🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1997

Vin Prefix:

1G

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1997 Buick Riviera was positioned as a personal luxury coupe, offering a blend of comfort, style, and performance within the Buick lineup, competing against other upscale coupes of its era.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and potentially entry-level luxury coupes from other brands.

Features:

Known for its distinctive styling, comfortable interior, and smooth ride. Offered a powerful V6 engine and often featured premium amenities.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle features, controls, maintenance schedules, basic DIY procedures, towing, and safety.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for this era and vehicle complexity)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation, differential (if applicable).

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system.

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument panel, warning indicators, audio system, climate control basics.

Body:

Doors, windows, seats, interior controls, exterior features.

Basic Maintenance:

Fluid level checks, tire pressure, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Do It Yourself:

Basic troubleshooting for common issues, simple component replacements (e.g., fuses).

Safety Considerations:

Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint system installation guidelines, driving in adverse conditions.

Towing Considerations:

Recreational towing (dinghy towing) procedures and limitations, trailer towing recommendations and weight limits.

Depth:

Covers everyday operation, owner-level maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if original PDF was OCR'd.

Quality:

Dependent on the quality of the original scan/conversion. Typically clear enough for comfortable reading and printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.8L (3800) Series II Supercharged V6

Engine Code:

L67

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) with Supercharger

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3791 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.80 in x 3.39 in (96.5 mm x 86.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T65-E

Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.7 inches (5072 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

54.0 inches (1372 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.1 inches (2797 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3600-3700 lbs (1633-1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 4600 lbs (2087 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.1 cubic feet (0.428 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Not explicitly available for this model year in a standardized format, but GM vehicles of this era generally performed moderately.

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Not explicitly available for this model year in a standardized format.

Traction Control:

Often available, particularly on supercharged models (TCS).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Child Anchors:

Rear LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system or equivalent anchor points.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, premium sound system options likely available.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (HVAC).

Cruise Control:

Standard or available cruise control.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Not typically standard for this model year.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power seats, power mirrors were common options or standard on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended for supercharged engine).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs, typically rated for 100,000 miles. Refer to specific plug type in manual.

Coolant:

Flush and refill every 5 years or 100,000 miles, using Dex-Cool (GM's orange long-life coolant) or equivalent.

Engine Oil:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic blend or Full Synthetic recommended).

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon ATF

Coolant:

GM P/N 12346043 (Dex-Cool) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Issues can include intake manifold gasket leaks (common on GM 3800 V6), power steering leaks, occasional transmission solenoid issues, and potential for window regulator failures. Supercharger belt wear. EVAP system component failures (e.g., vent solenoid, purge solenoid).

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check supercharger belt tension and condition. Keep cooling system in good order to prevent overheating. Monitor for any signs of coolant leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic seeking refinement.

Generation:

The 1997 Riviera belongs to the fifth generation (1995-1999) of the Riviera, which marked a return to a more streamlined, modern design compared to earlier generations.

Production Years:

1995-1999 (Fifth Generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Willow Run, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Received:

The 3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67) engine was recognized in various automotive publications for its performance and refinement during this era.

IIHS Ratings:

IIHS crash test ratings for this specific model year are not readily available in a standardized comparison format as they are today.