1983 Buick Skylark problems
The Buick Skylark is a passenger car formerly produced by Buick. The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes, and new standards implemented over the years. It was named for the species of bird called skylark.
The Skylark name first appeared on a limited production luxury convertible using the Buick Roadmaster's chassis for two years, then was reintroduced in 1961 as a higher luxury content alternative to the entry-level Buick Special on which the Skylark was based upon. It was then positioned as Buick's luxury performance model when the Buick GSX was offered. As GM began downsizing during the late 1970s, the Skylark became the entry-level model when the Special nameplate was used as a trim package designation, then in the 1980s was offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle where it was both a coupe and sedan for three different generations.
1953–1954
Created to mark Buick's 50th anniversary, the Roadmaster Skylark joined the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado as top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertibles introduced in 1953 by General Motors to promote its design leadership. Of the three, the Skylark's run of 1,690 units proved the most successful, and an amazing sales feat considering the car's 1953 list price of slightly in excess of US$5,000 ($56,940 in 2023 dollars ) was over 50% more than the well-equipped US$3,200 Roadmaster convertible on which it was based ($36,442 in 2023 dollars ). It was comparable in price to the 1953 Packard Caribbean with a similar retail price.
Production ran for two years. Based on the model 76R two-door Roadmaster convertible, the 1953 Skylark (designated model 76X) had identical dimensions (except height), almost identical appearance, shared its drive train, and had all its standard equipment, plus its few remaining options, including power windows, power brakes, full carpeting, and a "Selectronic" AM radio. Only air conditioning was not offered, unnecessary in either convertible.
Importantly, the new Skylark featured Buick's new 322 in3 (5.3 L) Fireball V8 in place of the automaker's longstanding straight 8, and a 12-volt electrical system, both division firsts. It debuted full-cutout wheel openings, a styling cue that spread to the main 1954 Buick line. Accenting its lowered, notched beltline was a new "Sweepspear" running almost the entire length of the vehicle, a styling cue that was to appear in various forms on many Buick models over the years.
The 1953 Skylark was handmade in many respects. Only stampings for the hood, trunk lid, and a portion of the convertible tub were shared with the Roadmaster and Super convertibles. All Skylark tubs were finished with various amounts of lead filler. The inner doors were made by cutting the 2-door Roadmaster's in two then welding the pieces back together at an angle to produce the rakish door dip. An overall more streamlined look was reinforced by cutting the windshield almost 3 inches (7.6 cm) shorter and lowering the side windows and convertible top frame proportionately. Seat frames and steering column were then dropped to provide proper headroom and driving position. Front legroom was 44.7 inches (114 cm). Authentic wire wheels were produced by Kelsey-Hayes, chromed everywhere except the plated and painted "Skylark" center emblem.
The Skylark returned in 1954 with radically restyled styling unique to the Buick line, which included wheel cutouts that could be painted in a contrasting color to the body's. The trunk was sloped into a semi-barrel, and tail lights moved to large chromed fins projecting atop the rear fenders.
Re-designated model 100, the car was based on the all-new shorter Century/Special series 40 chassis and not the larger series 60 Roadmaster/Super chassis, also all-new for 1954. Once again, all Skylarks were built as 2-door convertibles and carried the same luxury equipment as before, but front leg room dropped 2.4 inches (6.1 cm). While smaller and lighter, the Skylark received a performance boost by retaining the big Buicks' powertrain, an evolutionary improvement of 1953's with the highest output in the division's lineup.
The 1954 Skylark once again had unique sheet metal stampings for its elongated wheel cutouts and new semi-barrel trunk, though fabrication was done without hand labor. The hood ornament was unique, adopted the following year across the Buick product line.
Sales proved to be poor, reflecting the Skylark's continued high price of US$4,843 ($54,947 in 2023 dollars ) coupled with a perceived step-down from the Roadmaster/Super series using the Century's chassis, slumping far enough to cause the model's cancellation at the end of the 1954 model year, with only 836 being manufactured.
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Common 1983 Buick Skylark problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, common problems with the 1983 Buick Skylark reported by owners include:
- Poor Assembly Quality: The Buick Skylark was criticized for being assembled poorly, with issues like big gaps between body panels, crooked steering wheel, and various leaks including oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid leaks.
