Buick Riviera 1979–1985 car dimensions: 5248 mm long, 1847 mm wide and 1379 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,710 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 481 litres.
Standard kit covers six-way power driver's seat, power windows and door locks, air conditioning with manual controls, remote mirrors, AM/FM stereo with power antenna, automatic level control and tinted glass. Automatic climate control is a low-cost option. Cruise Master is optional. S-Type adds bucket seats, console and sport wheel. A rare late-generation CRT touch screen for climate and audio appeared on a handful of 1985 cars. The cabin seats four adults in chair-high seats with strong support and a flat floor from front-wheel drive. it feels roomy for long trips.
Trunk volume is 17 cubic feet with usable length, width and height. The spare stands upright behind the rear seat so most of the space stays clear. Liftover is high.
Heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling is a low-cost option. S-Type and later T-Type models add Rallye or Gran Touring suspension with firmer springs, bigger anti-roll bars, quicker steering and wider tires. Automatic level control is standard.
The cabin seats four in a spacious layout with chair-high seats that give good support from shoulders to knees. A six-way power driver's seat is standard along with air conditioning, power windows, power door locks and remote mirrors. Cloth or vinyl 45/55 seats come standard. leather is available. The S Type adds buckets and a console. An Astroroof sliding glass sunroof is optional. Smooth roof pillars and a laid-back windshield keep wind noise low for long-haul comfort.
20-gallon fuel tank
Front disc brakes standard. four-wheel discs optional
Air conditioning standard
Automatic level control standard
Power steering and power brakes standard
Soft-Ray tinted glass standard
Fuel capacity is listed at 20 gallons. The turbo V-6 carries a combined EPA rating of 19 mpg while the V-8 is rated 18 mpg.
Four-wheel disc brakes are an available option in place of the standard front discs and rear drums. Automatic level control is standard. Maintenance-free wheel bearings are noted as an improvement.
Standard safety equipment includes power brakes, power steering, seat-belt reminder systems and cornering lights. Side-window defrosters are fitted. A heated rear window is available.
The car uses a three-speed automatic and independent suspension with torsion bars up front. Keep the level-control system and optional four-wheel discs in good order for everyday use.
Length 5248 mm, Width 1847 mm, Height 1379 mm, Wheelbase 2896 mm (Riviera 1979–1985)
Sources: manufacturer data, conceptcarz.com/rivowners.org, Car and Driver, Hemmings.