1995 Buick Roadmaster Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Although its appearance has been updated by some tasteful de-chroming and flush-mounted aero headlamps, the Roadmaster still has that traditional look that some trendy buyers would characterize as old-fashioned. There's a fair amount of Buick extending beyond the front wheels, and even more of it thrusting out behind.

We also have to say that the semi-skirted rear wheels give the Roadmaster's going-away view a rather pudgy look.

On the other hand, we think there's still prestige and substance, the kind of appearance that we associate with country clubs and black-tie soirees.

Sheer size is also a classic luxury index, and the Roadmaster has plenty of it. Although it's a little smaller than battleships such as the Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac Fleetwood, it's not much smaller. And that big waterfall grille says Buick in unmistakable terms.

Buick offers two versions of its big sedan for 1995: the Roadmaster and Roadmaster Limited, plus the Roadmaster Estate Wagon.

All are powered by GM's LT1 V8 engine, essentially the same engine you'll find in the Chevrolet Corvette. Installed last year, this impressive torque-generator has done wonders for the power portion of the Roadmaster's prestige quotient. After all, it's difficult for the trendy to sneer at you when all they can see are your taillights.

The transmission is one of General Motors' excellent electronically controlled 4-speed automatics, as smooth as any, regardless of national origin.

Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment on all models. And our Roadmaster Limited test car was also equipped with an optional limited-slip differential, which ensures smooth power delivery to both rear wheels.

One small but significant exterior change for 1995 is the addition of bigger side mirrors. Our test car's side mirrors were heated, too.

There's also a new color - Platinum Gray Metallic - as well as a coach lamp in the rear roof pillar that says Roadmaster, in case you need reminding.

Interior Features

Buick redesigned the Roadmaster's dashboard for '94, and it helps bring the interior a little more up-to-date. The dash makes a clean sweep across the car, maintaining the traditional horizontal appearance of its predecessor but adding attractive analog gauges.

There are dual airbags, of course, and child-protection rear door locks.

Our test car had impressively comfortable leather-covered seats. Buick has applied computer-design science to its seating program, and the seats in '95 Limited models do a good job of distributing occupant body weight to eliminate any pressure points.

Control placement is simple, and it was easy for us to acclimate ourselves to the location of the various switches and levers - with one exception. The power-seat controls are split into two groups, one group on the armrest - with the window switches and mirror controls - and the other low on the outside of the seat. We'd prefer to see them rounded up into one area.

The Roadmaster has lots of glass, and driver sightlines are generally good. The large rear-roof pillar does take a small bite out of vision in the rear quarters, but the bigger side mirrors relieve this minor blind spot.

There's lots of room in every dimension, front and rear. Buick rates the Roadmaster as a 6-passenger car, but the front-center seating position includes a hump that covers the rear of the transmission, which means that the center passenger should have short legs. This is something that applies to all 6-passenger sedans, incidentally, rear- and front-drive alike.

The other pleasant plus of driving a Roadmaster is how quiet it is at any speed. The Lexus LS 400 is the industry leader in this respect, but the Roadmaster isn't far behind.