1996 Buick Riviera Consumer Reviews

Buick Riviera Longtime Owner

Written by: mkdeloach on 11/16/2004

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

I owned and drove my Buick Riviera from 1996 thru 2004 and never had any major problems from it whatsoever. My complaints would be 3. After 3 years of owning it, the front hood paint began to peel/rust and though it should have been under warranty, GM wouldn't do anything about it. 2nd thing was the heated seat quit working after 2nd winter, it was $500 to repair so I didn't fix it. 3rd thing was the CD player had a problem. Those 3 things aside, I only had to do the regular maintenance (tuning, belt changes, oil, etc.) and I drove it 164000 miles and believe I could still drive it another 100000 but moved to city and need smaller car. Awesome car! I would buy another, if it were smaller!

Favorite Features

Fast take off, very comfortable, never any problems with it after 8 yrs & 164000 mi. still looks new (except couple of dents), still drives awesome, fast, its a fantastic car! I'm quite sure it will go another 100000 miles without problems! And only about $1000 per year maintenance, if that.

Suggested Improvements

The paint on hood, I've seen a lot of other Riviera's with the same exact problem. The heated seat wasn't used that much, I shouldn't have to pay $500 after 2nd season of use to have it repaired, it just wasn't used that much. And the CD player was OK as if you played one CD per trip.

24 out 25 people found this review helpful

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Love the RIV

Written by: mmmmmmmmmm on 10/01/2004

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

Great car! 170000 miles later and still going great. to bad they do not make no more.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Riviera

Written by: JustL on 09/24/2004

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

Fine car with styling so ahead of its time that the new Buicks have similar styling features such as the sharp curved fenders and slopping roof curves. See the Buick experimental two seater and the new replacement for the Regal. Has a rigid chassis and frame that results in straight tracking especially at high speeds. Its rigid body is similar to a Pugeout that I owned years ago. But with style and power.

Favorite Features

Directional stability, instant response of the supercharger, unlike turbocharged engines. Large easy to read gauges and intuitive controls. Comfortable seats and ride. Cushy but in control. Why did GM stop building this car? Probably not enough of us bought it. Maybe too perfect

Suggested Improvements

Tighter turning circle. Fold down rear seat to trunk. Huge trunk but not easy to hold bulky items. Also own a 2004 Cadillac CTS and the Riviera has many features that this fine car does not have such as locking fuel door, turn lights, etc.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Riviera, What a great roomy car.

Written by: dave lorraine on 04/18/2004

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

I was drawn to the Riviera by its Gymnasium feeling inside. It has everything you could want. Pure comfort. Just an all around fantastic car with lousy city 12-15mpg and great highway 28-34, yea 34 on the open road. Yes, If this car was still being sold I would definately look at getting another.

Favorite Features

memory seat adj. for 2 people power trunk and gas door. power sun roof wheel controls for climate and audio intelligent lights great V-6 w/Supercharger and many more.

Suggested Improvements

Seats that roll forward like in a VW for getting in and out of back seat. Lousy parking break which is foot actuated and even more foot pressure to release it. Lousy tape player, but good single CD

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Written by: dit0mat0 on 02/22/2004

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

Very fast, comfortable drive, real luxury at an affordable price.

Favorite Features

the supercharger

Suggested Improvements

none

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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good sport luxury car

Written by: dfugate on 09/14/2003

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

purchased at 50000 miles now has 97000 mi.still factory crisp and responsive,23 mi gallon on highway and most comfortable,never any problems ,has been most reliable car i ever owned,still in pristine condition with minimal effort,hate they dont produce them anymore.

Favorite Features

stereo,supercharged,fuel injection,leather interior,great steering and handling,smooth shifting transmission.

Suggested Improvements

would have given a different body to this model,its luxury but has real performance also.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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excellent

Written by: THE RIVERA MAN on 06/04/2003

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

Best car I ever owned, I have had very little repairs, I change the oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles, and it runs great.

Favorite Features

Crusie Control

Suggested Improvements

They should start to make them again, GM did a bad thing by discontinuing this model

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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best american luxury car

Written by: mike swonger on 05/02/2003

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

I love this car, it's performance is great. Real comfortable, no problems yet. Everywhere I go I get compliments, and with is great design people mistake it for a brand new car.

Favorite Features

supercharger, comfortable, and design

Suggested Improvements

none

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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THIS CAR ROCKS

Written by: Billy-BOB on 02/26/2003

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

I have over 150000 miles on this car, and it still runs beautiful.. im a traveling salesman, and the company wants to get me a new car, but i dont want one, i love this one too much. from the heated leather to the supercharged V6, this car has it all.. my sunroof is always open and the stereo system in this car is great. when im home, my 17 yr old boy, loves to drive it. Im going to be keeping this car until it wil cost me to much to get a new one!

Favorite Features

heated seats, in dash Cd changer, supercharger, and i added a chip to up the preformance!

Suggested Improvements

only thing is the butt end is a little long, but no biggy

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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THIS CAR ROCKS

Written by: Billy-Bob on 02/26/2003

Vehicle

1996 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coupe

Review

I have over 150000 miles on this car, and it still runs beautiful.. im a traveling salesman, and the company wants to get me a new car, but i dont want one, i love this one too much. from the heated leather to the supercharged V6, this car has it all.. my sunroof is always open and the stereo system in this car is great. when im home, my 17 yr old boy, loves to drive it. Im going to be keeping this car until it wil cost me to much to get a new one!

Favorite Features

heated seats, in dash Cd changer, supercharger, and i added a chip to up the preformance!

Suggested Improvements

only thing is the butt end is a little long, but no biggy

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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