🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Park Avenue

Year:

1997

Platform:

GM H-body (second generation)

Vin Prefix:

1G

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan, aimed at the premium segment of the market.

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking comfort, quietness, a spacious interior, and a smooth ride, often for highway cruising and executive transport.

Key Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Mercury Grand Marquis, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight/LSS, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS/New Yorker.

Ride Quality:

Renowned for its exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, often referred to as the 'quiet car'.

Interior Space:

Spacious cabin offering ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers.

Powertrain:

Emphasis on smooth V6 or V8 power delivery for effortless acceleration.

Styling:

Classic, understated American luxury styling.

📋 Manual Details

Features And Controls:

Comprehensive explanation of all vehicle features and controls.

Maintenance Schedules:

Detailed recommended maintenance and service schedules.

Diy Activities:

Inclusion of select do-it-yourself maintenance and service procedures.

Safety Considerations:

Guidance on essential safety precautions and practices.

Towing Information:

Specific procedures and considerations for towing the vehicle.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this era of owner's manual).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Panel:

Description of gauges, warning lights, and indicators.

Lighting:

Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and special lighting functions.

Climate Control:

Operation of HVAC system, including automatic climate control features.

Audio System:

Operation of radio, CD player (if equipped), and speaker system.

Power Windows And Locks:

Operation and features of power windows, mirrors, and door locks.

Seating And Restraints:

Adjustment of seats, seat belt operation, and airbag system overview.

Fuel And Refueling:

Fuel type recommendations, refueling procedures, and fuel door operation.

Tires And Wheels:

Information on tire pressure, rotation, and spare tire usage.

Brakes:

Basic operation and brake system warning indicators.

Steering:

Basic operation and steering wheel controls.

Wiper And Washer System:

Operation of windshield wipers and washers.

Interior Features:

Operation of vanity mirrors, cup holders, and other interior amenities.

Exterior Features:

Operation of door handles, trunk release, and fuel filler door.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid).

Tire Care:

Information on tire pressure checks and basic tire maintenance.

Light Bulb Replacement:

Instructions for replacing common exterior and interior light bulbs.

Wiper Blade Replacement:

Guidance on replacing windshield wiper blades.

Jump Starting:

Procedure for jump-starting a dead battery.

Changing A Flat Tire:

Steps for safely changing a flat tire and using the spare.

Fluid Checks:

Detailed instructions for checking various vehicle fluids.

Towing Setup:

Instructions for towing the vehicle safely, including hitching and trailer lighting connections.

Depth:

Covers essential owner-level maintenance and operational procedures; does not include in-depth mechanical repair diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Readable and printable on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Quality:

High-resolution PDF for clear text and imagery, suitable for printing.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.8L (231 cu in) Supercharged V6 (L67)

Horsepower @ Rpm:

240 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque @ Rpm:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Type:

3.8L (231 cu in) Naturally Aspirated V6 (L36)

Horsepower @ Rpm:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque @ Rpm:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (92 octane or higher recommended for supercharged engine, 87 octane acceptable for naturally aspirated).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic transaxle

Model Codes:

4T60-E (likely)

Type:

N/A (only automatic offered)

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear)

Electronically Controlled:

Yes

📐 Dimensions

Length:

207.2 inches

Width:

74.4 inches

Height:

56.5 inches

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Front Headroom:

39.7 inches

Rear Headroom:

38.5 inches

Front Legroom:

43.8 inches

Rear Legroom:

39.0 inches

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 18.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,600 - 3,800 lbs (depending on engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (driver) and 4-star (passenger) based on comparable GM vehicles of the era, though official 1997 specific ratings may vary.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts.

Side Impact Beams:

Reinforced side-door structures.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory Delco AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Often featured Bose premium audio system for enhanced sound quality.

Climate Control Interface:

Digital climate control with automatic temperature settings and recirculation options.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system with remote fob.

Phone Integration:

N/A (No factory integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity in 1997 models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation).

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Transmission Fluid:

Check level regularly; fluid change recommended around 50,000-100,000 miles (severe use may require sooner).

Engine Oil:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature) for L36; SAE 5W-30 for L67 (Supercharged). Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant:

Dex-Cool (Orange) extended life coolant or equivalent GM approved coolant.

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron-III ATF or GM Power Steering Fluid.

Head Gaskets L67:

The supercharged L67 engine can be prone to head gasket failures, especially if overheated or poorly maintained.

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on the L36) can lead to coolant leaks and engine performance issues.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators can fail over time, causing windows to become stuck.

Transmission Issues:

Some 4T60-E transmissions can develop shifting problems or internal wear, particularly if fluid maintenance is neglected.

U-Joint Failure:

Front drive axle U-joints can wear out, causing clunking noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed American sedans.

Park Avenue Lineage:

The Park Avenue nameplate has been used since the 1970s, evolving through various generations to represent Buick's top-tier large sedan.

H-Body Platform:

The 1997 model is part of the second generation of the H-body platform (introduced for 1990), which replaced the older C-body cars. This platform emphasized front-wheel drive and a more modern, aerodynamic design.

Manufacturing Location:

Lake Orion, Michigan, USA (General Motors Assembly Division)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not every year, the Park Avenue and its platform-mates were often recognized for their comfort and refinement, sometimes appearing on lists like Car and Driver's '10Best' in earlier iterations or related models.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports often cited its quietness and comfortable ride but sometimes flagged reliability concerns related to the powertrain and electrical systems.