Buick's flagship Park Avenue sedans receive major redesigns in the 1997 model year. Front-wheel-drive, Park Avenues now share a platform (body structure and chassis systems) similar to that of General Motor Corp.'s Oldsmobile Aurora, and its two-door, Riviera sibling. Since Buick decided to discontinue production of its large, rear-wheel drive Roadmaster sedan at the end of this calendar year, Park Avenue becomes Buick's top-of-the-line four-door sedan. Buick offers two trim levels: Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra. Ultra shoppers will find few options to choose from since most popularly-ordered goodies come standard. The only notable extras available are a trunk-located, multi-unit compact disc changer and a heads-up, digital display, capable of projecting instrument panel information on the front windshield. Ultra also sets itself apart by its supercharged, V-6 engine delivering 240 horsepower. Park Avenue's 3800 V-6 engine has 205 horsepower. Buick promotes both as virtually maintenance free during the first 100,000 miles. Both versions have wheelbases (distance between the front and rear axles) two inches longer than 1996 predecessors. Overall length now stretches to 206.8 inches, translating into a roomier interior and smoother ride. Our Bordeaux red, 1997 Ultra test-drive car had a suggested retail price of $34,995. Prices are up about $2,000 from 1996 editions. The bottom line, with destination charge, totaled $35,935. Park Avenues for 1997 start at $29,995. As is the case with all 1997 General Motor cars, daytime running lights are standard. Dual front air bags and anti-lock brakes are also included in the base price. Traction control, which helps moderate wheel spin during inclement weather, is standard in Ultra, but a $175 option in Park Avenue. A newly-added safety feature this year includes automatically unlocking door latches that activate within 15 seconds of air bag deployment. Another new driver convenience is seat-mounted shoulder/seat belts, which makes maneuvering safety belts around your torso easier. It doesn't mater if the comfortable and supportive seat is positioned forward, or far back. Exterior wise, Park Avenue and Ultra's rounded, aerodynamic exteriors are virtually identical, except Park Avenue incorporates a hood ornament while Ultra molds its shield logo into the front grille. The radio antenna is conveniently built into the rear window. Inside, fan speed and temperature controls monitor from a series of buttons, found below the sound system. Traction control activates from the steering-column mounted transmission shifter. The only ergonomic suggestion would be to shorten a rather long dashboard brim, which protrudes too far out, blocking speedometer viewing for some taller drivers. Dual front seat comfort zones are now standard in both Ultra and Park Avenue. Buick's new moisture-sensing windshield wipers adjust speeds according to the level of moisture detected on the windshield. The wiper system is standard on Ultra, but optional on Park Avenue. The digital compass, built into the rearview mirror, is also a nice touch. Dual cup holders flip out from the front of the center armrest, which flips up and out of the way creating room for three in front. Our driver information center provides such facts as fuel data and coolant temperature at the push of a button. In back, passengers have plenty of head and legroom, and two, lighted, ceiling vanity mirrors fold down for convenience. Also, a retractable armrest, with dual cup holders and extra storage room inside, folds down. Both fuel release and trunk release buttons are found on the dashboard bottom, left of the driver's seat. Once the fuel release door is opened, don't forget your keys because the locking gas cap can't be opened without first inserting and turning the corresponding key. Trunk room is long, flat and generous. When the back seat center armrest folds down, a small, trunk access door allows skis and longer items to be transported safely. With 1,000 odometer miles, our 1997 test car registered 22 miles per gallon in combined driving. Ultra has a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city, and 27 highway, slightly lower than Park Avenue's 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Fuel estimates remain unchanged from 1996 despite many performance enhancements. Buick recommends unleaded premium fuel for the supercharged engine. Ultra holds its own against luxury sedan rivals in the increasingly competitive $30,000 to $40,000 price range. This sector, once dominated by the domestic Big Three, is now crowded with a plethora of upstarts from Japan and Europe. With upscale, standard features such as heated seats, heated outside mirrors, genuine wood trim, heavy-duty battery, nine-speaker stereo, and variable effort power steering, occupants have little to want for. General Motors assembles Park Avenue and Ultra in Orion, Mich. |