🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

2003

Vin Prefix:

1G

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped transportation, often for longer journeys.

Key Competitors:

Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/300M, Toyota Avalon, Mercury Grand Marquis

Defining Characteristics:

Smooth ride quality, spacious interior, QuietTuning acoustic insulation, comfortable seating, extensive feature content for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Features, Controls, Maintenance, Service Schedules, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing, Safety Considerations

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 250-350 (typical for this model year and type of manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine identification

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation, fluid level check, general information

Brakes:

Brake system operation, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake

Steering And Suspension:

Power steering system, suspension components, wheel alignment concepts

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, circuit protection, instrument cluster, warning indicators

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, climate control modes, air recirculation, cabin air filter

Infotainment And Comfort:

Audio system operation, climate controls, power windows, power seats, mirrors, locks, keyless entry

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat LATCH system, traction control, StabiliTrak (if equipped)

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure check, bulb replacement (simple), wiper blade replacement

Do It Yourself Activities:

Jump starting, changing a flat tire, checking and adding fluids, basic interior cleaning and care

Towing Considerations:

Towing capacity, trailer wiring information, safe towing practices, towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground or on a trailer

Safety Considerations:

Proper seating positions, airbag system warnings, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures

Depth:

Owner-focused, covers operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Print Readability:

Designed for clear viewing and printing on standard office printers.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L36 (3.8L V6 Supercharged)

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3791 cc)

Configuration:

V6

Aspiration:

Supercharged

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Induction:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with Supercharger

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Oil Type Recommendation:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Oil Capacity Quarts:

4.5 (with filter change)

Coolant Type Recommendation:

GM P/N 12346109 (Dex-Cool, Orange) or equivalent

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

11.0

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T65-E

Fluid Type Recommendation:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible (GM P/N 88861950 or equivalent)

Fluid Capacity Quarts:

4.5 (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

207.2

Width Inches:

74.4

Height Inches:

56.5

Wheelbase Inches:

110.9

Passenger Volume Cubic Feet:

107.5

Trunk Volume Cubic Feet:

17.0

Curb Weight Lbs:

3750 - 3900 (approx., depending on trim and options)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 6.5 inches

Standard Tire Size:

P225/60R16

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 115mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:

Good (typically for this era)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (typically for this era)

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Stability Control:

Optional (StabiliTrak on some models)

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)

Seat Belts:

Front pretensioners, three-point belts in all seating positions

Child Restraint:

LATCH system in rear outboard seating positions

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Delco Electronics premium sound system, optional CD changer, AM/FM stereo. Available steering wheel audio controls.

Climate Control Tech:

Dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims, offering independent temperature control for driver and passenger.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking assist (Ultrasonic) was an available option.

Lighting Features:

Automatic headlamps, fog lamps (optional), interior courtesy lighting.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry system with remote key fob.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe service intervals.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Coolant Flush:

First at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM P/N 12345899 (Dexron III/VI compatible) or equivalent

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (GM P/N 12377967 or equivalent)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

As needed, use a washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures in cold climates.

Common Wear Items:

Upper strut mounts, control arm bushings, water pump (especially on supercharged engines), fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system leaks, transmission solenoid issues.

Supercharger Specific:

The supercharger belt, idler pulley, and tensioner are wear items and may require replacement. Supercharger clutch/pulley may fail.

Electronic Issues:

Climate control panel failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent electrical gremlins can occur due to age.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Buick has historically focused on comfort, quietness, and a premium, yet accessible, luxury experience within the General Motors portfolio.

Previous Generations:

The Park Avenue nameplate has a long history dating back to the 1970s, evolving through various iterations of Buick's flagship sedan. The 2003 model represents the final generation of the Park Avenue, known for its refined chassis and focus on comfort.

Manufacturing Location:

Fairfax, Kansas, USA (GM Fairfax Assembly)

Production Years For This Generation:

1997-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

Typically received average to above-average ratings for comfort and performance in its segment during its production run. Specific awards would vary by year and publication.

Jd Power Dependability:

Ratings varied across model years, but generally performed reasonably well for its class and era, though some models faced specific powertrain or electrical concerns.