Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and refined American luxury transportation
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler New Yorker, Ford Crown Victoria (in higher trims)
Styling:
Formal, elegant, and stately exterior design characteristic of 1990s American luxury
Powertrain:
V8 engine providing smooth and ample power, comfortable ride quality
Interior:
Spacious, quiet cabin with plush seating and premium amenities
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (likely automatic), Drivetrain components
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems
Body Interior:
Door Locks, Security System, Seating, Restraints, Climate Controls, Interior Trim
Routine Maintenance:
Engine oil changes, fluid checks and refills, air filter replacement, battery maintenance
Basic Troubleshooting:
Warning lights, indicator symbols, common operational issues
Operation:
Starting and driving, climate control operation, entertainment system usage, accessory functions
Safety Features:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint installation guidance
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information for operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes found in service manuals.
Engine Type:
3800 Series II V6
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Induction:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (estimated for 1995)
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (estimated for 1995)
0-60 Mph:
Approximately 8.5-9.5 seconds (varies with configuration)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
87 Octane (Minimum)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (1995 model year testing)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (1995 model year testing)
Braking System:
Front Disc / Rear Drum (standard), Optional Front/Rear Disc ABS
Traction Control:
Optional (often part of ABS package)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point retractable front and rear seat belts
Child Safety:
Rear child seat anchor points (LATCH system not yet standard)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with appropriate oil)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (typically)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles (check manual for specific recommendations, often dependent on driving conditions)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if temperatures are consistently above 32°F)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter) (approximate)
Coolant Type:
GM Type 1 or Type 2 (Ethylene Glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Engine Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (3800 Series I), power steering pump leaks, occasional issues with ignition modules on earlier 3800 models.
Transmission Common Problems:
Leaking seals, potential torque converter clutch issues if fluid maintenance is neglected.
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn strut mounts, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to vehicle weight and mileage.
Electrical Common Problems:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, dashboard warning lights (e.g., ABS, Check Engine).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
AC-Delco A225C (or equivalent)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
AC-Delco PF2 or UPF2 (or equivalent)
Buick Legacy:
Long-standing reputation for comfort, quietness, and upscale appointments
Park Avenue Lineage:
Evolved from earlier Buick luxury models, representing a refinement of Buick's traditional luxury offering
Generation Transition:
1991 marked the introduction of the third generation, based on the GM H-Body platform, which received a significant update in 1995 with the 'Series II' designation, including the improved 3800 V6.
Manufacturing Location:
Orion Assembly, Michigan, USA
Production Period:
Third Generation: 1991-1996
