Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and a smooth ride.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler New Yorker.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Emphasis on quiet operation, comfortable ride, spacious interior, and premium features for its time.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential operational and maintenance information for owners who may have lost or never received their original manual, enabling them to properly care for their vehicle.
Sections Covered:
Illustrated table of contents, Safety Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags, Instruments and controls, Pre-driving checks and adjustments, Heater, air conditioner and audio systems, Starting and driving, ENCLAVE (likely meant 'In case of emergency'), Service and Appearance and care, Maintenance and do-it-yourself, Technical and consumer information, Index.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era and vehicle class).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, starting, driving, basic maintenance. Specifics on engine types not detailed but covers general operation.
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension basics (as related to driving and checks). Tire information, wheel lock-up (ABS) implications.
Electrical:
Instruments, controls, lighting, audio systems, climate control (HVAC), power accessories. Airbag system operation and safety.
Body Interior:
Seating adjustments, seat belts, safety seats, interior features, care and appearance.
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving techniques, parking, using various controls and features.
Maintenance:
Pre-driving checks, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic appearance care.
Emergency:
Information for 'In case of emergency', likely covering tire changes, jump starting, warning lights, and basic troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Level:
Basic troubleshooting guidance for common dashboard warning lights or operational anomalies. Not a diagnostic manual.
Repair Depth:
Covers owner-level maintenance ('do-it-yourself') such as fluid checks, tire inflation, bulb replacement. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repairs.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3.8 L (3800 cc)
Engine Code:
Likely L36 (for the naturally aspirated 3.8L Series II).
Horsepower:
Approximately 205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Induction:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane Minimum
Length:
Approximately 207.2 inches
Width:
Approximately 74.4 inches
Height:
Approximately 56.7 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 106.2 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 16.1 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3700-3800 lbs, depending on options.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
N/A (Data not readily available for this specific year and model in standardized format).
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
N/A (Data not readily available for this specific year and model in standardized format).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) - commonly known as airbags. Side airbags were not standard or widely available in 1997.
Seatbelts:
Three-point lap and shoulder belts for all outboard seating positions. Center lap belt for rear middle seat.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Typically around 50,000 miles or 3-5 years for the original coolant (Dex-Cool or equivalent GM coolant).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SG or higher. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts with filter.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI if compatible) automatic transmission fluid. Capacity approx. 4 quarts for fluid change.
Coolant:
GM specified extended-life coolant (likely orange Dex-Cool or equivalent green ethylene glycol based coolant for that era). Mixture typically 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on earlier 3800 Series I, less common on Series II but possible), power steering pump leaks, water pump bearing failures, window regulator failures, O2 sensor failures, occasional transmission control module issues.
Durability Notes:
The 3800 Series II engine is generally considered robust and reliable with proper maintenance. The chassis and body are also built for longevity, though rust can be a concern in certain climates.
Brand Focus:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, refined, and American-style luxury vehicles.
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick for decades, evolving from large, traditional sedans to the modern front-wheel-drive platform used in 1997.
1997 Update:
The 1997 model year marked the introduction of the second generation of the Park Avenue on the updated G-body platform, featuring a more aerodynamic design and the introduction of the Series II 3800 V6 engine.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily assembled at GM's Lake Orion, Michigan, facility.
Production Years:
1991-1996 (First Generation), 1997-2005 (Second Generation).
