Segment:
Compact Car / Mid-size Sedan (depending on specific configuration and market perception).
Key Competitors:
Ford Tempo/Taurus, Chevrolet Corsica/Malibu, Dodge Neon/Stratus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Comfort And Amenities:
Focus on comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and standard or optional amenities for its class.
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of practicality, comfort, and a premium badge at a competitive price point within GM's lineup.
Primary Coverage:
Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety.
Estimated Page Count:
200-300 (typical for this era/model)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), drive axles.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system.
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks, audio system, basic electrical troubleshooting (fuse identification).
Body Interior:
Seat adjustment, climate control, interior features, door operation, trunk operation.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, oil change intervals, filter replacement guidance.
Do It Yourself:
Basic tasks like changing wiper blades, replacing headlight bulbs, checking tire pressure.
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures.
Towing:
Towing capacity, trailer wiring guidance, towing preparation steps.
Depth:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code And Type:
3.1L (3100) V6 OHV
Displacement:
3.1 Liters (189 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
Approx. 160 hp @ 4800 RPM
Torque:
Approx. 185 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Injection Type:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Base Engine Option:
2.4L (LD9) DOHC I4 (less common for '98 Skylark, but existed in other N-body cars)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side Impact Rating:
Likely 4-star (Good) for the driver in frontal impact.
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side Impact Rating:
Likely 4-star (Good) for the passenger in frontal impact.
IIHS Frontal Offset Impact Rating:
Likely 'Acceptable' or 'Good' (specific year data needed).
ABS:
Standard on most trims for 1998.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front: Shoulder/lap belts with pretensioners. Rear: Lap belts (center), lap/shoulder belts (outboard).
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Various speaker configurations available.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, coolant temperature. Warning lamps for various systems.
Communications:
No integrated Bluetooth or advanced telematics. Analog radio communication.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for filter and fluid change (if applicable).
Engine Oil Type And Viscosity:
API Certified SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
GM Type 1 (Dex-Cool or equivalent green silicate-based coolant).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Common Problems V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional head gasket issues on early 3100 engines, fuel pump failures, power steering pump leaks.
Common Problems Transmission:
4T60-E transmission can be prone to solenoid issues or torque converter clutch problems if not properly maintained.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles, often positioned as a near-luxury or premium domestic brand.
Skylark Heritage:
The Skylark nameplate has a storied history for Buick, evolving from a luxury convertible in the 1950s to a more mainstream compact/mid-size offering in its later generations.
Production Era Fourth Gen:
1992-1998
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily U.S. assembly plants (e.g., Orion, Michigan; Lansing, Michigan).
Historical Awards:
While the '98 Skylark itself might not have major individual awards, Buick vehicles of this era often received recognition for ride comfort and quietness within their respective segments.
Consumer Reports Typical Rating:
Consumer Reports ratings for the late 90s Skylark generally placed it as average to below average in predicted reliability compared to segment leaders, but often praised its ride and handling.
Safety Certifications:
Meets all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in effect for the 1998 model year.
