Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Positioned as Buick's flagship sedan, offering comfort, quietness, and a premium driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/300M, Ford Crown Victoria (higher trims)
Powertrain:
Available V6 and supercharged V6 engines, paired with a smooth automatic transmission.
Ride Comfort:
Known for its exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride, often featuring Gran Touring suspension.
Interior Appointments:
Spacious and well-appointed interior, often with leather seating and premium features.
Supercharger:
The supercharged option (L67) provided a significant boost in performance for its class.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Automatic:
4T80-E transmission: removal, installation, internal components, hydraulic system, electronic controls
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, differential
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, parking brake
Suspension:
Front struts, rear struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shocks
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horns, power windows, locks, mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control modules
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, chassis components
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
DTC explanations and diagnostic procedures
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, component testing, electrical circuit analysis
Repair:
Component replacement, rebuild procedures, system adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Listing and usage of specialized tools for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul, including complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:
3800 Series II L36
Engine Code Supercharged:
3800 Series II L67
Engine Type:
3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated and Supercharged)
Displacement Cubic Inches:
231
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Aspiration L36:
Naturally Aspirated
Aspiration L67:
Supercharged
Horsepower L36:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L36:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Horsepower L67:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L67:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (Multec)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (L36), 91 Octane recommended for L67 (Supercharged)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.0 gallons (approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-star (typical for the era, though specific 2000 ratings vary)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-star (typical for the era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (typically for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available/standard on some trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system often available, with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and cassette tape player.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges with analog odometer, trip odometer, and a driver information center (DIC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Headlights:
Automatic headlamps with twilight feature
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist system (Park Assist)
Telematics:
OnStar telematics system was often an option or standard on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually, depending on environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (Platinum/Iridium plugs for L36/L67)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (consult manual for specific recommendations and fluid type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (L36/L67)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM P/N 12346290 or equivalent Orange Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid (P/N 12345866 or equivalent)
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets on the 3800 V6 engine are a common failure point, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine damage.
Upper Engine Mount:
The upper engine mount (torque strut) can degrade over time, leading to vibrations and clunking noises.
Idler Pulley:
The idler pulley bearing on the supercharged L67 engine can fail, causing noise and potential belt damage.
Transmission Solenoids:
Transmission solenoids in the 4T80-E can fail, leading to shifting issues and error codes.
Rear Strut Mounts:
Rear strut mounts can wear out, causing clunking noises over bumps and affecting ride quality.
Egr Valve:
The EGR valve can become clogged or fail, leading to rough idling and check engine lights.
Brand Legacy:
Buick, founded in 1899, has a long history of producing comfortable and reliable American automobiles.
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used since the 1970s, evolving from a trim level to a distinct model, known for its luxury and quietness.
G Body Platform:
This generation of the Park Avenue (1997-2005) was based on the G-body platform, a front-wheel-drive architecture shared with other GM luxury sedans.
Previous Generation:
The 2000 model represents the second generation of the modern Park Avenue (introduced in 1997), building upon the foundation of the previous C-body platform car.
Production Years:
1997-2005 (This Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily Detroit, Michigan)