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My father and my father-in-law both drive Buicks, one a Roadmaster, the other a LeSabre. Both, however, would love the redesigned Park Avenue, which captures the big-car elegance and stature of the Roadmaster with the lithe handling of the Riviera.

But even the fact that both of those guys would love it doesn’t mean it is just for the grandfather set. Its appeal is broader than that. Forty-something executives will find it as alluring as an imported luxury car, while those on the downside of 60 will think it was made just for them because it still embodies many traditional big-car cues, like a big interior and room for five.

Enhancing its appeal is a competitive price. Our top-of-the-line Park Avenue Ultra test car had a sticker price of $35,935, which is puts it squarely in line with makes such as the Oldsmobile Aurora and Lexus ES 300.

When Buick set about remaking the Park Avenue, their customers told them not to change it drastically because they loved their cars so much. Consequently, what you see here is an automobile with evolutionary styling on the outside and a completely new vehicle underneath, where it counts most.

With the death of the rear-drive Roadmaster in 1996, the Park Avenue completes Buick’s transition to front-wheel drive. Both the standard Park Avenue and the upscale Park Avenue Ultra use the same 3800 Series II powerplant, but the Ultra has the 240-horsepower supercharged version, while the basic engine puts out 205 horsepower. This 3.8-liter V-6 is one of the nicer engines in General Motors’ product line, despite the fact that it uses fairly dated architecture.

Even though the engine is a V-6, the supercharger gives it acceleration that feels like a V-8, although there is a touch of coarseness under full throttle. Putting this power to the ground effectively is not a problem even in bad weather with the traction control that is standard. Anti-lock brakes complement its all-weather traction. In last week’s snow it was as reliable as a Saint Bernard.

The Park Avenue is built on the same platform and 113.8-inch wheelbase as the Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora. This strong and stiff platform provides a rock-solid underbody structure, which is equivalent to having a skeleton with strong bones. A key benefit to a stiff platform is that engineers can use a more compliant suspension because they no longer have to account for the body flexing as much over bumps. A more compliant suspension results in a better balance between ride and handling, which is crucial for a luxury car.

The long wheelbase not only gives a smoother ride, but it also results in a voluminous interior. The leather upholstery and woodgrain trim hint at opulence without compromising function.

The Ultra’s heated leather seats are sumptuous, both in fit and feel. The front seatbelts attach to the seat frames instead of the car body, which means they maintain proper fit regardless of how you adjust the seat. A fou r-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver makes it possible to find a comfortable setting for nearly anyone.

In back, the seat is slightly raised to give passengers a better view. There is scads of legroom plus nice touches such as individual vanity mirrors that fold down from the ceiling.

A couple of standard features on the Ultra bear mentioning. One is the moisture-sensing windshield wipers that are triggered by water on the glass, and the other is a tire-pressure monitoring system that alerts the driver if a tire needs air.

Auxiliary controls for radio and climate control are mounted on the steering wheel spokes so you can tend to basic business without taking your hands from the steering wheel.

An Eye-Cue head-up display is optional.

Our test car was equipped with the Gran Touring suspension package and 16-inch aluminum wheels, both of which accounted for its crisp handling and import-like ride. This car is very comfortable on the highway, d would make an excellent cross-country cruiser.

With the makeover of the Park Avenue, Buick moves one step closer to a total revamp of its product line. The Century is new and the restyled Regal is on the way. You may think Buicks are just for aging Baby Boomers, but the products speak differently.

Price

The base price of our Park Avenue Ultra test car was $34,995. The list of standard equipment included the supercharged engine, heated leather seats, cruise control, automatic climate control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

The only options were the Gran Touring suspension and 16-inch wheels, compact disc player and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The sticker price was $35,935.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: The new Park Avenue blends full-size room with mid-size maneuverability. The new body is solid, rattle free and an excellent platform on which to build a big sedan.

The 3800 Series II V-6 is smooth, fuel efficient and fairly quiet.

Counterpoint: Although the styling won’t sweep you off your feet, it is pleasant.

Although it handles with decent agility, it doesn’t have the supple ride of a European car.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.8-liter, V-6

TRANSMISSION: Automatic

WHEELBASE: 113.8 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,879 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $34,995

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $35,935

MPG RATING: 18 city, 27 hwy.