Not Just a Grandpa's Car!

Although the Park Avenue name has been around for decades, it finally became its own model in 1991. Before then, however, it was known only as a trim level of the Buick Electra. For 1997, the Park Avenue received a complete redesign. The current generation is based on the so-called "G" platform, also shared with the Oldsmobile Aurora. The Park Avenues two trim models are aimed at two different markets. The base model is aimed more towards an older buyer more interested in "traditional American luxury". The Ultra model is aimed more towards a slighly younger buyer who is more interested with performance, and was also considering an import luxury car.

EXTERIOR: The Park Avenue LOOKS like a typical American luxury car in my eyes. The side of the car is slightly rounded to give a more "substantial" look to the car. The Ultra model comes standard with 235/55HR-17 tires and chrome wheels. New for 2003 are three "VentiPorts" on both sides of the fender. This styling feature dates back to post-war (WWII) Buicks, and was last seen in the 1980's. According to Buick, the side ports are there to allow more air to flow through the engine compartment.

INTERIOR: The Park Avenue is a VERY quiet car. The 235/55HR-17 tires produce more tire noise than the standard tires, but overall are fairly quiet. The controls are set up in a functional, yet traditional fashion- what most Park Avenue buyers expect from their cars. My tester came with the optional heads-up display. It can be helpful in some situations, but I found it to be quite a distraction while driving. Interior materials are classy and tasteful with wood interior accents and standard leather upholstery.

The Park Avenue has more than enough head and legroom for taller people. The front bucket seats are reasonably supportive, and include such features as 10-way power adjustments, power lumbar adjustments, and heated seats. The front safety belts are anchored seat which makes for an easier reach, but I feel they are not as comfortable to wear as most other seatbelts. The rear seats are not as comfortable as the fronts, mainly because the cushion uses a softer material. Otherwise, the cabin is an open and inviting place to be!

Some standard features include side airbags, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels, and automatic headlights. The Ultra adds StabiliTrak, heated seats, cassette/CD player, and 17-inch chrome alloy wheels.

The big Park Avenue can swallow up to an impressive 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Hauling objects is made easier due to the flat cargo floor. Also, the opening of the trunk is rather low, and thus allows me to load heavy objects with ease.

ENGINE: The base model is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine. It puts out 205 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, and 230 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

However, my test model (Ultra) is powered a supercharged and intercooled version of the same engine. It produces 240 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 280 lb./ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Though the Ultra weighs 3,884 pounds, there is so much low-end torque the car feels much faster than its power-to-weight ratio suggests. Mid-range torque is also very impressive and highway passing and merging can be executed without a downshift.

Both powertrains are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that shifts very smoothly (up and down), and NEVER hesitates to downshift when needed.

The base model uses regular fuel, but the Ultra model requires at least 91-octane premium fuel. EPA estimates of 18 city, 27 highway suggest sub 17-mpg averages for the Ultra. The base model recieves a 20 city, 29 highway EPA rating.

HANDLING: Though the Ultra model now comes with the Gran Touring package as standard equipment, there is still a noticeable amount of nosedive during hard braking. Body lean is noticeable, but not as shocking as with the base suspension. The Ultra comes standard with StabiliTrak, a highly effective anti-skid system, and I feel it works quite well. The steering wheel is pretty numb, and requires little effort to turn.

RIDE: The Park Avenue's suspension is tuned more for comfort than sport. I briefly tested a base model and found its suspension too soft. It had the tendency to "wallow" over bumps. Though the suspension setup is stiffer than the base, the Ultra is still quite comfortable and feels more controlled.

RELIABILITY: Although American cars are NOT exactly known for their awesome reliabilty, Buicks are mostly trouble free. Though no '02 or'03 Park Avenue received a recall, if you own a 2001 version or are looking into buying one, check out this website for more reliabilty information:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/recalls/Rec1.cfm?SearchTopic=Vehicle

VALUE: The Park Avenue is a traditional, well-equipped luxury sedan that is most appealing to older drivers (no offense to individuals who are sensitive about the subject). Though the base model is less expensive, the Ultra provides more power, and features. Fuel economy is a sacrifice when purchasing the Ultra, but I feel its extra features make it a better overall dollar value. 2004 is scheduled to be the Park Avenue's last year in a (feeble) attempt at attracting younger buyers.