Press Release

GM Announces Kiplinger Award for Buick's 1997 Park Avenue and LeSabre

12/23/96

Buick's 1997 Park Avenue and LeSabre Win Kiplinger's Awards


FLINT, Mich., Dec. 19 -- Buick's all-new 1997 Park Avenue
and redesigned 1997 LeSabre came up big winners in Kiplinger's
Personal Finance Magazine's 1997 Buyer's Guide to the New Cars. Park
Avenue was named "Best in Class," "Best New Car" and "First for
Safety" in the $25,000-to-$35,000 category, and LeSabre was "First for
Safety" in the $18,000-to-$25,000 category.

The guide's scoring system emphasizes such factors as performance,
value, safety features, design and comfort. The "Best in Class" award
goes to the vehicle that scores the most points in its category. "Best
New Car" is awarded to the vehicle that tops its category among
brand-new and significantly redesigned models. "First for Safety"
winners are based on the Highway Loss Data Institute's most recent
injury-claims studies.

Ride, handling and comfort are hallmarks of Buick's flagship Park
Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra sedans, completely redesigned for
1997. The new models have an unusually rigid body structure, which
contributes to a smooth, quiet ride, stable and predictable handling,
occupant crash protection and long-lasting comfort.

Engineers have worked to trim weight, friction and drag wherever
possible toward maintaining the Park Avenue's best-in-class fuel
efficiency. The advanced technology embodied in the Park Avenue
powertrains has resulted in six-cylinder fuel efficiency with
eight-cylinder smoothness and performance. Projected fuel-economy
ratings are 19 miles per gallon city and 29 highway with the naturally
aspirated 3800 Series II V-6 and 18/27 with Ultra's supercharged 3800
Series II.

Personal Choice features have been expanded to include sound system
and climate control settings. As in the previous model, the remote
keyless entry fob can also be programmed to remember mirror and seat
positions, automatic door lock operation, perimeter lighting, delayed
locking and security feedback.

The 1997 LeSabres were introduced in dealer showrooms in January 1996
and immediately continued the sedan's tradition of popularity. LeSabre
has been the best-selling U.S. full-size car for five straight
years. The '97 LeSabre features a number of exterior styling changes
and is again equipped with the 3800 Series II V-6 engine, now combined
with the improved 4T60E electronically controlled four-speed automatic
transmission. Projected fuel economy ratings are an excellent 19 miles
per gallon city and 30 mpg highway.

LeSabre continues to provide standard features such as dual air bags,
anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows, rear-window
defogger and PASS-Key II anti theft system.