Buick Skylark

The Buick Skylark was produced by the Buick division of General Motors from 1975 to 1997.

History
Related under the skin to the Oldsmobile Achieva and Pontiac Grand Am, the Skylark's unusual styling set it apart from other compact cars. Competed against the likes of the Nissan Altima, Ford Contour and Dodge Stratus, 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.

1995
One major change for 1995 was the 150-hp Quad Four engine, which replaced the wimpy 115-hp offering from 1994. 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 transmissionwas standard with the 4-cylinder engine; an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic was optional.

The optional engine was a 3.1-liter V6. Although it produced only 5 hp more than the Four, there was substantially more torque, 185 ft.-lb. instead of 145.

Standard features included ABS and a driver's-side airbag. The doors automatically lock when the car is put in gear and unlock when the ignition is turned off, a feature that had been especially attractive to buyers with young children.

Models included a Custom, Limited and Gran Sport version, all available as sedans or coupes.