Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Car
Target Audience:
Families, commuters, value-conscious buyers.
Key Competitors:
Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla.
Value Proposition:
Affordable transportation with a comfortable ride and GM reliability.
Design Era:
Early 1990s American automotive design.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard instruments, warning lights, and control buttons.
Safety Features:
Operation and limitations of seat belts, airbags (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint - SIR), and child seat installations.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
Controls for climate control system, fan speeds, temperature settings, and recirculation.
Audio Systems:
Operation of the factory radio, cassette player, and speaker system.
Lighting And Wipers:
Headlight controls, turn signals, interior lighting, and wiper/washer operation.
Starting And Driving:
Proper procedures for starting the engine, shifting gears, and basic driving techniques.
Emergency Procedures:
Guidance for in-case-of-emergency situations such as jump-starting, flat tires, and overheating.
Maintenance And Care:
Routine maintenance tasks, cleaning instructions, and appearance care.
Technical Consumer Information:
Specifications, tire information, fluid types, and consumer assistance details.
Pre Driving Checks:
Steps for checking fluids, tires, and general vehicle condition before driving.
Do It Yourself Maintenance:
Basic owner-level maintenance tasks such as checking oil, coolant, and tire pressure.
Fluid Level Checks:
Instructions on how to check and top off essential vehicle fluids.
Tire Pressure Adjustment:
Guidance on finding correct tire pressure and maintaining it.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Basic instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.
Diagnostic Level:
Owner-level diagnostics, focusing on understanding dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting.
Repair Scope:
Limited to basic maintenance and owner-performed tasks; does not cover complex mechanical or electrical repairs.
Engine Code:
2.3L Quad 4 (W41/W40)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2319 cc)
Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (16 valves total)
Horsepower:
Approx. 160-180 hp (depending on specific Quad 4 variant)
Torque:
Approx. 150-155 lb-ft
Injection:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be specified for performance variants)
Coolant Type:
GM Engine Coolant (typically a green ethylene glycol based coolant)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for specific climate variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (less common, primarily on performance models like SC/X)
Automatic Features:
Overdrive gear for fuel efficiency.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7-8 quarts (initial fill)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not readily available for this specific year, but typical for period passenger cars.
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum standard. Front ABS optional on some trims.
Traction Control:
Not available for this model year.
Airbags:
Driver's side Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) standard.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on some trims.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers.
Cruise Control:
Available option on most trims.
Connectivity Options:
Basic at best; primarily focused on audio system.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (follow manual recommendations).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and procedure).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum tipped plugs (check manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III
Quad 4 Reliability:
Some Quad 4 engines were known for potential head gasket issues or oil consumption if not properly maintained.
Electrical Components:
Aging electrical components (sensors, modules) can sometimes be a source of issues.
Suspension Wear:
Standard wear items like ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can require replacement.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, established in 1903, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for comfort and refinement.
Skylark Lineage:
The Skylark nameplate has a long history within Buick, dating back to the 1950s, evolving through various segments.
1992-1998 Generation:
This generation of Skylark (based on the GM N-body platform) represented a shift towards more aerodynamic styling and improved efficiency.
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA
Market Perception:
Generally perceived as a competent, comfortable, and affordable compact sedan for its era.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Ratings varied by model year and specific configuration, often noted for comfort but sometimes criticized for performance or reliability nuances of the Quad 4.
