1998 Buick Riviera Review
1998 Buick Riviera Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Elegant styling, supercharged engine, good value
Cons
- Large size
What’s new
Supercharged power is now standard, OnStar satellite communications system is a new option and depowered airbags debut. Four exterior colors are new, suspension and steering have been massaged and a heated passenger seat with lumbar support has been added to the options list.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$209/mo for Riviera Base
Riviera Base
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
After decades of mediocre personal luxury coupes from Buick, 1995 brought a stunning Riviera that returned the car to its performance roots with an optional supercharged V6 engine. Photos do not convey the elegance and beauty of this design. It looks best in dark shades, and from just about every angle, the new Riviera's sheetmetal is intriguing. The dashboard is thankfully devoid of digital wizardry, sporting simple round gauges and a slightly retro look. Real wood inserts on the instrument panel and center console soften the otherwise stark ambiance of the interior.
For 1998, Buick makes the supercharged 3800 Series II V6 standard on all Rivieras. So equipped, the big Riv gets to 60 mph in about eight seconds. Antilock brakes and dual airbags are standard, and traction control is one of a few options available. All 1998 Buicks have second-generation airbags, which inflate at a slower rate to help protect small adults and older children from cuts and bruises in the event of deployment.
Also new is the availability of an OnStar communications system. A dealer installed option, OnStar uses a hands-free cellular telephone and a Global Positioning Satellite to help you find your way around an unfamiliar city, get reservations at a swanky club or notify emergency personnel about an accident. Suspension and steering revisions are aimed at producing less body roll, better road isolation and improved steering feel. Four new exterior colors freshen the Riviera this year.
While this big Buick won't woo buyers who favor smaller, more sporting cars like the BMW 328i, the Riviera is a fine American luxury coupe with more than a hint of Euro flavor.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Buick Riviera.
5 star(74%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
409,000 miles and still going!!!
thomie8, 06/24/2014
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
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.
5 out of 5 stars
98 Riviera 240,000 miles and still reliable
kbondra, 09/17/2014
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
We bought the Riviera new in at the end of 1998, best and most reliable car we have ever had. Runs and drives great, rarely ever needs anything but gas, gets pretty good mileage too. It is powerful, roomy, comfortable, relatively quiet, nice ride, seats are real comfortable, never left us stranded. I own 3 cars a truck and a boat and the Riv is the most trouble free and reliable.
Drove … it across the country from Michigan to Arizona a few years ago, no problems. Had around 220,000 miles on it at the time.
Finally sold it with 244,000 miles on the car. GM really screwed up when they did not continue making these.
If you find a 96-99 Riviera with low mileage, buy it! They are getting real scarce.
Wish I still had the Riv. Best car we ever had by far.
4.88 out of 5 stars
A Luxury Sleeper, Retro Style
Aaron S., 12/14/2003
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
The '95-99 Riviera is a large,
comfortable, quick, attractive coupe.
Its design feeds from the classic
Riviera lineage, & has a very retro
feel. Theres a spacious interior, soft
ride, torquey engine, heavy (safe)
chassis, & traditional style.
It has a gorgeous body, its curves and
edges continuing the classic-car look
with a wide & low stature & pinched
fenders. One of the … last big & fast
2-doors, the Riv is a definite "sleeper.
Leather (heated & motorized) buckets,
power everything, auto climate control,
CD radio, self-dimmed mirror w/compass,
huge trunk, and VERY quiet ride make
driving a pleasure.
4.5 out of 5 stars
A Dream Car
CFever, 10/07/2002
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
It is unfortunate that GM is no longer
making the Rivera. It is a very
comfortable car that is a joy to
drive. I drive 25,000 miles a year
and most of it highway and it is great
car on the road. The average MPG over
time has been 21 miles per gallon and
as much as 25 mpg on the highway. The
Supercharger is great to have when you
need that extra power the car steps …
out nicely. At 100,000 I just had the
first tune up and overall reliability
has been excellent.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Buick Riviera, so we've included reviews for other years of the Riviera since its last redesign.
1998 Riviera Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $209/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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