The Buick Riviera, a luxury 2-door coupe, ran for eight generations from 1963 to 1999. There was also once a 2-door convertible of the Riviera, but as of the 1986 model year, the car was now only a 2-door coupe.
Since its introduction in 1963, Riviera has been the flagship of the Buick line, offering luxury and performance in a 2-door package.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
No major changes were given to the Riviera since the 1990 model year.
1993[]
This was the last model year for the next-to-last generation Riviera, in which production ended after December 10, 1992.
1995[]
After sitting out the 1994 model year for a complete redesign, the Riviera was back for 1995. Production of this car began on May 23, 1994.
This new Riv was aimed squarely at the upper end of the luxury coupe market, as typified by the Lexus SC 300/400, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lincoln Mark VII/VIII. With prices starting below $30,000, the Riviera costed thousands less than its nearest competitor.
The all-new Riviera came standard with a 205-hp fuel-injected 3.8-liter V6 that incorporated many refinements over previous engines in this family. A supercharged version with 225 hp was optional. Both engines were coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission that would drive the front wheels.
Good handling and comfort were assured by a new suspension layout that incorporated the widest track of any 1995 Buick. A new magnetic variable-assist power steering utilized hydraulics, electronics and magnetics to provide enhanced road feel without sharp jolts from surface irregularities. Four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS provided sure stops on wet surfaces.
The list of standard equipment included a/c, dual airbags, multispeaker cassette stereo, cruise control, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette sound system and power seats, windows, steering, door locks and outside mirrors. It was also one of the few GM cars with a headlight flasher. Among the few options were a sunroof, leather upholstery and a heated driver's seat and outside mirrors.
1996[]
CD players were now standard for 1996.
1999[]
After the Riviera was discontinued in 1999 (with production ending on November 25, 1998), every new car from Buick from then on was always a 4-door since the 2000 model year.
Retail prices[]
| Model year(s) | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | $24,560 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1992 | $25,415 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1995 | $27,632 | $625 | November 30, 1993 |
| 1995 | $28,195 | $635 | December 29, 1994 |
| 1996 | $29,475 | $640 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1997 | $30,110 | $665 | July 27, 1997 |
Gallery[]
.jpg "Buick Riviera 2DR Coupe (1995).jpg (89 KB)")
