Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler 300M, Lexus LS series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (higher trims)
Comfort And Amenities:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, premium materials, advanced (for its time) features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control.
Performance Orientation:
Emphasis on smooth, quiet operation and effortless cruising, rather than outright sportiness.
Primary Coverage:
Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety considerations
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Digital Format:
PDF Download
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system (general operation)
Chassis:
Braking system (operation), steering system (operation), suspension system (general information)
Electrical System:
Lighting, power windows, power seats, sound system, dashboard indicators, battery maintenance
HVAC:
Climate control operation, air conditioning, heating
Body And Interior:
Door locks, trunk release, seat adjustment, interior lighting, comfort features
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement
Diy Activities:
Minor adjustments, cleaning, basic fluid top-offs (as described in the manual)
Towing:
Towing guidelines, trailer wiring information (if applicable)
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems, emergency procedures
Depth Level:
Owner-level; focuses on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostics.
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800) Series II Supercharged V6
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3800 cc)
Configuration:
V6 (90-degree bank angle)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder (12 valves total)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 4800 rpm (Supercharged)
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Supercharged)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with Supercharger
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Code:
L36 (Naturally Aspirated), L67 (Supercharged)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T65-E (Heavy Duty variant for supercharged models)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (No manual transmission offered)
Drive Wheels:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and transmission application, but generally geared for smooth acceleration and highway cruising.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III / Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (Good in frontal offset crash)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners, rear seatbelt anchors
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, child security door locks
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Recommended around 50,000 - 100,000 miles or 5 years, depending on coolant type.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change typically recommended every 50,000 - 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 3.8L V6 Supercharged: 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
GM specified Orange Long-Life Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Common on the 3800 V6 engine, especially the supercharged variant, leading to coolant leaks. The manual would advise checking for leaks.
Transmission Issues:
Early 4T65-E transmissions could have issues with torque converter clutch failure or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Supercharger Coupler:
The supercharger coupler on the L67 can wear out, leading to noise and reduced performance. Maintenance might cover checking its condition.
Suspension Wear:
As with many cars of this era and class, control arm bushings and ball joints can wear over time, affecting ride and handling.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, luxurious, and reliable American sedans, often targeting mature buyers.
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving into a flagship luxury sedan. The 2001 model is part of the third generation, which debuted in 1997 and was based on GM's G-Body platform.
Production Years For Generation:
1997-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA (General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant)
