🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1998

Platform:

GM G Platform

Vin Designator:

2

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Personal Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Buyers seeking comfort, style, and a powerful V6 engine.

Competitors:

Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler Sebring Coupe, Toyota Camry Coupe (depending on specific trim and era comparison)

Design Philosophy:

Front-wheel drive, transverse-mounted V6 engine, distinctive styling with coupe silhouette.

Distinguishing Elements:

Optional Gran Touring (GT) package, advanced driver-centric cockpit.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner Operation and Maintenance

Secondary Focus:

Basic Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Procedures, Safety, Towing

Estimated Pages:

~150-250

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Digital Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission Operation and Basic Maintenance

Chassis:

Brakes, Steering, Suspension Operation and Checks

Electrical:

Lighting, Instrumentation, Basic Electrical Features

Comfort Convenience:

Climate Control, Audio System, Power Features

Safety Security:

Airbags, Seat Belts, Anti-theft System, Child Restraints

Maintenance Schedule:

Recommended Service Intervals

Diy Tasks:

Checking Fluid Levels, Tire Pressure, Wiper Blade Replacement

Towing:

Towing Recommendations and Safety Guidelines

Emergency Procedures:

Breakdown Assistance, Jump Starting

Depth:

Owner-level Information and Routine Maintenance

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows, macOS, Linux

Readability:

Searchable Text and High-Resolution Images

Printability:

Printable on standard printers

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L36

Engine Type:

3800 Series II V6 (Supercharged L67 optional on select models, but not explicitly detailed for this specific manual product).

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (231.7 cu in)

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm (L36)

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (L36)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Capacity:

10.0 Quarts (9.5 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Model:

4T65-E

Type:

Not Applicable for 1998 Model Year Riviera

Driver Modes:

Normal, Performance (PNM), Traction Control (TCS)

Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.1 inches (5057 mm)

Width:

74.5 inches (1892 mm)

Height:

54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches (2814 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.0 inches (965 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.4 inches (1077 mm)

Rear Headroom:

36.0 inches (914 mm)

Rear Legroom:

32.2 inches (818 mm)

Trunk Volume:

15.2 cu ft (430 Liters)

Curb Weight:

~3500-3650 lbs (1588-1656 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4/5 Stars

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4/5 Stars

IIHS Offset Front Impact:

Acceptable (for its time, specific rating might vary)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags Front:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seat Belts:

Front Pretensioner Seatbelts, Rear 3-Point Seatbelts

Side Impact:

Optional Side Airbags (check specific vehicle build)

Anti Theft:

Standard Factory Immobilizer and Keyless Entry (optional)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette and CD Player, Bose premium audio system optional.

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control (optional), Manual HVAC

Cruise Control:

Standard Electronic Cruise Control

Headlights:

Automatic Headlights (optional), Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

Phone Integration:

Not applicable for this era's standard offerings, aftermarket Bluetooth integration possible.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended), or based on oil life monitoring system.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect annually, replace as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Typically around 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, Platinum/Iridium recommended)

Engine Oil:

SAE 3.8L V6: 5W-30 (API SH or higher)

Coolant:

Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Leaking intake manifold gaskets (coolant leaks) were a common issue on the 3800 Series II engines.

Balancer Shaft Seals:

Potential for oil leaks from the front and rear main seals and balancer shaft seals.

Transmission Issues:

While the 4T65-E is generally robust, occasional issues with torque converter shudder or solenoid problems can occur.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators can be prone to failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, luxurious, and powerful American cars, often targeting a more mature demographic.

Riviera Lineage:

The Riviera has historically been Buick's flagship personal luxury coupe, known for its distinctive styling and technological advancements over generations.

Seventh Generation:

The 1998 model is part of the seventh generation (1995-1999), marking a shift towards a more aerodynamic and modern design, continuing the front-wheel-drive transverse V6 powertrain from the previous generation.

Production Years Current Gen:

1995-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA (GM Poletown Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward S 10 Best Engines:

The 3800 Series II V6 engine was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines multiple times, including this period, lauded for its smoothness, power, and reliability.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports typically provided ratings based on predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, which varied by year and specific vehicle components.