🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1993

Market:

North America

Vin Prefix:

1G

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Personal Luxury Coupe

Positioning:

Positioned as Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe, emphasizing comfort, style, and technology.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron coupe, and imports in the luxury coupe segment.

Styling:

Distinctive, aerodynamic styling with a focus on a sleek, modern appearance for its time.

Comfort And Amenities:

Luxurious interior appointments, comfortable seating, and a quiet ride.

Technology:

Often featured advanced electronics and comfort features for the era, such as automatic climate control and digital displays.

📋 Manual Details

Operational Controls:

All dashboard controls, switches, and indicators explained.

Features Operation:

Detailed explanation of all factory-installed features.

Maintenance Schedules:

Recommended service intervals for regular maintenance.

Diy Procedures:

Guidance for select do-it-yourself maintenance and minor repairs.

Towing Safety:

Information and considerations for towing with the Riviera.

Emergency Procedures:

Basic emergency procedures and troubleshooting steps.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive owner's manuals).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, exhaust system operation and basic care.

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension, and wheel/tire information.

Electrical:

Lighting, battery, charging system, accessories, and basic fuse identification.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, including automatic climate control if equipped.

Interior Features:

Seats, seat belts, airbags (if applicable), power accessories, sound system.

Exterior Features:

Doors, windows, mirrors, convertible top (if applicable), trunk operation.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.

Lubrication:

Recommendations for chassis lubrication points (if applicable).

Tire Maintenance:

Inflation pressures, rotation patterns, and wear inspection.

Jump Starting:

Proper procedure for jump-starting the vehicle.

Changing A Flat Tire:

Step-by-step instructions for changing a tire.

Refueling:

Fuel type recommendations and proper fueling procedure.

Depth Level:

Consumer-level, focusing on understanding and operating the vehicle safely and effectively.

Diagnostic Capability:

Basic troubleshooting guidance for common dashboard warning lights or minor operational issues.

Repair Focus:

Emphasis on user-serviceable items rather than complex mechanical or electrical repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for easy keyword lookup.

Quality:

High-resolution scan, optimized for clear readability on screen and print.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3800 Series I V6

Engine Code:

L27

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (231.7 cu. in.)

Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

0 60 Mph:

Approximately 9.5 - 10.5 seconds (depending on specific configuration and testing conditions).

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular Octane (87 AKI)

Fuel Capacity:

18.5 Gallons (70 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T60-E

Optional Transmissions:

None (4-speed automatic was standard across all 1993 Riviera models).

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled transmission for smoother shifts and adaptive learning.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.9 inches (5078 mm)

Width:

72.8 inches (1849 mm)

Height:

53.9 inches (1370 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.0 inches (2743 mm)

Front Track:

60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Rear Track:

59.5 inches (1511 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 99 cubic feet (2805 Liters)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 14.9 cubic feet (422 Liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3550 - 3650 lbs (1610 - 1656 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4500 lbs (2041 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 1993 models are not readily available in standard databases, but vehicles of this era generally focused on passive restraints.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was likely standard or a common option on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction control was not a common feature in this segment for 1993, and not expected to be standard or widely available.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags were likely optional or introduced later in the model run for this generation. The manual would clarify specific availability.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all outboard occupants.

Child Safety Anchors:

Provisions for child seat installation, as per federal mandates of the time.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, potentially with premium speaker options and graphic equalizer.

Display Technology:

Digital dashboard displays or analog gauges with electronic readouts for fuel, temperature, and trip computer were often available.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Automatic Headlights:

Twilight Sentinel automatic headlamp control was an available feature on some trims.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Connectivity would be limited to the factory audio system and basic vehicle computer.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation for this era).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Coolant Type:

GM Type 1 Coolant (Green, Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Common Issues Powertrain:

The 3800 V6 is generally robust, but intake manifold gasket leaks (LIM gaskets) can occur, especially with older sealant materials. Transmission solenoid issues or torque converter clutch (TCC) problems can also arise with age.

Common Issues Electrical:

Electrical issues, particularly with window regulators, power door locks, and climate control modules, can be common on vehicles of this age due to component wear and corrosion.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can lead to alignment issues and a less precise feel.

Oil Filter:

AC-Delco PF35, Fram PH373, Wix 51049 (example part numbers, verification recommended).

Air Filter:

AC-Delco A3026C, Fram CA3026 (example part numbers, verification recommended).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, refined, and often technologically advanced vehicles, particularly in the personal luxury segment.

Generation:

Third Generation Riviera (1989-1994). The 1993 model year falls within this generation, representing a mature iteration of the platform.

Design Language:

This generation marked a return to a larger, more substantial coupe design compared to the controversial downsized models of the early 1980s.

Production Years:

1989-1994

Manufacturing Location:

Orion Assembly Plant, Orion Township, Michigan, USA

Sales Figures Approx:

1993 sales were around 25,000 units, reflecting a shrinking but still present market for large personal luxury coupes.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

While specific awards for the 1993 model are not prominent, the 3800 V6 engine itself was lauded for its refinement and durability, often appearing on '10 Best Engines' lists in subsequent years.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports likely provided reviews focusing on comfort and ride quality but might have noted average or below-average reliability for some electrical components typical of the era.