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Buick For 1998 |
By Carey Russ |
After the major revisions to the Le Sabre, Park Avenue, Century, and Regal during an extended 1997 model year, 1998 is a year of fine-tuning for Buick. The Skylark is being phased out into fleet sales, and all other Buicks will be available with the GM "OnStar" communications and navigation system. All 1998 Buicks are comprehensively-equipped for safety and comfort, with antilock brakes, reduced-force airbags, remote keyless entry, and theft-deterrent systems standard.
Regal
The newest 5-passenger, midsized Regal was introduced partway through the 1997 model year, and proves that family cars don't have to be boring. It combines comfort, space, and sporty performance and handling. It is available in 195-horsepower LS or 240-horse supercharged GS trim. The 4-speed automatic transmission used in 1997 1/2 GS models is now used in all Regals.
Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra
New last year, the normally-aspirated Park Avenue and supercharged Park Avenue Ultra have a variety of detail refinements for 1998.
Riviera
Buick's full-sized luxury coupe comes with more standard equipment this year, including the previously-optional 240-horsepower supercharged 3800 Series II engine. There have been refinements to the suspension for improved ride and handling.
Century
Buick's more traditional, 6-passenger midsized sedan was one of 1997's new stars, and enters 1998 with minor changes.
Le Sabre
The Buick Le Sabre, the best-selling full-sized sedan in the U.S. for the past 5 years, continues into 1998 with minor standard and optional equipment realignments.