Used 1998 Buick Skylark Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Skylark, so we've included reviews for other years of the Skylark since its last redesign.
It Never Dies
Mr Blah Blah, 02/14/2009
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car from my father-in- law who put 112,000 miles on it. I have a 76 mile round-trip commute to work and go through about a tank of gas a week. I can get close to 400 miles off of one tank. Had a not-so-easy-to-find electrical problem with it, but once that was ironed out, no other problems. I now have 150,000 miles on it and love it. One of the most dependable cars I have ever owned.
Takes a beating
luvinit, 04/28/2006
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I despised this vehicle when I first began to drive it because it is a "grandma" sedan. Over a year of driving it, i have learned to love it. I have had some pricy repairs but given the age, the mileage and some of the notorious parts that come with it standard, i had expected it. The parts I believe may be due to the dealership's, and the previous owners fault; they were in moderate condition when purchased but went far downhill over the course of five years. My vehicle has had basicly everything worked on except for the lower portion of the engine. The repair costs that i have suffered are most likely not common given that the main notorious object in the vehicle, has just failed(tranny)
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kslaughter322, 01/24/2012
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just got my permit in November, and love to drive this car. The controls are all easy to get to, It has a lot of power, very good handling, safe and smooth ride, but don't expect it to drive like a Caddy or Roadmaster. My parents made 2, 300 some mile trips from wv to ohio and had no issues to speak of. also, later on after I got my permit, we made a drive from oak hill, wv to Grantsville, MD, and 3 weeks later Oak Hill, WV to Severn MD and again, no problems to speak of. And the car has around 119,500 miles on it. Have had the car a little over a year and it is very reliable. When I turn 16, I want a Skylark as a first car.
Grandma's 97 Buick skylark
Terry, 12/07/2009
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My Buick Skylark has only 35,000 miles and was my grandmother's from 1997- 2003. After she died I got the car and it is a great little car in perfect shape and reliable--until now. The water pump went and I found out that it takes hours to get to the pump and it costs $$$--$750.00 to replace it-- and a gasket too. Why did Buick design an engine that would be so hard to get to a water pump. The mechanic suggested that as long as you are paying for the cost of labor to get to the water pump you should have several other somewhat related items fixed as well. I called the dealer to verify the extent in reaching the water pump and they verified this issue. Not good.
Good Mid-sized Car
Bobbyboy, 09/18/2003
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used with 28,000 miles on it and although it looked perfect, I wondered about the mechinical shape it was in. Having had it for 5 years I haven't put a cent in it except for normal maintence.
Decent for quite a while
Amanda Cole, 07/15/2008
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car 9 years ago and it was extremely reliable for several years. In the past 3 years I've had to put a lot of work and money into it replacing the entire steering column because of a problem with the computer (that was very annoying) and now the transmission is slipping. Other repairs have been minimal, it gets good gas mileage on the highway (about 30 mpg), the A/C is very cold, which I like a lot! it's very comfortable and doesn't feel like a huge car, but is still roomy. Also replacing window motors in the past 2 years was bad news. Several small things gone bad lately.
Champion Underdog
EmeraldGreenSkylark, 10/07/2002
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Really awesome for a first car. With the V6, outperforms most other cars I've driven. Stomp on the gas in optimal gear-drop ranges (25-30 for 1st and 60-65 for 2nd) and you feel like you're about to launch. Elegant design, love the color (green). Joy to drive, feels 100% stable even at 90+. Seems like a car people love to hate though. Has needed some expensive repairs.
Best Car I Ever Had
foxhunter, 08/16/2003
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in June of '96 for my wife, who gave up driving shortly thereafter. I took it over, and it's been the best car I've ever owned. It handles very well, has had minimal maintainence and still looks good.
Tough Car
LostRealist, 05/09/2006
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a really tough car. In the 3 months I've had it, it's held up to a lot of abuse. I push this car everyday, and while I get pretty bad gas mileage from driving in a very "spirited" way, I get really good performance and the entire car is extremely tough (engine, chassis, trans, suspension, etc). I've heard some really good things about this car, and so far its lived up to the expectations. Theres only few minor electrical problems with the car, but all of them have been previously recalled. The previous owner did not fix them. Basic maintainence is all that has been needed for this car. Overall, this car is a tremedously good buy.
