Vehicle Segment:
Compact to mid-size sedan, often positioned as an affordable and practical family car.
Brand Perception:
Buick offered a blend of comfort, quietness, and a touch of upscale features within the mainstream market.
Key Competitors:
Ford Tempo/Taurus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Corsica, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic/Accord, Toyota Corolla/Camry.
Ride Comfort:
Typically emphasized a comfortable and compliant ride, a Buick hallmark.
Quiet Interior:
Designed for a quieter cabin environment compared to some competitors.
Practicality:
Offered good interior space and trunk capacity for its class.
Instrument Panel And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lights, switches, and control knobs.
Driver Information Center:
Operation and display of the Driver Information Center (DIC) including trip data, fuel economy, and diagnostic messages.
Lighting Systems:
Operation of headlights (including automatic headlamps if equipped), taillights, turn signals, and interior lighting.
Climate Control:
Instructions for operating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including manual and automatic climate control options.
Audio Systems:
Operation of the factory-installed radio, cassette player, and CD player (if equipped), including tuning, volume, and settings.
Power Accessories:
Operation of power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and cruise control.
Seating And Restraints:
Adjustment of seats, seat belts, and operation of the airbag system.
Starting And Operating:
Procedures for starting the engine, shifting gears, and basic vehicle operation.
Fuel And Refueling:
Information on fuel type, capacity, and proper refueling procedures.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure recommendations, rotation, and information on spare tire usage.
Brakes:
General information on brake system operation and maintenance reminders.
Suspension:
Basic information about the suspension system.
Electrical System:
Overview of the vehicle's electrical system, including fuse box locations and basic troubleshooting.
Maintenance Schedules:
Recommended service intervals for routine maintenance tasks.
Fluid Capacities And Specifications:
Details on required fluid types and capacities (e.g., engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid).
Do It Yourself Activities:
Guidance on basic maintenance tasks that can be performed by the owner, such as checking fluid levels, changing wiper blades, and replacing air filters.
Towing Considerations:
Guidelines and precautions for towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Safety Considerations:
Information on safe driving practices, emergency procedures, and vehicle safety features.
Emergency Procedures:
Instructions for dealing with common roadside emergencies, such as flat tires or engine overheating.
Routine Maintenance:
Guidance on checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and other basic checks.
Fluid Checks:
Step-by-step instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Tire Maintenance:
Information on checking tire pressure, tread depth, and basic tire rotation procedures.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.
Headlight And Bulb Replacement:
Guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
Jump Starting:
Detailed instructions for safely jump-starting a dead battery.
Changing A Flat Tire:
Step-by-step guide to changing a flat tire, including jacking points and spare tire installation.
Engine Troubleshooting Basics:
Tips for identifying common engine performance issues.
Fuse Replacement:
Instructions for locating and replacing blown fuses.
Diagnostic Level:
Basic owner-level diagnostics, identification of warning lights and indicators.
Repair Depth:
Focuses on owner-maintenance and simple DIY tasks; not a comprehensive service/repair manual.
Maintenance Scope:
Covers recommended service intervals and checks for optimal vehicle longevity.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Information may be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Refer to specific NHTSA archives if available.
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Information may be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Refer to specific IIHS archives if available.
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard or optional, depending on trim level.
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trims or with specific engine/transmission packages.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, with driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH or equivalent child seat anchor points may be present, check specific vehicle configuration.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) during oil changes.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
If equipped, typically every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (19,000 - 24,000 km).
Coolant Flush And Refill:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if temperatures are consistently above freezing).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter.
Coolant:
GM-spec Green Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or GM Power Steering Fluid.
Engine Performance:
The 2.4L Quad-4 engine, while powerful, can be susceptible to occasional rough idling or increased oil consumption with age. Head gasket issues can occur on higher mileage examples.
Transmission Performance:
The 4T60-E transmission is generally reliable but can develop shifting issues or leaks if not properly maintained.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts are common wear items on vehicles of this age and mileage.
Electrical Issues:
Minor electrical gremlins, such as faulty window regulators, door lock actuators, or intermittent dash light failures, can occur.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many vehicles from this era, rust can be a concern, particularly in the rocker panels, wheel wells, and around the exhaust system, depending on climate.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history in the American automotive market, known for its comfortable and upscale vehicles since the early 20th century.
Skylark Lineage:
The Skylark nameplate has a significant history within Buick, dating back to the 1950s. The 1997 model is part of the third generation of the modern Skylark, based on GM's N-body platform.
Platform Sharing:
The 1997 Skylark shared its platform (GM N Body) with other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Corsica/Beretta, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Pontiac Grand Am.
Production Period:
The third generation Skylark (1992-1998) was produced during a period of platform consolidation for GM's entry-level to mid-range sedans and coupes.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely assembled at GM's Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, or similar GM facilities.