Model year guide

1997 Buick Riviera

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Buick Riviera is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 Buick Riviera at a glance

Owner complaints45
Combined19–20 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Buick Riviera common problems

Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

1997 Buick Riviera MPG & running costs

Combined19–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,850
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume99 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Buick Riviera costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,250
Fuel only$19,250
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Buick Riviera trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1997 Buick Riviera vehicles on record

1997 Buick Riviera Base1G4GD22K7V4701501

Other Buick Riviera model years

1998 1996 1995 1984

1997 Buick Riviera — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Riviera?

Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, steering.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick Riviera get?

The 1997 Buick Riviera has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.