- Stalling Issues: Some owners experienced stalling problems where the engine would die if not warmed up for at least twenty minutes, leading to potentially dangerous situations when trying to accelerate onto main roads.
- Braking Problems: The Buick Skylark was part of the X-car series that faced significant braking issues, including rear brake lockups that could cause the vehicle to skid uncontrollably, posing a safety risk to drivers and passengers.
- Chronic Leaks: Despite attempts to fix the leaks, the Buick Skylark was reported to be a chronic leaker, with ongoing issues related to oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid leaks that persisted even after multiple visits to the dealership for repairs.
- Styling and Trim Issues: While Buick's designers were praised for their styling efforts, the actual assembly quality of the Buick Skylark left much to be desired, with visible gaps between body panels and trim that did not meet expected standards.
These reported problems with the 1983 Buick Skylark highlight a range of issues from mechanical failures to assembly quality concerns and safety-related braking problems. Owners faced challenges with engine reliability, vehicle stalling, and persistent leaks, indicating a combination of design flaws and manufacturing issues that affected the overall ownership experience of the Buick Skylark during that era.
Are Buick Skylarks rare?
This steep price tag made Skylark a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Despite its high cost, 1,690 Skylarks hawked. This low production number has made Skylark a rare and highly valued car today. The 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible is one of the most beautiful and rarest American cars of all time.
Was Buick Skylark a muscle car?
No, the Skylark is not a muscle car. That is one of the reasons why Buick made the Gran Sport-now, the Gran Sport is a muscle car, and as you all know is much different than a Skylark.
What engine did the Buick Skylark have?
The base engine in Buick Skylarks (and Buick Special sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6, that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using a single-barrel Rochester carburetor.
What year was the last Buick Skylark made?
Buick Skylark (1964 to 1998)
The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes and new standards implemented over the years.
Was Buick Skylark a muscle car?
No, the Skylark is not a muscle car. That is one of the reasons why Buick made the Gran Sport-now, the Gran Sport is a muscle car, and as you all know is much different than a Skylark.
Are Buick Skylarks rare?
This steep price tag made Skylark a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Despite its high cost, 1,690 Skylarks hawked. This low production number has made Skylark a rare and highly valued car today. The 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible is one of the most beautiful and rarest American cars of all time.
What engine did the Buick Skylark have?
The base engine in Buick Skylarks (and Buick Special sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6, that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using a single-barrel Rochester carburetor.
When did Buick stop making Skylark?
And the Skylark was discontinued. But the name would return in 1961. As the luxury version of Buick's new compact special as the special Skylark. It shared its unibody construction with the other
1983 Buick Skylark car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Skylark problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Buick Skylark complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Buick Skylark.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-03-20
- VIN: 1G4AC69R30T
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PROBLEMS. *SD
1983 Buick Skylark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1983 Buick Skylark.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
- Summary: THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Buick Skylark problems:
1980 Skylark - Buick - General - Antique Automobile Club of ...
Feb 9, 2003 ... ... reliability and was plagued by numerous recalls ... Buick dealer was very helpful in resolving the problems without cost to me. ... 83-85 Skylark.
Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 43 Issues
Top Buick Skylark Problems · Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating · "No Start" Due to Ignition Switch Failure · Leaking Water Pump May Cause Coolant Loss ...
CC/Auto-Biography: 1980 Buick Skylark - True Confession: I Gave ...
Oct 21, 2021 ... And oddly, our Skylark fleet didn't have the common ... problems or issues. Not paying for anything ... In 1983 Buick changed the name to T-Type.
79 Corvette Door Lock Mechanism Very Stiff - CorvetteForum ...
Mar 7, 2009 ... Is this a common problem? Thanks ... 1982 to 1991 Buick Skylark ( All Four Doors ) ... 1983 to 1986 Pontaic Parisienne ( All Four Doors, Tailgate ...
Curbside Classic: 1983 Buick Skylark - "Plz Do Not Tow!" - A GM ...
May 18, 2020 ... An almost universal complaint (even when I worked at a GM dealer) is that the 2.8 V6 was too weak for the task at hand (in the cars and ...
Other years of Buick Skylark
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