Used 1998 Buick Riviera Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Riviera, so we've included reviews for other years of the Riviera since its last redesign.
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.
98 Riviera 240,000 miles and still reliable
kbondra, 09/17/2014
updated 03/19/2021
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
26 of 26 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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1998 Buick Riviera for sale near you
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A Luxury Sleeper, Retro Style
Aaron S., 12/14/2003
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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.
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?
A Dream Car
CFever, 10/07/2002
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
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!
1997 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coup
Gr8engineer, 08/08/2010
1997 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
15 of 16 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.
Best car ever!
The Old Colonel, 07/06/2016
updated 01/22/2018
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased in late 1997 and totaled in July 2013 with only 51,000 miles on it. Most comfortable ride of any car I ever owned. Had very little maintenance. The heavy structure and the airbag clearly saved my life in the accident. UPDATE 2018: Still think it was best car I ever owned. Sure wish I still had it.
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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.
Rivieras-Gotta' Love 'Em
3xalady, 05/09/2009
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have driven Rivieras since 1990 (2). At one time, I traded cars every 2-3 years, after buying my first Riviera, I just wanted to keep them. I have never had a Riviera to "stop" on me. My car has over 150,000 miles on it and the motor sounds like it did 10 years ago. Can't wait for the 2009/2010!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
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great car
J.R.Wilson, 02/11/2009
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Got this car with 50,000 miles on it, and it has been wonerful. Maybe the most beautiful car G.M. ever built. Suspension was too soft but tightened that up with some preformance struts. It is comfortable, fast and considering size and mass economical, I get 29-30 mpg with the cruise set at 73-74 mph, 18 mpg around Pittsburgh {lots of hills} The body is so georgeous, I find myself studying the curves and lines, a masterpiece.
I wish it lasted longer :(
MSWSU, 01/07/2010
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my car with 83000 miles on it, and had it for about 2.5 years. I replaced the tensioner and idler pulleys with the belts and Replaced the water pump. At 105000 miles, the torque converter went bad on it. I was pretty bummed that it only made it that far, since my last buick (1994 park avenue ultra) made it to 170000. The ride was great - lots of power, but the suspension was starting to go bad (it creaked when I would go over bumps). Great car overall :)
fairly unhappy
wcracechick, 07/04/2002
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
i purchased my 98 riv with 61000 miles on it thinking that i would not have any mechanical problems but i was wrong. the transmission started acting up 1 week after we got it home. I previously owned a 95 riviera and had some minor problems but nothing major. Other than the transmission trouble the car is a blast to drive and gets lots of looks. The fuel mileage is excellent and i love the extra power the supercharger makes.
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.
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
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 ??
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.
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
1998 Buick Riviera
Sherry, 01/04/2007
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 1st Riviera was a 91, loved the ride and body style. Looked for the 98 online. Found this it has been an excellent car in all categories except the awful paint job. I don't understand why GMC did not stand behind this when so many had the same problem. Everyone that you take it to all said the same thing that it was the factory paint, even the Buick dealer, but they wouldn't stand behind it. I have been in 2 minor accidents and am thoroughly impressed as to how well this vehicle did. I bought it with 40,000 miles on it, had to replace rack and pinion steering, other than that just regular maintenance.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
Mostly Pleasant Experiences
Bob Burger, 05/03/2002
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was bought used with 24,000 miles on the odometer. A high mileage '96 Riviera was traded-in for this car. I was attracted to the Riviera by the fabulous exterior design by Bill Porter. It is a very comfortable "road car."; I've taken two 4,000 miles trips in this car. Handling would be much improved with stiffer suspension and "tighter" steering. My purchase of an extended warranty turned out to have been a wise expenditure. Major transmission work at 25,400 miles was necessary and the alternator was replaced at 28,500 miles. All things considered, I still enjoy this car. It's a landmard design.
Good Ride, and Prettay
Nicka, 05/28/2002
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is an attractive car right out of the factory, but when you play with it right.... Its Beautiful
An American Classic
cgascoupe, 06/15/2002
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought the car with 33,500 miles on it, and in excellent condition with almost new tires. We've put almost 1,500 miles on the car, and I can honestly say that the car is a joy to drive. The performance is outstanding. The 3800 Series II supercharged engine provides as much or more torque than several V8s. The car is quiet, the sound system is great; a wonderful highway cruiser.
1998 Buick Riviera
Randall B., 08/28/2003
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has unique styling and has excellent eye appeal. It has plenty of power and provides a quiet, comfortable ride. Gas mileage is excellent, although premium is required.
Unrivaled
Zach P, 08/11/2007
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's amazing how many people will come up to you and compliment you on your car, especially knowing it's 9 years old. This car is beautiful, it's stylish, it's elegant, and it's a lot of fun to drive. You never see these things on the road where I live, and it's cool to drive something that nobody's seen before or heard of. This is my first car, and I loved it the minute I decided to buy it. If you consider purchasing one from a company or person who's taken good care of it for years (like I did), you won't be disappointed.
Love my Riviera
gg, 08/17/2005
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best cars! I love to put the sunroof back and ride on sunny days. I chose this car over a 2004 sports car. It had only 29,000 miles when I bought it and was in perfect condition.
Buick Riviera
Carla Lucchino, 07/04/2007
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent car to drive. Great acceleration. Rear visibility could be better. Overall, a fantastic car.
98 99 "Thats all folks"
pketch, 10/14/2007
1998 Buick Riviera Supercharged 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just plain love it. Easy to work on. 33 mpg on the highway. Drives like a small car even though it is a monster. Bought it for myself but the wife stole it once I got it home. The sloping hood is what sold her. She has always been afraid of a big car. What sold me was the car and its history. I am so happy with this car that I am now buying a 99 which will replace a 2000 Cadillac Eldo.
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.