The Buick Skylark lasted for eight generations in General Motors' market of luxury cars. It was also Buick's entry-level car from the 1990 through 1998 model years.
Related under the skin to the Oldsmobile Achieva and Pontiac Grand Am, the Skylark's unusual styling set it apart from other compact cars. Competing against the likes of the Nissan Altima, Ford Tempo and Contour, Mercury Topaz and Mystique, and Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze, the Skylark brought Buick's combination of distinctiveness and sophistication to the small-car arena. This vehicle hasn't changed significantly in several years, however. It and its cousins were due for a refreshening in order to remain competitive in this very active market segment.
Year-to-year changes[]
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base 2DR Coupe | Custom 2DR Coupe | N/A | |||||
| N/A | Limited 2DR Coupe | ||||||
| Gran Sport 2DR Coupe | |||||||
| Base 4DR Sedan | Custom 4DR Sedan | ||||||
| N/A | Limited 4DR Sedan | ||||||
| N/A | Gran Sport 4DR Sedan | ||||||
1991[]
From 1990 to 1991, the Skylark came in base, Custom, and Gran Sport trim levels for the coupe, and base, Custom and Luxury trim levels for the sedan.
1992[]
Original Skylark models included base (later Custom) and Gran Sport versions, both available as sedans or coupes.
1993[]
A new Limited version was released in 1993.
1994[]
A new optional engine, the 3.1-liter V6, replaced the 3.3-liter engine.
1995[]
One major change for 1995 was the 150-hp Quad Four engine, which replaced the wimpy 115-hp offering of the previous three years. Fitted with an internal, crankcase-mounted dual balance-shaft system, the dohc engine offered much smoother operation at idle. The power steering pump was geared directly to the camshaft, eliminating one drive belt and a number of moving parts. These improvements allowed the idle speed to be reduced to a quieter, more fuel-efficient 600 rpm. A 3-speed automatic transmission was standard with the 4-cylinder engine; an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic was optional.
Standard features included ABS and a driver's-side airbag. The doors would automatically lock when the car was put in gear and unlock when the ignition was turned off, a feature that was especially attractive to buyers with young children.
1996[]
4-speed automatic transmission was standard on all models since this model year. Air conditioning was also standard on all models for 1996, as so were power windows on the Limited and Gran Sport.
1997[]
This was the last model year for the 2-door coupe, as only the 4-door sedan remained through 1998. Production ended on December 4, 1997.
Retail prices[]
2DR Coupe[]
| Model year(s) | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Base | $10,825 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1991 | Custom | $12,020 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1991 | Gran Sport | $13,665 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1992 | Base | $13,560 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1992 | Gran Sport | $15,555 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1995 | Custom | $13,700 | $495 | September 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Limited | $14,700 | $495 | September 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Gran Sport | $16,400 | $495 | September 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Custom | $14,570 | $495 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | Limited | $15,570 | $495 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | Gran Sport | $17,230 | $495 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | Custom | $15,495 | $500 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | Limited | $16,626 | $500 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | Gran Sport | $17,701 | $500 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1997 | Custom | $15,970 | $525 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | Limited | $16,958 | $525 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | Gran Sport | $18,276 | $525 | July 27, 1997 |
4DR Sedan[]
| Model year(s) | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Base | $10,725 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1991 | Custom | $12,020 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1991 | Luxury | $13,865 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1992 | Base | $13,560 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1992 | Gran Sport | $15,555 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1994 | Custom | $13,734 | $485 | January 1, 1994 |
| 1994 | Limited | $16,334 | $485 | January 1, 1994 |
| 1994 | Gran Sport | $18,434 | $485 | January 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Custom | $13,700 | $495 | September 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Limited | $14,700 | $495 | September 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Gran Sport | $16,400 | $495 | September 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | Custom | $14,570 | $495 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | Limited | $15,570 | $495 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1995 | Gran Sport | $17,230 | $495 | January 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | Custom | $15,495 | $500 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | Limited | $16,626 | $500 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | Gran Sport | $17,701 | $500 | September 1, 1995 |
| 1997 | Custom | $15,970 | $525 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | Limited | $16,958 | $525 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | Gran Sport | $18,276 | $525 | July 27, 1997 |
Gallery[]