GOOD CAR
Mjkkcooper, 03/03/2005
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a friend's dad back in 2002. At the time it had 109K on it. It now has 157K and it's still running great. No engine or trans problems. The only issue we have had is this annoying coolant leak. We have replaced the radiator once and the hoses 3 times. Now we believe it is leaking from else were. We spend $15 a week on coolant! Besides that, I love this car, good gas mileage, but if you have a family go for the 4 door. And always the V-6! Good luck.
Luv that car-O-mine!
Proud Buick Owner, 04/04/2003
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Go 50-55 mph on a long trip, and get mid-30 mpg. The 6 cylinder is torquey, but the overdrive keeps the mileage in the mid to upper 20s. It's solid enough that if someone rear ends you, you and car are functional. It's not a land yacht, but can carry four people in reasonable comfort (the back seat is a bit tight). Easy to insure, easy to travel in () though I like a pillow, or small poodle, for neck rest support. Could use better lumbar support. It always runs! The speedometer is HUGE (as it should be). Happy with the 6-banger 'lark.
97 Candy
Michele, 11/25/2015
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was recently involved in a pretty serious car accident in my 2009 compact car which was a total loss. My insurance co gave me a good replacement check but financially I can't get involved in another car payment. So my Father saw this Buick Skylark Limited Edition for sale for under 4100.00 (not including taxes and fees of course) with only 64,000 + miles. We went to look at it and it was apparent the other owners took very good care of this car. Mechanically and otherwise. The minuet I sat in the drivers seat I was hooked and knew this was my new honey. The acceleration is fantastic, the ride is smooth, the tape deck still works and there is absolutely nothing mechanically wrong with this car. I get great gas mileage. I drive over 100 miles a day and only need to fill the tank once a week (if I can keep my foot out of the petal). I have only had her a few weeks but I do notice the power windows are a little slow and the seat belts are not the greatest design. But as far as feeling safe I am very happy with this car. My parents always owned Buick's when I was a child so I feel as if I am driving a piece of my childhood history and I just love that nostalgic feeling. This car ROCKS!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Pretty good
memememe, 06/06/2002
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
First the bad stuff. My Skylark has needed new brakes, a new fuel pump and a new fuel injector so far. I have driven it from 29K miles up to 72K. The carpet under the driver's left foot is disintegrating. Now the good stuff. This car gets pretty good mileage. I can usually go 400 highway miles before adding another 13.5 to 14 gallons to the tank. The V6 is decently zippy. The governor stops at 104, but the engine hasn't even started to get loud at that point and control is still very good. Unlike some cars, you could drive this one at 95+ for hours without trouble.
Piece of junk
JP2009, 05/13/2009
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2005 as a first car from a friend that was very reliable, i knew he would not rip me off. At first it was great and handled well and was fairly good for being a 1996. I must say i have had so many problems with this car. It doesnt start, i hate to turn it over twice everytime i get in it. It has had tons of faulty electical problems, to the point where my car wouldnt start for 3 months and i took it to 5 different mechanics!! Over all i have had nothing but problems with this car and put WAY to much money into it. It also only has 70,000 miles on it right now so it is not like it has alot of miles. there is not reason it shoudl be this bad other than it is old.
Best Quality and Reliable Car
ml, 04/09/2010
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have found this car needs very little maintenance and is made of great quality. Very reliable! The gas mileage is unbelievable for an older car.
Mechanically sound with poor interior
ijonb44, 05/12/2002
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had very few mechanical problems with this vehicle. It is a basic, reliable vehicle. While it rides better on the highway, it isn't too bad in the city. This car does, however, have one * major* flaw. The interior has been falling apart since I purchased it! The carpet was warn within a year, and most things plastic are either cracked or have falled off. This car is well cared for, and kept in good conidition. When I asked the Buick dealership about this, they did not act surprised. So, if you are looking for reliable transportation, but do not necessarily care what the interior looks like, the Skylark is right up your alley!
