12th Nov 2005, 11:19
I have to respond to a post that offended me: Please do not feed gender-biased stereotypes by saying things like, "I am a woman," to excuse your lack of knowledge on automechanics! You cannot blame a lack of car knowledge on your gender; you can only blame the fact that you have not taken it upon yourself to learn about automechanics. Men are not born with any kind of special car-fixing gene. If I were to test every man I knew on automechanics, most of them would fail, and I (a woman myself) would probably score higher. I've known men who don't even know how to change a tire.
That said, I want to add my own 95 Skylark experiences: I received this car at about 70,000 miles and kept it for a little over a year, during which I put another 45,000 miles on it. During that time the hydraulic breaks went out and the alternator died. These were fixable and not big surprises, but finally the transmission went kaput, and I had to sell the car for junk. This happened at about 115,000 miles. I don't know how many such cars last longer than this mileage marker without similar problems.
13th Mar 2006, 14:06
OK..here goes... I JUST bought my first 95 Skylark... It isn't even delivered yet (he he) and I'm so excited... I just wanted to comment on the "WOMAN" issue. I am 37 years old and use to pull the ole "But I didn't know what that light meant" deal...B-O-L-O-G-N-A...In 6 months I went from not knowing a THING about engines to NOW... I am a crew member on a drag racing team. I rebuild carburetors (with SOME help), adjust timing, change plugs and wires, flush and fill fluids, adjust jetting...PLUS...I'm getting my IHRA license this spring... My point here IS... if you want to be able to save yourself a TON of money.. its worth the effort to FIND out about your vehicle. You don't need any fancy school (unless you're talking newer models) to learn... just someone who is patient enough to take the time to teach you. NOW, I change my own oil, plugs and distributor (in my 87 Dodge van), I have put a new alternator on it, changed all of the radiator hoses, AND rebuilt the carburetor last spring... I hope my new Skylark turns out to be the BEST investment yet... Lord knows I can take care of it because it gives me what I need... when I need it... I in turn... owe it at least proper maintenance. Thanks Guys and Gals.
15th Jun 2006, 23:44
I've had my 1995 Buick Skylark Gran Sport since 2000 and the first thing I did was check it for recalls. There is only one for the ignition where an electrical relay must be added to prevent too much current from reaching the ignition switch which could end-up melting it or causing a fire in the steering column.
Other problems include a faulty door jamb switch (for 4-doors) which could prevent the dome light from turning off.
There was a re-design of the brake cable, so if you're parking brake cable comes out, you have the old style...
This car is based on GM's N-body style which for the years 1992-1998 had a problem with water leaking into the passenger compartment and soaking up the carpet on the front passenger's side. There is a service bulletin to fix this, but no recall. I had mine fixed once for about $350 but it started up again and I didn't feel like fussing with it, so I stuffed towels under the flap where the firewall is before it meets the carpet. This happens with Oldsmobile Achievas and Pontiac Grand Ams too. Also, the power window motors wear out fast. I'm due to replace the driver's side motor for the second time.
Be careful with that floor shifter too. Mine broke when I shifted it into park once and I had to find the part at a junk yard since GM doesn't make it anymore.
On the plus side, it has adequate power, good pick-up and a smooth engine and transmission. The GS has gran touring suspension and an antenna built-in to the rear-window defogger. I get 22 mpg on the freeway. It's passed 104,000 miles so far.
1st Oct 2009, 21:42
Regarding the initial few posts (by the owner)...
Why give a scathing review of a vehicle that obviously is suffering from being improperly repaired after a major accident?
Also, why did you purchase the car used for $3500 over what it cost new? I'd be disappointed in any car that I got overcharged that much for.
25th Jul 2005, 14:03
I own a green 1995 Buick Skylark and it has been a great car and served me well. It has over 160,700 miles on it and now has some problems-- but hey it's ten years old and has done it job. It still runs and was a very low maintance car. It too has a place where it leaks when it rains--at the top of the window that won't close because the electronic knob went out and my daughter insisted on putting down that window, so it's not the car's fault. All parts wear out even humans. Wish I could get another Buick like this one. Love my Buick Skylark.