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1995
Buick Riviera

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$28,195
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Expert 1995 Buick Riviera review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Buick Motor Division has gotten a lot of mileage out of that Mediterranean vacation spa known as the Riviera.

It has been a premium luxury coupe ever since its introduction 32 model years ago. And there’s nothing about the completely redesigned 1995 Riviera to change that.

The new 2-door is one of those vehicles designed for a multitude of tastes, with something for everybody. Neither a rocket ship nor sedate transportation for the senior set, the Riviera offers speed and handling wrapped in comfort and convenience.

It follows the bigger is better theory, being almost 9 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Riviera it replaces.

It’s also far more aerodynamic, with striking elliptical body forms highlighted by a series of curving surfaces.

In the Riviera that General Motors Corp.’s Terri Phillips provided for a test drive, this aerodynamic form held wind noise to just above a whisper at speed.

Since the beginning, Rivieras have had all the toys, and the 1995 model is no exception. All major driver assists are standard, with some extras available in a prestige option package.

Included in the test car’s prestige package were traction control, automatic mirror controls, wheel-mounted stereo radio controls and the like.

An option that gave the car extra performance was the 3.8- liter (231 cubic inch) supercharged 3800 Series II V6. The package includes half-inch wider aluminum wheels and speed-rated Eagle GA tires.

The $1,100 package only adds 20 horsepower over the non-supercharged 3800 engine. However, it ups the torque some 45 foot-pounds, and when that comes on line when pulling away from a light, it makes you forget about the money.

The V6 is a proven power producer, as evidenced by its participation in the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. But I still think that from an image standpoint, a Riviera ought to have a V8.

The transmission, of course, is a four-speed automatic that shifts with impressive smoothness. The only thing wrong with it is the shift points are set to low. The transmission shifts gears before the engine speed gets high enough to show some muscle.

If you really want to go, you shift the four-speeder manually. That will put 0-60 mph into the seven-seconds bracket. Letting the computer do it lands you in the eights. Still, that’s better than the standard V6, which takes just a tick under 10 seconds.

The Riviera’s other performance characteristics tend to fall under the heading of a continental tourer rather than a sports coupe.

The ride was great and the road manners quite predictable. It’s an excellent example that you really don’t need a rally suspension unless you want to emulate Formula I types through the hairpins.

In traffic, the car was highly maneuverable. Thanks to a speed- sensitive power-steering system, it took only minute movements to change lanes. And to pass, just punch the throttle and you’re gone.

Unlike the lag associated with a turbocharger, the Riviera’s positive displacement Roots -type supercharger gave instant throttle response.

The interior of the coupe is designed more for fine motoring than high performance.

The decor was on the elitist side. And the wide, front individual seats and spacious leg and head room mean you could ride all day with minimum fatigue.

Access to the rear seats wasn’t as convenient as with a four- door.

The 1995 Riviera is more than the equivalent of Rivieras of the past. I’d say it’s better, and probably will be better still the day they put a V8 in it.

1995 Buick Riviera Base price: $27,632. As tested: $31,743.Type: Front-engine, front-drive, five-passenger, luxury coupe.Engine: 3.8 liters, supercharged OHV V6, 12 valves, 225 horsepower, 275 foot-pounds of torque.Transmission: Four-speed automatic.Mileage: 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds.Wheelbase: 113.8 inches.Length: 207.2 inches.Width: 75.0 inches.Height: 55.2 inche s.Curb w eight: 3,610 pounds.Options: Radio with stereo, compact disc player, supercharged 3800 V6, prestige option package, leather with operating console, heated driver’s seat with memory positions, memory mirrors.

1995 Buick Riviera review: Our expert's take
By

Buick Motor Division has gotten a lot of mileage out of that Mediterranean vacation spa known as the Riviera.

It has been a premium luxury coupe ever since its introduction 32 model years ago. And there’s nothing about the completely redesigned 1995 Riviera to change that.

The new 2-door is one of those vehicles designed for a multitude of tastes, with something for everybody. Neither a rocket ship nor sedate transportation for the senior set, the Riviera offers speed and handling wrapped in comfort and convenience.

It follows the bigger is better theory, being almost 9 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Riviera it replaces.

It’s also far more aerodynamic, with striking elliptical body forms highlighted by a series of curving surfaces.

In the Riviera that General Motors Corp.’s Terri Phillips provided for a test drive, this aerodynamic form held wind noise to just above a whisper at speed.

Since the beginning, Rivieras have had all the toys, and the 1995 model is no exception. All major driver assists are standard, with some extras available in a prestige option package.

Included in the test car’s prestige package were traction control, automatic mirror controls, wheel-mounted stereo radio controls and the like.

