1997 Buick Skylark

Introduction to the 1997 Buick Skylark

The 1997 Buick Skylark was a compact sedan that offered a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. It was available with three engine options: a 2.2L inline-four, a 2.4L inline-four, and a 3.1L V6. The 2.2L engine produced 120 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4L engine produced 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The 3.1L V6 produced 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.

Owners of the 1997 Buick Skylark generally praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable engine. However, some owners have reported experiencing issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior.

Engine

2.2L Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the front of the engine, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Oil pan gasket leak
  • Symptoms: Oil leaks from the bottom of the engine
  • Solution: Replace the oil pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

2.4L Inline-Four

• Timing belt failure
  • Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power, skipping teeth
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
• Head gasket failure
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the head of the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

3.1L V6

• Water pump failure
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the front of the engine, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping gears
  • Symptoms: Transmission hesitating or refusing to shift gears
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Torque converter failure
  • Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering, or overheating
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Symptoms: Noise from the suspension, rough ride, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ per axle

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system malfunction, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Interior

• Power window failure
  • Symptoms: Window does not roll up or down, switch not working
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 1997 Buick Skylark is a reliable and comfortable car, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt failure, and transmission slippage. While these issues can be costly to repair, they are relatively rare and the Skylark remains a good choice for those looking for a used compact sedan.