1997 Buick Riviera supercharged 3.8supercharged

Summary:

Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?

Faults:

Power window switch, normal maintenance.

General Comments:

Great sleeper Hit.

I honestly haven't loved a car as much as this one. Buick absolutely outdid themselves with this one. Comfort, luxurious styling, and uncommoness makes this rare car a pleasure to own and drive. Coupled with the series II 3.8 supercharged youve got one helluva reliable engine with smooth (and very upgradable) performance, not since the days of the turbo T-type, Grand national, and GNX has luxury and All American power came together so perfectly.

It has its faults, as does any car (like power windows not going up during a rain storm >: (and bland rims, (the hood coulda used some Buick styling too) but overall the body style is uniquely Buick and the great interior is a nice reference to the 63-65 rivs' I honestly have only seen 3 of these in all of Eastern NC and I live next to the largest Marine Air base in the world, this rarity gets the car a lot of attention (or maybe its just that I'm the only 19yr old who enjoys owning a Buick).Performance is awesome thanks to the Blower, and for such a weighty car it handles damn well, surprised more than a few ricers myself, they coulda shaved some weight of the car though (and added some bass to the system).

I have no complaints for this car at all other than parts price and availability and that they gave this respected nameplate the axe (damn you GM), this is a joy to own, drive, and work on. I would recommend this car to anyone, and recommend everyone to buy American before our great auto makers lose thier asses to those cheaply made look-alike shoe-box piles of crap from japan! They killed Oldsmobile, don't let those imports drag Pontiac and Buick to the chopping block next!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2007

10th Jan 2007, 17:28

Thanks for bringing back a great ad slogan with your title. To answer your question, YES, I absolutely would rather have a Buick. They are great cars, much better than the grossly over-rated Toyotas and Hondas. Enjoy your Riviera!

10th Jan 2007, 23:19

Remember to change the oil in your supercharger or you will have major problems.

14th Jan 2007, 20:43

It's great to see another 19 year old that loves these Rivs, I'm 19 and the 95-99 Riv is the #1 car on my list!

22nd Jun 2010, 00:47

I'm 19 years old as well with a 1997 3.8 supercharger, deep red. I bought it from the first owner which he bought brand new and kept the price sticker! He babied it to 149k miles, and I babied it to 155k. I've never loved a car more in my life. All the leather interior heated seats are uber comfortable. It gets spectacular gas mileage! It has tons of muscle to spare (which I take out and beat a couple of racers with). I would rather have this car brand new than any other vehicle. I want a Silver Arrow. They're still cheap now! Get your hands on one!

1997 Buick Riviera 3.8 6-cylinder, supercharged

Summary:

It's a beauty with a lot of character. I wish Buick still made them.

Faults:

Transmission failed at about 20000, which was a surprise. Otherwise there have been no problems.

Keep this car well maintained, and detail it once or twice a year, and you'll have no trouble with it.

General Comments:

The body is a designer's masterpiece. It's the only car I've owned that strangers admire and ask me about.

The interior is equally handsome, and very comfortable.

The car is powerful, fast, and handles well.

It's surprisingly economical of gas, though you have to use premium.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2004

1997 Buick Riviera 3.8 Supercharged V6

Summary:

A high performance luxury bargain

Faults:

Seats: Previous driver obese; seat track broke not under top to bottom ext warranty; cost almost $1K to repair.

Seats: beginning to show lines of wear in leather, but still soft and supple and very comfortable!! Power positioning really helps if have a backache on a long drive.

Occasionally windows won't work if recent rain storm.

If turn on wipers with snow on front window; can "feel" the snow come through the windshield.

Heated seat excellent; wish for passenger side tho' as well.

Con: Service Engine light came on (at 100,000 Ks). Dealer service center says may need new transmission at worst; cost $3500. Warranty just expired... go figure.

Con: Rear view mirror came off, but didn't fall. $30.00 to re-glue.

??? New transmission or buy new with a warranty again. Have spent hours on Internet comparing cars, warranties etc. Conclusion: I LOVE MY RIVIERA!!!

The pick-up/acceleration from a stop or when passing, even on a hill still gives a feeling of POWER. The comfort, smoothness of ride and can feel the road as well. If that makes any sense.

Oh... the speeding tickets, 140kms feels as 80.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2003