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Buick Riviera

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The Buick Riviera: A Comprehensive Guide

The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was produced by Buick from 1963 to 1999. Conceived as a groundbreaking design in the early 1960s, it represented a significant departure from traditional Buick styling. The Riviera occupied a unique space in the market, blending the size and comfort of a luxury car with the sporty styling and performance often associated with coupes. Over its eight generations, the Riviera evolved, reflecting changing trends in automotive design and technology, while maintaining its core identity as a stylish and comfortable personal luxury vehicle.

Generations of the Buick Riviera

  • First Generation (1963-1965): The original Riviera was a masterpiece of clean, elegant design. It was offered only as a two-door coupe and featured Buick's "nailhead" V8 engine. Key changes during these years included minor trim updates and engine refinements. This generation is highly sought after by collectors.
  • Second Generation (1966-1970): This generation introduced a more rounded and sculpted design, replacing the crisp lines of the first generation. A major styling change came in 1968 with the elimination of the hidden headlights. Engine options included larger displacement V8s. 1966 introduced the Gran Sport model, offering enhanced performance.
  • Third Generation (1971-1973): Perhaps the most controversial design of the Riviera, this generation featured a "boat-tail" rear end, inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. It was longer and wider than previous models. This generation saw increased emphasis on luxury and comfort, but the styling was polarizing.
  • Fourth Generation (1974-1976): The boat-tail was dropped in favor of a more conventional coupe design. This generation was still large, reflecting the automotive trends of the mid-1970s, and focused on comfort and luxury. These models were built on the larger GM "B" body.
  • Fifth Generation (1977-1978): The Riviera was downsized significantly in response to rising fuel prices and changing market demands. This generation was shorter and lighter than its predecessors, offering improved fuel economy.
  • Sixth Generation (1979-1985): This generation saw a further refinement of the downsized platform. The design was more angular and modern. Buick offered both naturally aspirated and turbocharged V6 engines during this period, aiming to blend fuel efficiency with performance.
  • Seventh Generation (1986-1993): The Riviera transitioned to a front-wheel-drive platform for the first time. This generation was smaller and more technologically advanced, featuring electronic instrument panels and other innovations. The supercharged 3800 V6 became available, providing excellent performance.
  • Eighth Generation (1995-1999): The final generation Riviera saw a return to more rounded and flowing lines. It continued to be a front-wheel-drive personal luxury coupe, powered by the supercharged 3800 V6. The last Riviera rolled off the assembly line in November 1999.

Reliability & Common Issues

The Buick Riviera's reliability varies significantly depending on the generation. Here's a breakdown:

First and Second Generations (1963-1970):

  • Pros: Generally robust "nailhead" or later Buick V8 engines. Simple mechanical design overall, making them relatively easy to maintain.
  • Cons: Age-related issues are common (rust, worn suspension components, failing electrical systems). Parts can be expensive and difficult to find for certain components. Carburetor tuning can be challenging.

Third and Fourth Generations (1971-1976):

  • Pros: Powerful engines. Comfortable ride.
  • Cons: Large size makes them difficult to maneuver and park. Poor fuel economy. Complex vacuum systems prone to leaks. Rust is a significant issue. The boat-tail (1971-1973) models can be particularly challenging to maintain due to their unique rear window design.

Fifth and Sixth Generations (1977-1985):

  • Pros: Improved fuel economy compared to earlier generations. More manageable size.
  • Cons: The turbocharged V6 engines (offered in the late 70s and early 80s) can be problematic due to their complexity and potential for turbocharger failure. Rust is still a concern.

Seventh and Eighth Generations (1986-1999):

  • Pros: The 3800 V6 engine (especially the supercharged version) is known for its reliability and performance. Comfortable ride. Many modern amenities.
  • Cons: Transmission issues (particularly with the 4T60 and 4T65 transmissions) are a common complaint. Electrical gremlins can occur. The electronic instrument panels (especially in the 1980s models) can fail. The air suspension system (available on some models) can be expensive to repair. Plastic interior components can become brittle and crack over time.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of a Buick Riviera varies greatly depending on the generation. Early Rivieras (1963-1970) offer a classic American car experience with strong V8 power, comfortable ride, and distinctive styling. Later models prioritize comfort and luxury over sporty handling. The front-wheel-drive Rivieras (1986-1999), particularly those with the supercharged 3800 V6, offer surprisingly good performance and decent handling for a car of their size. However, they lack the rear-wheel-drive feel and balance of earlier models.

Pros:

  • Comfortable ride
  • Stylish design (across most generations)
  • Powerful engines (particularly in the V8 models and the supercharged V6 models)
  • Relatively spacious interior

Cons:

  • Large size (especially in the pre-downsized models)
  • Poor fuel economy (in the V8 models)
  • Potential for rust
  • Some models can be difficult to maneuver

Buying Advice

When buying a Buick Riviera, consider the following:

What to Look For:

  • Early Models (1963-1965): These are highly desirable collector cars. Look for well-maintained examples with minimal rust. Be prepared to pay a premium.
  • 1966-1967 Gran Sport: These offer a blend of classic Riviera styling with enhanced performance.
  • Late Models (1995-1999): These are generally more reliable and affordable than earlier generations. Look for models with the supercharged 3800 V6 engine.
  • Well-documented maintenance history: This is crucial for any used car, but especially important for older vehicles.
  • Rust-free examples: Rust is a major problem for many Rivieras. Carefully inspect the body, undercarriage, and around the wheel wells.

What to Avoid:

  • Rust buckets: Excessive rust can be expensive to repair and can compromise the structural integrity of the car.
  • Turbos with unknown history: If considering a turbocharged model, thoroughly inspect the turbocharger for signs of wear or damage.
  • Cars with significant electrical problems: Electrical issues can be difficult and expensive to diagnose and repair.
  • Cars with a history of transmission problems (especially 1986-1999 models): Have the transmission thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic.
  • Modified vehicles: Unless the modifications were professionally done and are well-documented, it's generally best to avoid heavily modified Rivieras.

Final Recommendation: The Buick Riviera offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and performance. Research the specific generation you're interested in, have any potential purchase inspected by a qualified mechanic, and be prepared to address any age-related issues. With careful research and a thorough inspection, you can find a Riviera that will provide years of driving enjoyment.

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