🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

2000

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (G-Body based platform)

Generation Years:

1997-2005

Vin Prefix:

1G (General Motors)

Platform:

GM H-body (updated G-body)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking comfort, quietness, and smooth ride quality; traditional American luxury car buyers.

Primary Competitors:

Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/300M, Mercury Grand Marquis

Defining Characteristics:

Smooth and quiet ride, spacious interior, comfortable seating, elegant styling, available supercharged V6 engine.

Buick Legacy:

Buick is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its emphasis on comfort, quietness, and refined motoring since its founding in 1899.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Sections:

Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, Service Recommendations, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing Considerations, Safety Information

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, warning indicators, audio system, climate control system, power accessories, battery and charging system

Body And Interior:

Doors, windows, seats, airbags, interior trim, climate control vents, locks

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking, using lights, wipers, mirrors, climate control, audio system, power windows/seats/locks

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, changing air filter, bulb replacement (basic)

Safety:

Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation, emergency procedures, towing guidelines

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic indicators

Depth:

Owner-level understanding of vehicle operation and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typical of a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if originally scanned with OCR

Printability:

Printable on standard home/office printers

Binding For Physical:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper For Physical:

N/A (Digital Format)

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS, Linux

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L36 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine Type:

3.8L (3800 cc) Series II V6

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)

Configuration:

3800 Series II SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection)

Horsepower Hp:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Code Optional:

L67 (Supercharged)

Engine Type Optional:

3.8L (3800 cc) Series II Supercharged V6

Horsepower Hp Optional:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Lb Ft Optional:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multiport Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane recommended for Supercharged)

ECM Type:

GM PCM (Powertrain Control Module)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive

Transmission Model:

4T65-E

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A (All models for 2000 used the 4T65-E)

Shift Modes:

Driver-selectable modes (e.g., 'Normal', 'Sport' or 'Overdrive Off' depending on trim/options)

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

207.2

Width In:

74.4

Height In:

56.7

Wheelbase In:

110.5

Front Track In:

61.5

Rear Track In:

60.6

Front Headroom In:

39.1

Front Legroom In:

42.7

Rear Headroom In:

38.0

Rear Legroom In:

37.3

Shoulder Room Front In:

59.0

Shoulder Room Rear In:

58.2

Hip Room Front In:

55.4

Hip Room Rear In:

54.5

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

18.0

Curb Weight Lbs:

3700-3900 (Varies by trim and engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Approx. 4800-5000

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating 2000:

4 Stars (Good)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating 2000:

4 Stars (Good)

NHTSA Side Driver Rating 2000:

N/A (Tests not consistently performed or reported for all vehicles in 2000)

IIHS Offset Crash Rating 2000:

Acceptable (for models tested in this period)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models/trims

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Available front and rear side-impact airbags on some trims

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system (introduced in later years of this generation, confirm specific fitment for 2000)

Head Restraints:

Adjustable front and rear head restraints

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional), multiple speaker configurations (e.g., Delco Bose premium system available on some trims)

Display Type:

Analog gauges, digital climate control display, possibly a central information display on premium models

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Automatic Climate Control:

Available dual-zone automatic climate control

Memory Seats:

Available driver's seat memory system

Onstar Readiness:

OnStar system readiness available on some models, requiring subscription for activation.

Keyless Entry:

Available Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power front seats, power trunk release

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

N/A (Not a standard or common option for this model year)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific synthetic oil recommendations)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or as needed based on conditions

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually (if equipped)

Coolant Flush Interval:

First at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (Dex-Cool coolant)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and fluid type, check manual for specifics)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (Dexos is not applicable to this era, consult manual for GM specifications or equivalent API SN/SN PLUS)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346290 (Orange Dex-Cool) or equivalent extended-life coolant

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III/VI ATF

Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:

Common issue on 3800 Series II engines; coolant leaks may occur. Address promptly to prevent overheating.

Transmission Harsh Shifting:

The 4T65-E can sometimes exhibit harsh shifts or delayed engagement. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Window Regulator Failure:

Power window regulators can fail over time, preventing windows from moving.

Body Control Module Issues:

BCM modules can occasionally cause electrical gremlins, affecting various systems like lighting or power accessories.

Suspension Components:

Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts can lead to noise and poor handling over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for comfort-oriented, quiet, and smooth-riding vehicles, a legacy continued by the Park Avenue.

Park Avenue Lineage:

The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a prestigious trim level to a standalone model, culminating in this third-generation iteration.

Generation Context:

The 1997-2005 Park Avenue (this generation) was a significant update, moving to the GM H-platform, which was a stretched version of the W-body platform. It emphasized a more modern, rounded styling compared to its predecessors.

Assembly Location:

Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA

Production Years For This Generation:

1997-2005

Model Year 2000 Updates:

For 2000, minor cosmetic refinements and feature packaging adjustments were typical, building on the previous year's offerings.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto World Engine Award:

The 3.8L V6 (both naturally aspirated and supercharged) was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award multiple times, notably in 1995-1997 and then again for the Series II version, including the supercharged variant in later years.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Often rated well for comfort and ride quality by publications like Consumer Reports, though reliability ratings varied by model year and specific components.

Jd Power And Associates Ratings:

Typically performed reasonably in initial quality and dependability studies for its segment in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg City 2000 3.8L Na:

18 MPG (approximate)

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg Highway 2000 3.8L Na:

27 MPG (approximate)

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg City 2000 3.8L Sc:

17 MPG (approximate)

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg Highway 2000 3.8L Sc:

25 MPG (approximate)