The 1998 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, blending American comfort and style with performance capabilities, targeting a demographic seeking a refined and distinctive driving experience.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other American luxury coupes and some European models, emphasizing its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine options, though sometimes facing criticism for its front-wheel-drive platform in a segment where rear-wheel drive was often preferred for performance.
Key Features
Key Features:
Distinctive styling, comfortable and well-appointed interior, powerful V6 engine, available advanced features for its era (e.g., Heads-Up Display on some trims), smooth ride quality.
Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
Seats and Restraint Systems, Features and Controls, Instrument Panel, Driving Your Vehicle, Service and Appearance Care, Maintenance Schedule, Customer Assistance and Information
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 100-150 pages (typical for a 1998 Owner's Manual)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF (Instant Download)
Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Driver and passenger safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), interior controls (HVAC, lighting, audio), instrument cluster functions and indicators, basic vehicle operation, exterior features (lighting, doors, windows), interior features (seating adjustment, comfort controls), cleaning and detailing, basic maintenance checks (fluids, tires), scheduled service intervals, warranty information, customer support contacts.
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
Proper use of seat belts and airbags, understanding dashboard warning lights and gauges, operating climate control and audio systems, basic driving techniques, locking and unlocking doors, fueling procedures, checking and topping off essential fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, understanding the maintenance schedule, how to contact customer assistance.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Owner-level information focusing on operation, safety, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level specifications typically found in a Service Manual.
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable quality suitable for home or professional printing.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
3.8L (231 cid) Series I Supercharged V6 (L67)
Performance
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (Supercharged)
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Supercharged)
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with Eaton M62 Supercharger
Upper intake manifold gaskets can leak, leading to coolant loss; oil pressure sensor failures; occasional transmission solenoid issues; premature wear on suspension components; blower motor resistor failure.
Filter Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number:
AC-Delco PF1218 (or equivalent like Fram PH3500, Wix 51049)
Air Filter Part Number:
AC-Delco A3045C (or equivalent like Fram CA7990)
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Buick, established in 1899, has a long history of producing comfortable and well-appointed vehicles, often associated with luxury and a smooth ride.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The Riviera nameplate debuted in 1963 as a trend-setting personal luxury coupe. The eighth generation (1995-1999) marked a significant redesign, moving to a front-wheel-drive platform and introducing a supercharged engine option for increased performance.
Production
Production Years:
1995-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The 3.8L Supercharged V6 engine was part of GM's lauded '3800 Series II' family, which received praise for its power and reliability in various automotive publications during the late 1990s.
Ratings
Ratings:
While specific awards for the 1998 Riviera are not widely documented, the platform and engine were generally considered competent within the personal luxury coupe segment of its era.
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