Skip to main content

Used 1997 Buick Riviera Coupe Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
25 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

409,000 miles and still going!!!

thomie8, 06/24/2014
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
29 of 29 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.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

Riviera - last of the personal coupes?

Dave, 06/07/2009
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
13 of 13 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?

Report Abuse
1997 Buick Riviera for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
See all 3 listings

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!

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

1997 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coup

Gr8engineer, 08/08/2010
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
16 of 17 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.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Best since '69 225 Electra

lovethatriv, 06/25/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 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.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Above the trend

turtleman, 06/11/2007
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Got it used with 150k miles - now at 160. It is an excellent car overall. Great power, utility, and exquisite design, in and out. The inside is just pure class and comfort with out the techno junk. Still looks great as far as paint and finish very solid chassis and drivetrain. Easy and effective to modify if your looking to improve performance. Not unreasonably expensive to buy.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Last sharp-looking Buick

LarryMit, 07/18/2005
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I finally got my Riviera since lusting after the 1963 model when it came out. This is the best looking American car since 1963 and the last good-looking one. If only Buick would make another Riviera like this, I'd consider buying another Buick. Oh, well!

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Smooth Ride

kjlong, 12/10/2012
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I got this car from a family of 9 so it was pretty rough when I got it. It needed several fixes and replacements before it was back in decent condition. It served me well while I commuted during college, never left me on the side of the road, and has always provided the luxury that has been associated with Buick vehicles. I am currently pushing 18k miles and it has definitely seen better days but I am overall very pleased with this car. The interior is decent besides a missing piece of leather on the console, scratches and dings on the dashboard and steering wheel controls, and a couple of damaged fan covers: these issues were present when I bought it. I love the ride!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome

lisa m, 09/15/2007
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great car. I have had this car since 1997. I have driven to date 233,335. Amazing huh? Very roomy and reliable.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Got to love it

keith, 10/04/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

My car so far has given me all the fun and glory I need in driving and being seen driving. I love the shape, style, and I love Buicks. Very fun, sporty, classy, etc. If you are thinking about buying one, dont! Buy two!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Best car I've owned and so classy

DiAnna, 10/05/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This indeed a really sleek beautiful, supercharged car. Very nicely built and holds up to about anything. I drive it in excess of 100 miles daily, never a problem

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

My Grandma's Car

OptiClaw, 12/02/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought my grandparent's Riviera a couple months ago. They bought it new in '97 and it only had 70K miles in '08. For $3000, that's a great deal. Seats are super comfortable, stereo's nice, decent power and MPG. Steering is light as a feather. Gas gauge doesn't register correctly below half tank, but with over 300 miles per tank, that's not too big a deal. Definitely not a sports car, but it's a major upgrade from my old '93 Mazda 626.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Best car I ever owned!

freiselt, 07/31/2003
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car when I took a job that required a lot of travel and wanted a comfortable car for long trips. It has fulfilled that task very well. Reliability has been great. I've only had to replace the water pump, spark plugs, etc. Normal maintenance. Changed oil every 3,000 miles and it has always gotten me around in style and comfort.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

Fast, smooth, unique.

JerryAssburger, 03/11/2022
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used based on my experience with a related GM vehicle, (a 2003 Bonneville). Both are solid cars and their 3800 engines are one of the Automotive World's better designs. The car has great bones and a gorgeous design; the plastic-ish interior much less stunning. Still a reliable car. I plan on it being my last.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

Love/Hate Relationship 97 Buick Riviera

holmslice88, 03/12/2014
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
7 of 11 people found this review helpful

I purchased the vehicle with 147,000 miles on it for $3,500 and thought it was the best car ever. I loved the leather interior with the single heated seat(only available on the drivers side.) It was such a smooth ride at first but once I hit 165,000 it wen't downhill. The Transmission blew and had to drop $2,500 unexpectedly to fix it. The door handle broke 3 times on the drivers side, keep in mind that the factory one is around $250. Issues with the crankshaft sensor and suspension happened around 190k miles. I managed to get it up to 220k miles....I'm honestly going to miss the ride and comfort but I am not going to miss the headache.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Black Rivi on duces with beat

babystunna55, 10/23/2008
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Cool whip. I like it. Fun to drive and all that. I got some custom things on mine. 22 inch rims. DVD in dash. Two 12 inch subs in the trunk. Love the car

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

sweet ride

shortdog, 11/09/2002
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Car is great to drive had to replace alternator and battery after i bought it but no other surprises so far steering sounds a little strained when turning wheels at a stop ??

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Pleased as punch

Lilolelady, 08/24/2003
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is our second Riviera. We traded a 2001 LeSabre for it and have not been sorry. Great ride, 30 mpg, quiet, comfortable and handles amazingly well for a front drive full size ride. It's a keeper.

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

GREAT CAR

BuickDude, 02/22/2003
1997 Buick Riviera 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Be sure and get an extended warranty $1800 - intake $320 - alt $180 - antenna $150 - auto trunk release

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best car ever owned

Moto, 11/15/2003
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is a joy to ride and at 6 years old still turns heads. Gas milage is great. Only problem I have had is the Traction control unit went bad and it's rather expensive to fix. Other then that, I still enjoy this car like the day I bought it!

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

1997 BUICK STD-RIVIERA

Tompro, 12/15/2003
1997 Buick Riviera 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Traditonal smooth Buick ride. Reasonable gas mileage & accelateration but definately no speedster.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

My Riv

duedetroyer, 03/21/2003
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used and have really loved it. Fun to drive, comfortable, handles well except when the tires are flat and you try to get out of the median after being run off the road. But it still went.

Report Abuse
2.88 out of 5 stars

Disappointed in Buick

Bruce, 01/27/2007
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought as a dealer certified vehicle. Transmission went out in 5 months at 79,000 miles and at 86,000 miles intake, power steering, old pan, and transmission pan all leaks and will cost more to fix than trade value. Car was serviced every 3000 miles

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

John's car

Jihn's Riv, 03/31/2002
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car is excellent, like new

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

tweety's car

georgia, 09/28/2002
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

comfortable,some difficulty getting and out of.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50