An option that gave the car extra performance was the 3.8- liter (231 cubic inch) supercharged 3800 Series II V6. The package includes half-inch wider aluminum wheels and speed-rated Eagle GA tires.

The $1,100 package only adds 20 horsepower over the non-supercharged 3800 engine. However, it ups the torque some 45 foot-pounds, and when that comes on line when pulling away from a light, it makes you forget about the money.

The V6 is a proven power producer, as evidenced by its participation in the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. But I still think that from an image standpoint, a Riviera ought to have a V8.

The transmission, of course, is a four-speed automatic that shifts with impressive smoothness. The only thing wrong with it is the shift points are set to low. The transmission shifts gears before the engine speed gets high enough to show some muscle.

If you really want to go, you shift the four-speeder manually. That will put 0-60 mph into the seven-seconds bracket. Letting the computer do it lands you in the eights. Still, that’s better than the standard V6, which takes just a tick under 10 seconds.

The Riviera’s other performance characteristics tend to fall under the heading of a continental tourer rather than a sports coupe.

The ride was great and the road manners quite predictable. It’s an excellent example that you really don’t need a rally suspension unless you want to emulate Formula I types through the hairpins.

In traffic, the car was highly maneuverable. Thanks to a speed- sensitive power-steering system, it took only minute movements to change lanes. And to pass, just punch the throttle and you’re gone.

Unlike the lag associated with a turbocharger, the Riviera’s positive displacement Roots -type supercharger gave instant throttle response.

The interior of the coupe is designed more for fine motoring than high performance.

The decor was on the elitist side. And the wide, front individual seats and spacious leg and head room mean you could ride all day with minimum fatigue.

Access to the rear seats wasn’t as convenient as with a four- door.

The 1995 Riviera is more than the equivalent of Rivieras of the past. I’d say it’s better, and probably will be better still the day they put a V8 in it.

1995 Buick Riviera Base price: $27,632. As tested: $31,743.Type: Front-engine, front-drive, five-passenger, luxury coupe.Engine: 3.8 liters, supercharged OHV V6, 12 valves, 225 horsepower, 275 foot-pounds of torque.Transmission: Four-speed automatic.Mileage: 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds.Wheelbase: 113.8 inches.Length: 207.2 inches.Width: 75.0 inches.Height: 55.2 inche s.Curb w eight: 3,610 pounds.Options: Radio with stereo, compact disc player, supercharged 3800 V6, prestige option package, leather with operating console, heated driver’s seat with memory positions, memory mirrors.

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.9 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • As they promised a 100% reimbursement, I paid a

    As they promised a 100% reimbursement, I paid a substantial sum of $23,000 my hard earn money and received nothing in exchange.They scammed me into depositing my hard-earned money in the hopes of receiving something in return, but they prevented me from taking it out for the past few month. Stealing my money was their only goal. However, with the assistance of these recovery experts called ULTIMATE RECOVERY FIRM , I was able to retrieve my money and have it returned to me. You can also contact them through their web for assistance, as I'm sure that many other victims may also require this information. went ahead and filed a refund case against them through aixa.     Contact: Email: ultimaterecoveryfirm @ 𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥. 𝐜𝐨𝐦   WhatsApp: ‪+ ..1 ....7 ...8 ....6 ....4 ....3 ....2 ....2 ......1 .....7..... 8 ...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • MY BAD 95 RIVI

    I HAVE A 95 RIVI AND I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CAR AT FIRST GLANCE, THE CONTOUR, SLEEK, LONG SMOOTH BODY AND THE FRONT END HAS A SIMILAR LOOK TO A JAGUARS FRONT END I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MANY PEOPLE.ONE BAD DOWNFALL IS FINDING PARTS. I STILL NEED A SUPERCHARGER ACTUATOR FOR THE M62 EATON SUPERCHARGER PART # 12480246. ITS BEEN 3 YEARS SEARCHING. I BROKE OFF ONE OF THE VACUUM PORT CONNECTION AND COB JOBBED IT TO GET IT TO WORK. REALLY NO MAJOR ISSUES. ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE RIDE, SMOOTH. COULD USE A BETTER SOUND SYSTEM. SPEAKERS HAD A CRACKLING NOISE SO I REPLACED THE WHOLE STEREO SYSTEM.THE SOUND INSIDE IS AMAZING AS THE SOUND WAVES BOUNCE BACK AT YOU FROM ALL DIRECTIONS. 18 SPEAKERS INSIDE THE CAR
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Buick Riviera, a prince among thieves!

