I can't decide which I like better. On one hand, the letters and numbers (if done well) carry so much information about the model, which is always useful. But actual names give the car more character and are more recognizable to non "car-people."
Not many. A heavy duty truck with a crew cab and an 8 foot box is about all you’ll find. If you mean not all at once.. like 5 comfortably or 4x8 plywood sheets.. then just about every minivan ever.
@@Bartonovich52 A mini-van certainly won't take the sheet of plywood flat, they are several inches narrower than the big wagons were. Fitting a sheet of 4 x 8 plywood flat in the rear of a full-size wagon was the measure of cargo capacity of these vehicles for years.
@@tyler2610 16 sheets of 1/2"x4'x8' drywall in my Chevy Venture/Olds Silhouette would beg to differ. Pretty sure the Ford and Chrysler minivans did/do the same thing.
The excitement in John’s voice when he mentions the full set of gauges is classic. I wonder why a full set of gauges is so important to him? I like to think John got stranded in the middle of nowhere and almost died due to a car that didn’t have a full set of gauges.
I like a full set of gauges. It really lets you know what's going on before disaster strikes. But I would gather most people don't pay attention to them anyway so the added cost is not justified.
Most of all I appreciate the analogue gauges rpm and mph - much better than digital and the irritating longitudinal version of analogue I have in my impala 65. But I also want oil pressure, voltage and coolant temperature in any car I own.
Quite possibly. I know that I’ve had many cars of that era overheat and having an early warning can help you manage it better like turning on the heater and reducing engine load. A change in oil pressure is a sign of oil filter bypass or a rod about to let go. It’s a lot cheaper to stop the car before it catastrophically fails and fix the bad bearing than a catastrophic engine failure. An ammeter will tell you if you have a bad battery or connection if it indicates no charge (not necessarily with a discharge that would trigger a light) or excessive charge. A voltmeter can indicate a bad regulator or weak alternator. And with each of those, you plan your next stop near a service station or at home so you aren’t stuck with a car you can’t start. A tachometer allows you to tell what gear you are in as most GM transmissions are very smooth. If you selected Drive or 2 to go down a hill.. the RPM will help remind you to shift back into overdrive to save fuel.
Every single car now is built to be a damn sports car. I love a big land yacht with a bench seat and a column mounted shifter. Sure my Charger is my fun toy but theres nothing like hitting the road in a proper old B body or Panther
@@danmccarthy4700 indeed! I also got a 11' Crown Vic (P7B) and she's smooth but my 96' impala is surprisingly plush considering how low the factory ride height is, still has that B-Body plushness but albeit not as much as the Caprice she's based on. The Roadmaster's ride only comes second from the Fleetwood.
@@LSp8 I have an '02 Crown Vic right now...while it has proven to be more reliable than the Roadmaster I had, it isn't nearly as luxurious. The seats in that Roadmaster really were something else.
I miss these GM "B" bodies and the Ford "Panther" full size cars. Other than full size pickups and muscle cars, there's nothing that says All American than these comfortable, body on frame, RWD, V8 powered land yachts. In my mind, no modern day crossover will never replace these traditional full size cars.
@@zephead4835 That's a really good point. Everything is made disposable now. My parents bought their house in 1972, and all the appliances that were already there from when the house was built in 1966, except for the stove, were still there and fully functioning in the late 90's. These days you are lucky to get 5-7 years out of most. And when they did break, you called a REPAIRMAN. Now you just toss them and fork out cash for a new one. I even still have my dad's old 1984 Magnavox VCR, still operational to this day. Solid metal and weighs like 30 lbs. The tape heads run loud as hell but still works, and even the lcd display works! Also had his old Magnavox TV from '87 until the cable system no longer supported non-HD tvs around 2013 or so, I donated it and it still worked. I can't tell you how many DVD players and modern tvs I have went through.
