Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking comfort, space, and refined performance in a domestic luxury vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS, Oldsmobile Aurora, and import luxury sedans like Lexus LS series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series.
Unique Selling Points:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, advanced (for its time) technology features, powerful V6 and supercharged V6 engine options.
Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels (e.g., Base, Ultra)
Engine Variants Covered:
All engine options offered during these model years
Transmission Types Covered:
All transmission types offered
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for a complete workshop manual covering multiple years)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4T65-E), transaxle, drive axles, CV joints, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power seats, power locks, climate control, audio system, wiring diagrams, body control modules (BCM)
Body Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Repair Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Body Work:
Panel alignment, dent repair, rust repair, bumper repair, glass replacement
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Base:
L36 (3.8L Series I V6)
Displacement Base:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower Base:
Approximately 205-225 hp (varies slightly by year)
Torque Base:
Approximately 230-245 lb-ft (varies slightly by year)
Engine Code Performance:
L67 (3.8L Series II Supercharged V6)
Displacement Performance:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower Performance:
Approximately 240-270 hp (varies slightly by year)
Torque Performance:
Approximately 280-300 lb-ft (varies slightly by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (L36), 91 Octane Unleaded recommended for L67 Supercharged
Type:
4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., 4T65-E)
Variant:
Supercharged models often came with enhanced versions of the 4T65-E (e.g., 4T65E-HD) for increased torque capacity.
Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift control.
Length:
Approximately 207 inches
Width:
Approximately 73.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 56.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 110.5 inches
Front Headroom:
Approximately 39.5 inches
Rear Headroom:
Approximately 38.0 inches
Front Legroom:
Approximately 42.2 inches
Rear Legroom:
Approximately 39.0 inches
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 18.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3700-3900 lbs (depending on engine and options)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Likely 4-star (for vehicles of this era; specific ratings vary by year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Likely 4-star (for vehicles of this era; specific ratings vary by year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS), often standard on higher trims or supercharged models.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, premium sound systems (e.g., Bose) often available.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with dual-zone temperature settings was a hallmark feature.
Parking Assist:
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist was an available option on later models.
Onstar:
OnStar in-vehicle safety and communication service was available on some models, particularly those from the later part of the production run.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (check manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions and oil type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per manual based on service history and driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (varies by plug type).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 3.8L V6: 3.8L (5W-30 recommended), Supercharged 3.8L V6: 3.8L (5W-30 recommended).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or Dexron VI (for later models, confirm with manual).
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12345778 (Conventional Green) or P/N 1052756 (Dex-Cool Orange) - verify application in manual.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets are a common concern, especially on the 3800 Series II engines, leading to coolant leaks and rough idling.
Power Steering Leaks:
Power steering hose leaks or pump issues can occur.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators is a frequent issue.
Supercharger Nose Cone Seals:
On L67 supercharged models, the nose cone seals can degrade, leading to oil leaks and potential supercharger damage if not addressed.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed American luxury vehicles.
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving from a premium trim level to a standalone model, signifying Buick's flagship status.
Third Generation Focus:
The 1997-2005 generation represented a significant styling and engineering update, moving to the GMX200 platform shared with other GM front-wheel-drive sedans but with unique styling cues.
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA
Production Period:
1997-2005
