Market Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan, often considered a personal luxury car with a strong emphasis on comfort and a V8 powertrain.
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler New Yorker, Oldsmobile 98
Unique Selling Points:
Rear-wheel drive, body-on-frame construction (shared with Chevrolet Caprice), powerful V8 engine, spacious interior, comfort-oriented suspension.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic), drivetrain (driveshaft, differentials, axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, power assist, parking brake), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, climate control electrical components
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, HVAC system (mechanical and electrical components)
Safety Systems:
ABS system diagnostics and repair, airbag system (if equipped) basic information.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes), lubrication, tire rotation, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit diagnosis, fault code interpretation (OBD-I)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and assembly, adjustments, calibrations, major component overhauls (engine, transmission)
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Body And Frame:
Repair of body panels, doors, hinges, latches, window regulators, chassis frame alignment and repair.
Diagnostics Codes:
Detailed explanations and procedures for retrieving and interpreting OBD-I diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and transmission.
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling (R-134a transition period, but likely R-12 for '93), system charging, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser).
Depth:
Complete factory-level service and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Engine Description:
5.7L (350 cubic inch) Tuned Port Injection (TPI) V8
Displacement:
5.7 Liters (350 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 4000 RPM
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Tuned Port Injection (TPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 15 quarts (14.2 liters) with 50/50 antifreeze/water mix
Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
API SG, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for climate variations)
0 To 60 Mph:
Approximately 9.0 - 10.0 seconds (depending on test conditions and specific vehicle configuration).
Length:
Approximately 214.7 inches (5453 mm)
Width:
Approximately 79.1 inches (2009 mm)
Height:
Approximately 54.6 inches (1387 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 117.5 inches (2984 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4200-4400 lbs (1905-2000 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5300-5500 lbs (2404-2495 kg)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 115 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 21 cubic feet
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Not typically rated by NHTSA for this era, but considered stable due to low center of gravity and wide track.
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 2-stage ABS on front and rear wheels)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, shoulder belts with manual retractors.
Crumple Zones:
Front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil quality).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years, or under severe service conditions.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 24,000 miles or 2 years for traditional green coolant, or as per extended life coolant manufacturer recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Typically around 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (meeting GM specification GM 4734-M)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid)
Common Complaints:
Water pump leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, carburetor issues (if applicable to later models, though TPI is standard for '93), AC system leaks, suspension component wear (ball joints, bushings), power window motor failures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common in vehicles of this era, particularly related to grounds, wiring harnesses, and module failures.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, luxurious, and well-built vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic. The Roadmaster embodies this tradition.
Roadmaster Revival:
The 1993 model marked the reintroduction of the Roadmaster nameplate after a hiatus, built on GM's robust B-body platform, a design dating back to the late 1970s but significantly updated.
Production Location:
Arlington Assembly, Arlington, Texas, USA
Production Years:
1991-1996 (for this generation)