2001 Buick Park Avenue Review
Add your own review or comments

By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief

Overview

You expect comfort and practicality from a full-size Buick--a roomy cabin, a big trunk, even a certain level of refinement. You might not expect excellent road manners and good dynamic capabilities. Park Avenue delivers not only the traditional Buick virtues, but an enjoyable driving experience as well. Opt for the supercharged Park Avenue Ultra, and the experience becomes downright entertaining. This is one fine sedan.

For 2001, Park Avenue and Ultra offer optional Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist.

Model Lineup

Two models are available: Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra.

Park Avenue ($32,980) comes with a 205-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine. Interiors come trimmed in cloth, with power windows, power mirrors, climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights and other convenience features. Anti-lock brakes and side air bags are standard.

Park Avenue Ultra ($37,490) gets a 240-horsepower supercharged version of the same V6. Trimmed in leather and wood, the Ultra adds heated front seats, mirrors with parallel park assist, a compass, moisture-sensing wipers, GM OnStar communications system, and other features. In addition to its more powerful engine, the Ultra comes with StabiliTrak traction control, a heavy-duty transmission and magnetic speed-sensitive power steering.

In mid-2001, Buick will release a limited-edition, special appearance package for Park Avenue Ultra. Exclusive Laguna Green paintwork will complement a two-tone Shale/Neutral interior with Southern Walnut inserts for the instrument panel and inner doors. Expect the package to include a long list of otherwise optional equipment.