First generation (1991–1996)
The 1991 Park Avenue, introduced in July 1990, used GM's C platform and was previewed by the 1989 Park Avenue Essence show car. Much of the Park Avenue's styling vocabulary made their way to subsequent Buick models restyled in the 1990s. Projections were for sales of 100,000 annually.[14]
The Park Avenue was Buick's largest front-wheel-drive sedan, but the even larger rear-wheel-drive Roadmaster returned to the line for 1991 as a station wagon and 1992 as a sedan. However, the base Park Avenue was still priced higher than the Roadmaster Limited (its more luxurious trim).[15] Park Avenue was marketed as the flagship of the Buick line.
This generation featured DynaRide, a deflected-disc strut valving system which first appeared as standard on the Electra, LeSabre, Riviera, and Skylark in 1988.[16][17][18] Also included was an automatic level control system, where an air compressor pressurized the rear Chapman struts to maintain an overall level ride height. DynaRide and automatic level control were not available on vehicles equipped with the optional Gran Touring suspension package. Larger 16" aluminum wheels were also included with the package starting in 1992, while the standard model had 15" aluminum wheels.
The base-model Park Avenue featured a 3.8 L naturally-aspirated V6 engine and velour interior, upgradeable to leather. Starting in 1992, the Ultra came with a 3.8 L supercharged V6 engine and leather interior. The Park Avenue received various exterior and interior cosmetic changes, as well as powertrain updates, during this run. Some of the new options and features added to the first generation included driver (and later passenger) airbags, dual-zone climate control, traction control, and variable-effort steering (Ultra only).
Europe
The Park Avenue was available in Europe from 1991 until 1996 and varied from the North American version by featuring a truncated taillamps with separate amber turn signal indicators and red brake lamps, wider numberplate bezel, fitment of rear red fog lamps, headlamps with different lens pattern, white front side running markers, amber front turn signal indicators, side turn signal repeaters, "flagpole" external rear-view mirrors (mirrors on US version are fixed and do not turn), different door handles, some with a badge mounted directly to the hood rather than an ornament, stronger seat belt and anchors, "softer" air bags, metric speedometer and gauges. They are to comply with the European regulatory and safety standards. This generation of the Park Avenue was the last Buick to be officially marketed by GM in Europe. This move was to reduce the "cluttered" model range that confused the European consumers. After 1996, Cadillac and Chevrolet remained the sole General Motors North American brands to be sold in Europe.