Eh, must not have got the same car
jcran2181, 07/02/2008
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I must not have gotten the same car these other reviewers got! I bought this car used, by a guy I trusted and knew wouldn't give me a bad deal (granted, I did get it used). I suppose most of these reviews are based on dealership bought cars, but this car was just a lemon as is most American cars after they get 100,000 miles on them. It looked real slick for a brutha to go round and jam his music to, it was fun, but I was under the hood every two to three days tryin to fix something. Just wasn't a dependable car. I was suprised how much a car can really fall apart in the span of about 6 months, but then again, it's a '96 car in 2008, so maybe it just needed to find a retirement home.
Got me where I needed to go
densachan, 10/29/2012
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was basically my first car and I planned to use it until my credit was better established and suitable for a newer, smaller car. The car did just that and held out for the time I needed it to. It made for a smooth ride, good braking system and had powerful acceleration. The troubles started at the very end and were all contributed to the coolant system. The water pump and radiator needed replacement which cost 500+. Soon after, they found a leak in a component behind the heat shield which I needed up fixing with a leak seal. I am just glad that the car got me where I needed to go until I was in a position to buy another car.
Good little car
Will, 02/07/2018
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had mine since 2004 it had 53000 -now in 2018 it has 119000 and still runs great and hasnt required alot of repairs
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Sweet car
fatchuckyd, 12/13/2008
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great fuel economy. Very fun to drive. Mine has a 2.4l twin cam. Very fast, it beat my friends 14,9 sec. focus with just an intake and muffler. Love it
very satisfied.
Cananopie, 12/12/2002
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my car Limited Edition skylark last April with 80,000 miles on it and I have been driving it a lot and nothing major has happened in 8 months except for recently the fuel pump broke, but it was over 100,000 miles on it. This car has amazed me with is performance and its reliability
Snow Cutter
mruprell, 10/21/2004
1996 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Buick Skylark is my snow cutter .... cuts throught he piles of snow through running across the mid state country side
so far so good
pepe19vel, 05/16/2002
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the car for a year now and it's been great. No major problems with it besides regular maintenace. The breaks are good and the car it self looks good. It' is a comfortable car.t has close to 100 000 miles.
Buick Junkbox Review
AZA, 12/18/2002
1997 Buick Skylark Gran Sport 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A real junkbox that in the last two years has required extensive repair and replacement of various suspension, mechanical, electrical and other parts. I will never own another Buick.
97 skylark
becky, 02/28/2002
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Falling apart at less than 100k miles. Replaced almost everything at least once, and needs new engine.
My 97 Skylark
Luv My Buick, 09/22/2003
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car used in Oct 1997 with 12000 miles on it. Beside regular maintance and replacing the water pump at 50000 miles, my Buick has been trouble free. It now has 150,000 miles. It's a great car!
Our 97 Skylark
1819suny, 07/23/2004
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle in 2003. We all really liked it. However, one year later in 2004 it needed a new water pump. Imagine my surprise when I was told that the cost to replace most water pumps was about $150.00 but because of the way they built this car (quad 4 engine, a very poor design), it would be $640.00! Not only that, but any future repairs would also be very expensive as you practically had to take the engine out to get at anything. Our car repair service would not even look at it because it was so expensive to repair. They told me I would have to take it to a dealer. Well, as much as I liked this little car, I sold it that day!
They just keep running...
Tara, 04/17/2006
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Skylark, my first was a 1991. These cars just never quit, my first was sent (running) to the junk yard with 179,000 miles and my 1997 is about to rollover 160,000. They both had their little mechanical quirks, but nothing too expensive and nothing out of the ordinary. They have never needed new transmissions or waterpumps. Even with the redesigned quad4, which was an initial worry... this car hasn't let me down. Buicks have made my life much easier:)
Good Car!
clown1, 07/01/2003
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I brought this car when it was a year old. It is five years and 81000 miles later, and I still like it. The only thing I had to do except for routine maintenance, was replace the water pump at 80000 miles.