@@larrypurnell3573 And don't forget the radical environmentalists would prefer us all to be driving micro cars with an ac adapter. No thanks!! They can keep those pieces of electric junk. 😆
The later 1994+ cars with the 260 hp engine were much more lively. I’ve seen them run 15s in the 1/4 stock which is pretty good for something you’d expect to see parked at a nursing home. Cool cars.
@@GyroPyro121212 agreed. GM dropped that engine into everything right as they were winding down production at the Arlington plant to make room for the then-new Chevy Tahoe. The Fleetwood/Caprice/Roadmaster really owned the early 90s.
Ah yes, early 90s GM B bodies. I absolutely love them and their sweeping aerodynamic styling. Its always a treat to see one on the road, and at least in my area, they're still fairly common. Hell, there's someone around the corner from me who drives a blue Roadmaster wagon, woodgrain and all - I honk and wave everytime I see him.
I love this type of car. I wish it's debuted today as 2021 model. The real american car full size , rear wheel drive , v8 , body on frame column shift and smooth ride. Happy new year for every body.
@@LSp8 The last real big car you could get that's RWD and column shift would be a 2011 Lincoln Town car or 2011 Grand Marquis, look for one of those with low miles.
As the co-owner of a 96 Roadmaster Estate I can say these cars are EXTREMELY underrated. 110 mph fully loaded without breaking a sweat. Comfort on a level that’s all but gone from the American landscape.
I bought a 96 Roadmaster 4 yrs ago with 22,641 one owner miles. Also has the tow package. Shipped it to Germany where I am stationed and have 35,000 miles now. Will be going home with me this year. Love it💯💯💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The last big Buick with V8 I really love this. I have a ParkAve but I would be cool to also have a Roadmaster in the garage but this are super rare in Europe.
@@TeeroyHammermill The Lucerne was built on the Cadillac DTS/DEVILLE platform. I think they also made a Lacrosse w- body car with a v8 5.3ls motor. Hard to find that one.
@@povking1460 the ls4 that was on the Monte Carlo ss impala ss and Grand Prix gxp as well. (Sadly GM butchered those iconic names with front wheel drive). Ugh
Yup, had a 1991 Brougham and 1995 Fleetwood for 5 years as daily drivers. Very reliable and when something did break it was cheap to service or I did it myself.
Nope. My '96 Roadie wagon was a variable money pit. I loved the car when all was well, but it generally wasn't long before something went wrong. Replaced were the heater core, opti spark, water pump, radiator, TWO starters, main power window switch, smog pump, along with plugs, plug wires, o2 sensors, the stock radio (that ate a cassette and wouldn't spit it out), wiper switch, control arm bushings, etc. My current 2005 LeSabre is all that the Roadie should have been, quiet, SMOOTH and reliable.
My father got this car when I was 13 and sold it when I was 30... hoped in it with joy when I was a kid, was one of the first cars I drove and later drove to work sometimes. It felt sad to see it go. One of best rides we've ever had.
I had a 96 Roadmaster with the LT1 and loved it. (260 horsepower) I think that engine showed up in 94 and it really made a difference. Buick needs to bring back this nameplate....
My dad had this car back in the 90's. I only got to drive it a few short times. I was young at the time and didn't really appreciate it as I would today.
1996 Park Ave Ultra was the ultimate 90's Buick. Last year of the "good" body style, first year of the improved supercharged 3.8 V6. Although I'd take a 94-96 Roadmaster wagon over that Park Ave, despite it being an inferior car, it just has so much character.
I was 20 when this car came out. Even at that age, I appreciated it for what it was. I had a Honda Civic Si, my priority was excellent handling and decent fuel economy. Now, at 49, I really wish a car like that, full frame, V8, RWD, was available...anywhere. Damn CAFE.
I still have my Grandparents 93' Buick Roadmaster... After they passed on, it came up for sale within the family so I bought it, and shipped it to Arizona. TruIy love this car. I have been performing all of the maintenance on it, throughout the last yrs. Only 119,000 miles. They don't make them like this anymore!