    The Buick Riviera is the cats meow in car manufacturing! It is powerful, sleek, exciting, and most of all stands alone in a world of duplication And bland look alike autos. Head turning impressiveness from bumper to bumper paired with the supercharged agility can make even the Old feel young again. Need some excitement? RIVIERA.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most beautiful exterior design I've ever seen

    I bought mine new in 95. While it was anything but a "low maintenance" or "low repair" vehicle (too long a story but suffice to say the car is on its 3rd engine and 2nd transmission), I quite honestly have never seen a car I like as much in terms of exterior design. I am currently in the process of looking for a replacement but will always have a special place in my heart for this car. Great ride, great traveling car. Great trunk capacity. I have surely had a love/hate relationship over the decades but every time I look at it I like it as much as the first time I saw it. There will never be another like the Riviera.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very comfortable, runs great, excellent vehicle

    Exceed my expectations, great everyday vehicale, great for the kids, vacation, very reliable, handles excellent in the snow, overall just a good car to own.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just purchased and getting used to it still

    we almost bought one of these when they were brand new , but decided not to ,when we found this on we had to have it with 160,000 miles it runs great and rides smooth , I thought the gas mileage would be better than 21 though , but still it's the best looking car out there besides our 69 GS of course !
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car that's ever been built.

    I currently own 7 cars, it will be 8 tomorrow when I pick up a used Lexus SUV for my daughter. I have had over 15 new cars over the last few years, I've owned Chevy, ram,nissan,toyota,Kia, you name it. My 95 Riv is without a doubt the best car I've ever had. I bought it from my uncle 5 years ago with 75000 miles on it. It's now 2018 I have 160,000 miles on it. It still looks new inside and out. It's quiet, smooth and that power is so much fun. Many souped up diesel trucks and go fast cars have been embarrassed from a stop light by this old grandpa car! I currently have a 2018 Nissan rogue, a 2017 Nissan sentra and a 2018 ram diesel. When we go on road trips we take the riv! It's more comfortable than any of the new cars, it's far quieter and more smooth and gets the best mpg of them all. The sentra is a gutless pig and gets terrible mpgs at my elevation of 5000 feet and with a constant head wind, even that 4 cylinder can't get the mpg of the riv. Normal maintenance a couple sets of brake pads, nothing major ever with this car. Sadly all GM can build now is pure crap! I hope this car lasts for ever because there is absolutely nothing out there you can buy new that even comes close to this old 95 Riviera! In fact I'm trying to find another to have just in case this one ever dies.. I can not say enough, favorite, best car I've ever owned bar none!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • BUICK RIVIERA, FANTASTIC VEHICLE

    I have been a car dealer in Pa. for 37 years and have owned many different brands, the Buick Riviera has really been on the top of the list compared to higher priced vehicles. Have had 7 and am currently driving one every day. I have a 2011 Lexus LS 460L and still love my Rivey!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Retired

    This is the second Riviera that I've owned. I purchased a 1995 riviera in December of 1994 new, this was one of the greatest investments that I've made. The style, handling, luxury, convenience, accesseries, made me feel that it was compatible with comfort as those expensive cars. The gas milage with the Supercharge 3800 V6 engine gave me 27 to 32 mpg at time's, great car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Rivi '95

    A classic design. Most beautiful car of the 90's when you change out those ugly factory rims. I love this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Simply one of the greatest!

    I bought this car used in 1998, and it had a little over 30,000 miles on it. After 12 years, and a few sets of tires, I now have 150,000 miles on the odometer. Troubles... new radiator, new Left front axel, (new 2 master cylinders), and of course, a couple of sets of brake pads, and new rotors on the rear. OH, I forgot the rather large tree limb that fell on the windshield last year (2009) yeah, it was parked in my driveway. A few small dents, and a new windshield, I'm still driving it. It's been extremely reliable. I now have a very slight vibration (I and my mechanic think it's time for a new front "hub") because balancing the tires doesn't help much. After 10,000 miles a year, it's showing wear and tear, but, there's a lot of life left in it. I now commute over 100 miles per day, and wouldn't hesitate to take it across country. I drive fairly fast, and still average over 24 mpg (mostly highway). That's not a lot less than the 1961 VW Beetle that I owned in the past.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best first car.

    Great first car, very safe and easy to drive. I owned mine for 2-1/2 years and put about 15,000 miles on it as my first car. Plenty of power, comfort, and especially space for hauling around 4 friends and gear! The trunk has enough space to stop at the grocery store on your way to the airport, with room left over. Very well-planted for a big Buick, with reasonable grip through corners; it's no race car of course. Addicted to that supercharger scream! Hate to sell but it's been a blast owning such a beautiful car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1995 Buick Riviera?

The 1995 Buick Riviera is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1995 Buick Riviera?

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Is the 1995 Buick Riviera reliable?

The 1995 Buick Riviera has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1995 Buick Riviera owners.

Is the 1995 Buick Riviera a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1995 Buick Riviera. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.8
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