2000 Buick Park Avenue Ultra: Affordable Luxury

(Photo: General Motors)

According to Buick, more than 35 million of its cars have been built since 1904. Today, the mission to carve out its niche in the luxury market is stronger than ever as the Park Avenue, LeSabre, Regal and Century are called upon to uphold the tradition.

The 2000 Park Avenue, a sedan available in Ultra trim, strives to provide both comfort and safety, and does so by incorporating several technological enhancements previously unavailable to Park Avenue owners. A one-year subscription to the OnStar System, the StabiliTrack System and front seat side-impact air bags are among the recent additions, additions Buick hopes will give it an advantage over pricier competitors. OnStar System is practically a traveling companion in which a direct connection to a person is established via the press of a button. Emergency assistance, convenient information and seven-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day peace of mind are benefits of the system, which also comes equipped on Cadillac models.

The introduction of StabiliTrack has raised the safety level even higher. Designed to help drivers maintain better control of the vehicle on slick terrain, StabiliTrack can be an asset in the avoidance of accidents. The system is activated with the turn of the ignition key

Traditionally, Park Avenue caters to the tastes of a more sophisticated demographic, those who have attained professional success and desire a powerful, yet stylish ride. The Ultra satisfies in both areas, utilizing a supercharged 3,800 Series II V-6 capable of 240 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This from a vehicle that boasts new 16-inch wheels with chrome wheels optional. New exterior colors are available, too, ranging from Medium Red Pearl to Bright White Diamond Tri-Coat.

Owners can expect to fetch 19 miles per gallon city and 28 miles per gallon highway on the base model, while efficiency dips to 18 and 27 for the supercharged Ultra.

These numbers compare favorably to the Park Avenue?s competition, the Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Town Car Signature, both of which cost thousands more, according to Buick.

To nobody?s surprise, the 2001 incarnation of the Park Avenue seeks to build on the reputation. Perhaps the most noteworthy of the upgrades is the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system that detects obstacles behind the vehicle. Also in the offing is a special model, limited-production Park Avenue Ultra decked out in Laguna Green with two-tone Shale/Neutral interior and Southern Walnut wood instrument panel and door trim inserts. The vehicle is slated to be available in the mid-model year.