Best Used Car I Ever Had
choralcat, 07/09/2003
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 in the Spring of '98. It 22,000 miles on it. Other than normal service and a new set of tires, I haven't needed a thing done to it. I bought the 70,000 mile 7 year protection plan and plan to keep it at least until the 7 years are up.
My Baby Buick
Chia Pet, 03/18/2002
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a decent car. It hasn't given me many problems and it is a great road car. I have hade many upgrades to the car like wheels, suspension, stereo and etc. Once you replace these, the car is great! If you buy this car (1996-1998), prepare to spend about $2500 extra to make it right!!
Car to last
Janet, 04/20/2008
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my 97 as a program car from a dealership, in 98. I had problems with the radiator and once the water pump. After these were taken care of the car has been reliable and trustworthy. No it is not a stylish car but it still has time to get to 100,000 and some paint is chipping and the windows are in tough shape(bad electrical windows!) I would buy another Buick in a heartbeat but with roll-down windows! Forgot to say...air conditioner just went on it and the knobs for the dash are hard to find when you replace them.
Buick Skylark
Sandida, 04/10/2002
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a great looking car. It handled nicely, but because of its wheelbase does not turn does as sharply as a small car. The gas mileage is about 25 miles to the gallon. We've had the brakes repaired since we bought it used in May 1999 but that's about it. It's a great looking car.
Great All Around Model
SoooCoool1, 09/04/2002
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when it had 101000 miles on it and it is great. The pick- up and go is the best feature to me. I used to have a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire and it never got the pick-up and go that this car has. I am also getting great gas mileage. I am getting about 35 miles to the gallon in the city. I am pleased with this car and am going to keep it as long as I can keep this car.
Very Pleased
Al Stefanelli, 07/22/2003
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Attractive styling, although the rear end could have used a few more hours on the drawing board. Surprisingly roomy for a six-foot-two, 225 pounder. Peppy, good handling and adequate sound system. This vehicle was impecably maintained and when I bought it with 108K miles on it, the condition was excellent, and still is.
from south to west and back
ostewart, 09/14/2011
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
as far as major repairs, this car has only needed the alternator, the solenoid, and the battery switched in 6 years of owning it. veeery dependable. drove from texas to washington state and back with no problems. reliable gas mileage for a GM car. trading this one in for a sebring lx coupe...going to be very sad to see this one go. can literally run forever with very little maintainence.
Great all around car
Rick, 09/24/2020
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 98 this year(2020) in immaculate shape and 94,000 miles. Runs and drives great gas mileage is very good and the 6 cyl moves this car on out. Had to replace water pump but a great steal for only 500 bucks and is pretty close to showroom condition.
junk
chris m, 03/21/2009
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 2dr Coupe
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Lower control arm bushing (driver side) popped out while under warranty. Passenger side popped out after out of warranty-$130 for control arm loaded w/new bushings-I installed it. Ignition switch went bad- THEFT light was flashing and no start-$540 to tow and repair. Windshield wiper motor went out-$230 new motor installed. Driver side window popped out of the track at top of window-haven't fixed it yet. Alternator went out-$95 with exchange-I installed it.Remote trunk release cable snapped. Remote filler door seized up.On it's second set of rotors.This car had 33000 miles when i bought it in 2000. It now has 72000 on it, so it's not like it has a hard life.
Good little Buick
airbooster, 02/29/2004
1997 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good little car. Gave me a scare at the GM dealers when we thought the rattling noise was an oil pressure plunger 600 bucks but turned out it was low 1 quart of oil. Dodged the bullet there. Gas milage lousy for a 4 banger (20 city)
A cheap car for a cheap price
vixkix69, 04/23/2003
1998 Buick Skylark Custom 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has had several problems starting with unexplained stalling.It has been diagnosed / checked but no problem to be found as of yet. The tires are very easily flattened or destroyed by hard bumps or curbs. The interrior and exterior doesn't hold up.The car very easily gets dings and dents in it.The carpet and seats are falling apart.