1985 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 1985 Buick Skylark problems
The Buick Skylark, produced in six generations over a 46-year period, faced several issues that ultimately led to its discontinuation in the mid-1980s. This article will discuss the common problems with the Buick Skylark 1985 based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Poor Design and Performance: Buyers of the N-body Skylark replacement, introduced before the X-body Buick Skylark, complained about its design, appearance, and performance. The N-body Skylark was smaller than its predecessors, which was a significant drawback for many buyers.
- Cramped Interior and Poor Ventilation: The 1985 Buick Skylark was criticized for its cramped interior, which made it uncomfortable for drivers and passengers. Additionally, the car had a poor ventilation system, which further added to the discomfort of the occupants.
- Lack of 4-Speed Automatic Transmission: The 1985 Buick Skylark offered only a 3-speed automatic transmission, which was a drawback for many buyers who preferred a 4-speed automatic transmission. This shortcoming discouraged some potential buyers, contributing to dwindling sales for General Motors.
- Poor Build Quality and Reliability: The 1985 Buick Skylark was built on the X-Body platform, which was infamous for its poor build quality and reliability issues. The car was plagued with problems such as oil leaks, premature corrosion, and horrifying public reliability issues.
- Noisy and Primitive Engine: The 1985 Buick Skylark was equipped with the Iron Duke engine, a 2.5-liter pushrod four-banger that was notorious for its noisy and rough-running performance. The engine was criticized for being primitive and underpowered, making the car unattractive to many buyers.
- Low-Quality Interior Materials: The interior of the 1985 Buick Skylark was criticized for its low-quality materials, including low-bidder velour, greasy offgassing plastic, and phony-looking "wood" that was ineptly glued into the car.
In conclusion, the 1985 Buick Skylark faced several significant issues that ultimately led to its discontinuation. These problems included brake failure, poor design and performance, cramped interior and poor ventilation, lack of 4-speed automatic transmission, poor build quality and reliability, noisy and primitive engine, and low-quality interior materials. These issues contributed to dwindling sales and a loss of customer trust, leading to the downfall and discontinuation of the Buick Skylark.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Buick Skylark have?
Buick Skylark Custom Sedan 2.5 93hp, 1985.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Buick Skylark have?
1986 Buick Skylark Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 92 horsepower, 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 21 MPG in city and 31 MPG on highway.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Buick Skylark have?
Buick Skylark Custom Sedan 2.5 93hp, 1985.
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
How much horsepower does a 1986 Buick Skylark have?
1986 Buick Skylark Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 92 horsepower, 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 21 MPG in city and 31 MPG on highway.
1985 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Buick Skylark complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Buick Skylark.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4XC69R5FW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PROVIDE IN DETAIL WHAT SAFETY DEFECTS THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-10
- VIN: 1G4XB69W2FW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: HI! I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS APPLICABLE IF I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY...CAR JUST DIED, NO PROBLEM WITH RESTARTING, JUST LIKE NO FUEL GOING TO MOTOR, AFTER COOLING DOWN FOR A WHILE , IT WAS "OKAY"MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I FINALLY HAD TO GO TO GET A CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, IN NOV./1999 AND NOW IN JANUARY OF 2000, I NEED A NEW CONVERTOR, AGAIN. THE REPAIRMAN SAID IT WAS RUNNING TOO RICH, CAUSING THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTOR TO MELT, AND THEN BREAK INSIDE. A NEW ONE IN 2 MONTHS??? PLEASE EXCUSE THIS PLEA IF I AM NOT SUPPOSE TO BE WRITING AS THE SECOND OWNER. THE FIRST OWNER WAS A LITTLE OLD LADY, AND THOSE ARE ORIGINAL MILES. I GOT THE CAR AT 16,500 MILES. YOU WOULD THINK IT WAS A GOOD THING TO HAVE SO FEW MILES...APPARENTLY NOT. HELP??!! THANKS IN ADVANCE. CAMIE GLEGHORN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-26
- VIN: DLU768772F0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING; POWER STEERING, STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD START TEMPORARY LACK OF POWER STEERING, CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN EA87-006. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-26
- VIN: DLU768772F0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING; POWER STEERING, STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD START TEMPORARY LACK OF POWER STEERING, CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN EA87-006. *AK
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4XC69X5FW
- Components: STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CONSUMER HAS A FUEL LEAK THE FUMES ARE COMING INSIDE VEHICLE VERY STRONG ODOR HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-13
- VIN: 1G4JT270XFK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER FAILS TO HEAT VEHICLE PROPERLY. *SKD
1985 Buick Skylark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Buick Skylark.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
- Summary: THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND THROTTLE BODY CASING IF NEEDED, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Buick Skylark problems:
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