Segment:
Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking comfort, style, and a refined driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler Sebring Coupe, potentially some high-trim personal luxury sedans from other brands.
Styling:
Distinctive, aerodynamic design often featuring a 'Torque-Tube' styling element and often a panoramic glass roof option.
Powertrain:
Emphasis on smooth V6 power delivery, with a focus on comfort over outright sportiness.
Interior:
Luxurious and well-appointed interior with comfortable seating and advanced (for the time) amenities.
Instrument Cluster:
Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicators.
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of factory radio, CD player, and speaker systems.
Climate Controls:
Operation of HVAC system, including automatic climate control functions if equipped.
Lighting Systems:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps, and operation of light controls.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, pedal operation, cruise control, and other driver-centric features.
Locks Security:
Keyless entry, power locks, anti-theft systems, and ignition operation.
Seating Safety Restraints:
Adjustment of seats, seat belts, airbag system information, and child seat installation guidelines.
Driving Operation:
General driving advice, parking, and operation of specific vehicle features.
Engine Compartment:
Identification of key engine components, fluid reservoirs, and basic checks.
Engine Oil:
Oil type, viscosity, capacity, and checking procedure.
Battery:
Battery type, maintenance, and jump-starting procedures.
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel octane rating, fuel tank capacity, and fuel economy tips.
Air Filter:
Location and replacement intervals for air filter(s).
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed or optional accessories.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid top-offs, filter replacements, tire pressure checks.
Basic Inspections:
Checking belts, hoses, lights, wipers, and tire condition.
Jump Starting:
Step-by-step guide for safely jump-starting the vehicle.
Tire Changing:
Procedure for changing a flat tire, including jack placement and lug nut tightening.
Fuse Replacement:
Locating and replacing blown fuses.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle systems. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Compatibility:
Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF document.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality dependent on source scan but generally clear and legible.
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in a comparable format to modern standards. Generally considered safe for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point active-locking front seat belts with outboard shoulder belt pretensioners and load limiters. Rear three-point seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player options. May feature premium sound systems like Delco Bose.
Climate Control:
Optional dual-zone automatic climate control (HVAC system with digital display).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Lighting Controls:
Automatic headlamp dimming (Twilight Sentinel) was often an option.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory-installed audio and telephone (if optioned) systems. No modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Check manual for severe service intervals.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Refer to manual for specific mileage if conditions are dusty.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter (for Dex-Cool type coolant).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API Certified).
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based engine coolant (Dex-Cool recommended for extended life).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF.
Head Gaskets 3800 Series Ii:
While the 3800 Series II is generally robust, some early supercharged models could experience coolant leaks from head gaskets due to intake manifold gasket failures. This manual would not detail repairs but could highlight fluid level checks.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can be a common wear item in vehicles of this era.
Catalytic Converter:
As with many vehicles of this age, the catalytic converter may eventually require replacement due to age and mileage.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable and stylish American vehicles, often positioned as a premium marque within General Motors.
Riviera Lineage:
The Riviera nameplate has been used by Buick since 1963, evolving through several generations, each reflecting contemporary styling and technological trends. The 1995-1999 generation (the one this manual covers) marked a significant departure with its aerodynamic styling and front-wheel drive platform.
Production Years For This Generation:
1995-1999
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Orion Assembly Plant, Orion Township, Michigan, USA.
Ward 10 Best Engines:
The 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 engine was a multiple recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, recognized for its performance and refinement.
Consumer Reports Historical:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era often highlighted the Riviera's comfortable ride and powerful engine, but also noted potential reliability concerns typical of complex electronics and systems in this period.
