-assisted front disc / rear drum brakes
ABS:
Anti-lock braking system available or standard depending on trim
Daytime Running Lamps:
Standard on Canadian vehicles
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - not published in the owner manual; see NHTSA records for 1998 model ratings
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player and premium speaker system
Climate Control:
Heater and air conditioning with fan speed and blend-air controls
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control (steering wheel or stalk mounted)
Power Accessories:
Available power windows, door locks, and mirrors
Advanced Driver Aids:
N/A - modern driver assistance features were not offered on this model
Traction Control:
Not offered or limited; consult manual section for your vehicle
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles / 3 months under severe conditions, or per Oil Life Monitor under normal use
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect at each oil change; replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 100,000 miles (extended-life plugs); verify with maintenance chart
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API SH or better
Coolant:
DEX-COOL long-life coolant
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron(R)-III automatic transmission fluid
Brake Fluid:
Delco Supreme 11 or equivalent DOT 3
Known Concerns:
Intake manifold gasket leaks reported on 3.1L V6 engines of this era; monitor coolant level
Wear Items:
Front brake pads and wiper blades are routine replacement items
Battery:
Inspect terminals and hold-downs at scheduled services
Manufacturer:
Buick, a division of General Motors
Model Evolution:
The Skylark name dates to the 1950s as a Buick flagship; the nameplate became Buick's compact/intermediate entry and was redesigned in 1992 on the front-drive N-body platform
Final Year:
1998 was the last model year of the Skylark nameplate, discontinued after the fifth generation
Production Location:
General Motors assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan (N-body production)
Replacement:
The Buick Century and Regal lineup absorbed Skylark's market position
