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Used 1997 Buick Riviera Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Riviera, so we've included reviews for other years of the Riviera since its last redesign.

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5 out of 5 stars

409,000 miles and still going!!!

thomie8, 06/24/2014
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
28 of 28 people found this review helpful

I bought my 1997 Supercharged Riviera from the original owner with 37,000 miles on it. I commuted 100 miles round trip to work each day for 13 years. I now have 409,000 miles on it. Parts replaced included 3 water pumps, 2 alternators, a starter, entire brake system (minus master cylinder...thats still original). The CD player went to I had a cheap one installed. One set of tires (Cooper) I got 105,000 miles out of. Had the front wheel bearing assemblies replaced at 250,000 and just had the drivers front wheel bearing replaced. Still the original exhaust system. It has some annoying oil leaks that I really don't care about. Original paint job is my only complaint. Wore off in a few places.

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5 out of 5 stars

Bought My Dream Riviera New in 1996

lovemyriviera, 01/24/2012
1996 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

I drove my 1996 Buick Riviera out of the showroom and could drive it back there today to sell as a new car, it still looks that fantastic! I've taken excellent care of this car and it's only been the dealership for all maintenance. It was my daily driver for 10 years with 112,000 km (70,000 miles) now. Only had 2 problems: 1. there's been an electronic bug in the tape player; GM has acknowledged the problem but no fix, since it only happens one-in-awhile I live with it; 2. I recently had to replace the ABS Pressure Modulator Valve which cost $50 for the part and $75 for labor. Otherwise, the car has been a dream and it still turns a lot of heads!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Riviera - last of the personal coupes?

Dave, 06/07/2009
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

We have had many unique cars... great '91 Regal GS (450K), wonderful '93 Park Avenue (500K) never a drop of oil or any engine work with either now '97 Riviera same good quality. Wheel bearings on all 3 Buicks have been a bane. Riviera has developed unpredictable starting problem... no action on turning key - nothing. Happens once in a while, let sit for few minutes and then it will start. Cannot find problem. Not starter nor solenoid. Ignition or neutral safety lock? Various mechanics have looked into this to no avail. Does anybody else have this experience?

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome ride by Buick.

Rodd, 08/31/2010
1996 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I bought a nice 96 Riviera that is Supercharged for $400! It has been sitting for three years due to driver's sudden death. It was a very sad story. I bought a $144 battery and put under the seat. It started right up and ran great! No knocks but it had a great big brake line leak. I drove it the 20 miles home with no brakes! It was a comfortable ride and man the power was awesome! The buttery leather seats and carpet and still like new! It is like riding the the space shuttle cockpit! Tires and brakes were just replaced! Engine and tranny are superb! I have it at the shop now to replace the brake lines and I am looking for a hood and fender as it hit a deer just before it was parked

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5 out of 5 stars

My Modern Buick

Z Man, 12/17/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

This being by far my newest Buick I must say with 191,000 its an amazing machine! Light blue exterior and dark blue leather its incredible. Comfortable to drive, powerful in any situation, and with 28-29 miles a gallon on highway its just what I need! I owned 2 58's and 2 59's and my 97 Buick and I will say that Buick has held on to quality a lot better then most other auto companies! Way to go Buick!

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