🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Park Avenue Year: 2001 Generation Generation Code: G-Body (Third Generation - C-Body Platform for 2001) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler 300M, Lexus LS series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (higher trims) Key Features Comfort And Amenities: Spacious interior, comfortable ride, premium materials, advanced (for its time) features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control. Performance Orientation: Emphasis on smooth, quiet operation and effortless cruising, rather than outright sportiness. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety considerations Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system (general operation) Chassis: Braking system (operation), steering system (operation), suspension system (general information) Electrical System: Lighting, power windows, power seats, sound system, dashboard indicators, battery maintenance HVAC: Climate control operation, air conditioning, heating Body And Interior: Door locks, trunk release, seat adjustment, interior lighting, comfort features Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement Diy Activities: Minor adjustments, cleaning, basic fluid top-offs (as described in the manual) Towing: Towing guidelines, trailer wiring information (if applicable) Safety: Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems, emergency procedures Technical Depth Depth Level: Owner-level; focuses on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable Text: Typically yes, if OCR processed correctly. Print Quality Print Ability: Printable on standard printers Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 3.8L (3800) Series II Supercharged V6 Displacement: 3.8 Liters (3800 cc) Configuration: V6 (90-degree bank angle) Valve Train: Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder (12 valves total) Performance Horsepower: 240 hp @ 4800 rpm (Supercharged) Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Supercharged) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with Supercharger Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended) Engine Codes Engine Code: L36 (Naturally Aspirated), L67 (Supercharged) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Model: 4T65-E (Heavy Duty variant for supercharged models) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (No manual transmission offered) Features Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Gear Ratios: Specific ratios vary by model year and transmission application, but generally geared for smooth acceleration and highway cruising. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron-III / Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 207.0 inches Width: 73.7 inches Height: 56.6 inches Wheelbase: 113.8 inches Interior Front Headroom: 39.9 inches Front Legroom: 42.2 inches Rear Headroom: 38.7 inches Rear Legroom: 39.6 inches Cargo Trunk Volume: 18.3 cubic feet Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,800 - 3,950 lbs (depending on trim and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars (2001 Model Year) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars (2001 Model Year) NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver: 4 Stars (2001 Model Year) NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger: 4 Stars (2001 Model Year) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver: 4 Stars (2001 Model Year) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger: 4 Stars (2001 Model Year) IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating: Good (Good in frontal offset crash) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags Seatbelts: Front seatbelt pretensioners, rear seatbelt anchors Child Safety: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, child security door locks 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional Bose premium sound system. Climate Control: Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Cruise Control Connectivity Onstar: Available OnStar safety and communication system 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations. Tire Rotation: Every 6,000-8,000 miles Coolant Flush: Recommended around 50,000 - 100,000 miles or 5 years, depending on coolant type. Transmission Service: Fluid and filter change typically recommended every 50,000 - 100,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 3.8L V6 Supercharged: 5W-30 (API Certified) Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts (with filter) Coolant Type: GM specified Orange Long-Life Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Known Issues Intake Manifold Gaskets: Common on the 3800 V6 engine, especially the supercharged variant, leading to coolant leaks. The manual would advise checking for leaks. Transmission Issues: Early 4T65-E transmissions could have issues with torque converter clutch failure or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial. Supercharger Coupler:...
Approximately 3,800 - 3,950 lbs (depending on trim and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (Good in frontal offset crash)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners, rear seatbelt anchors
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, child security door locks
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional Bose premium sound system.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Connectivity
Onstar:
Available OnStar safety and communication system
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Recommended around 50,000 - 100,000 miles or 5 years, depending on coolant type.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change typically recommended every 50,000 - 100,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 3.8L V6 Supercharged: 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
GM specified Orange Long-Life Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Common on the 3800 V6 engine, especially the supercharged variant, leading to coolant leaks. The manual would advise checking for leaks.
Transmission Issues:
Early 4T65-E transmissions could have issues with torque converter clutch failure or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Supercharger Coupler:
The supercharger coupler on the L67 can wear out, leading to noise and reduced performance. Maintenance might cover checking its condition.
Suspension Wear:
As with many cars of this era and class, control arm bushings and ball joints can wear over time, affecting ride and handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, luxurious, and reliable American sedans, often targeting mature buyers.
Model Evolution
Park Avenue Lineage:
The Park Avenue nameplate has been used by Buick since the 1970s, evolving into a flagship luxury sedan. The 2001 model is part of the third generation, which debuted in 1997 and was based on GM's G-Body platform.
Production
Production Years For Generation:
1997-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA (General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Top 10 Engines:
The 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 (L67) was frequently recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the '10 Best Engines' in North America during its production run.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era of Park Avenue were generally average to below-average in reliability, though comfort and ride quality were usually praised.