Used 1997 Buick Riviera Consumer Reviews
Used Riviera for sale
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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.
1997 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coup
Gr8engineer, 08/08/2010
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought this car, brand new, right off the show room floor. We added a Wood View, dash and council kit. This car, with all the options, and additions, equaled the same model Cadillac, for $7000 dollars less. Those years of Cadillac had nothing but problems, this car had almost none. Had to replace water pump.
Never had a better vehicle
jrwjr61, 10/19/2009
1996 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I puchased my 1996 Riviera in 1998 and still own it today. I stopped driving it full time in 2005. It currently has 164,000 on the odometer. It had 39,000 miles on it at purchase I averaged about 19,000 miles a year when using it as an everyday driver. I couldn't see trading or selling this car for the "book value" when it is still in fantastic mechanical and cosmetic shape. I now take to car shows and believe it or not a lot of people don't even recognize the car as a GM or Buick. They haven't made the Riviera since 1999 so there just isn't that many left driving around. I have trophyed in numerous shows and will probably never get rid of this car.
Best since '69 225 Electra
lovethatriv, 06/25/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This car is always a pleasure, even in the worst of circumstances. It has taken deep water on the road a few times with no problem. Once, when it did lose power, it maneouvred beautifully, and safely to the parking lane - no panic! However, at 11 years old, I get only 15-17 miles a gallon, but the performance and resulting safety are well worth it.
Excellent value
dave8697, 11/11/2005
1996 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought with 88,000 miles on it, paid $1500 over private party value at time. Have put 45,000 miles on it in 19 months. Has every option. Gets 28.5 mpg. Has great acceleration and is quiet inside. Work needed at purchase: slow leak in tire, tiny oil cooler line leak (caused by sitting and which went away first week I had it), cd player ocassionally skips. Done so far: top off supercharger oil once, 2 new tires, air filter, Broken since I bought it:absolutely nothing. Still has orig. spark plugs. I drive 47 miles each way to work, and it smooths the road and quiets the trucks I pass. I planned on $600 a year in repairs and 23 mpg when I bought it, so I'm very happy because repairs are zero.
Buick Riviera Longtime Owner
mkdeloach, 11/16/2004
1996 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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!
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