Wouldn’t it be fun to run around town on Saturday afternoon with a pristine, freshly-waxed Roadmaster wagon as your weekend cruiser? I’ll take mine in blue with the wood grain trim and the nice aluminum wheels.....!!!!
So I drove 2 of these behemoths when I was around 16-17 yrs old. They belong to my grandmother and an aunt. They hold a special place in my heart as I taxied them around but also drove them "to the store" by myself and enjoyed every minute.
My really old neighbor back in the day had a big road master with the V8, he used to scare me he was always accidentally burning out at traffic lights cause he didn’t have good function and pushed the gas to hard.
My beloved aunt had one she drove the tar out that big baby it was '95 the same color as this one but it looked better she would drive fast when at stop signs she came to a complete stop always would yield driving like a bat she loved that car to death so did I miss it as well myself.
There are plenty of people who would pay good money for modern day version of a full size car like this. Shame the market is flooded with crossovers now. A boat like this with modern tech could easily compete in regards to crash safety and fuel economy
And it's not like GM doesn't already have 99% of the parts needed to build one of these already on the shelf in the form of Silverado/Sierra parts. Engines, transmissions, axles, etc could all cheaply and easily be cribbed from the truck line.
These cars were boats but they were smooth yachts talk about comfortable with long stretched dashboard. I like this model better than Fleetwood and Caprice. The 5.7 LT-1 was used out of Corvette was great my aunt had a '95 RM she would drive like on Ìndy500 racetrack for a car this size knew would how lots of power sad thing never drove that car. The other day was thinking about of Roadmaster now see MW did a review of this beautiful also like the station wagon these cars will be legends forever. Based off Caprice as much like the Caprice the Roadmaster looked bit stylish I wish had digital dash other that a beautiful car they don't make them like this anymore few years later they made them bigger and wider sad when they were no longer made after '96.
I would thoroughly enjoy having one of these cars, even if it was just a more luxurious version of the Chevy Caprice. The Caprice was a damned good car.
At 4:58 you see a Crown Victoria in the background. It is interesting that GM gave up on full-size, body on frame, RWD sedans more than a decade before Ford did.
I recall reading that GM execs figured they could make bigger profits selling "even more" SUV's so they converted the Arlington, TX B-body plant to make Tahoes, Yukons, and Suburbans.
Amazing cars man. I've always driven Grand Marquis I'm on my 4th one but I was a huge fan of these cars especially the ones with the LT-1 V8. And that horn made me giggle like a little kid. I love these old American boats.
This was I'd say the end of an era truly the last of the large comfortable V8 tear wheel drive sedans. Some neighbors of ours when I was growing up had the wagon version 94 it was because it had the corvette engine that was later used in these and the fleetwood.
There are plenty of 1991-1996 Roadmasters on the road in Europe. 33 alone are registered in a tiny country likeThe Netherlands, even some station wagons still in daily use as hearses.
You should visit American car shows and meetings in France, I've seen several Roadmasters at such events. Try "Fun Car Show" in Illzach in (hopefully) May this year.
@@badboattail When I visit american car shows in France, I see a lot of Muscle cars like Mustang, Camaro, Corvette etc... and à lot of 50's cars but roadmaster are so rare while in North America, you can see everywhere and everytime. Thank you for your advice. I didn't knew Illzach.
I sold this car at a dealership in 92! We had complaints that it shared too much with the Chevy Caprice, that could be similar in luxury when loaded up for a lot less money. Then we had Park Avenues to sell against it! Along with mechanical problems and fit and finish, we dubbed it as the Road Desaster.
I had a '92 Roadmaster Limited sedan. Mine was black with a maroon interior. This review is pretty spot on; although mine didn't feel as quick as this one. The seats were insanely comfortable and it really did have the best horn. Those massive sail panels were a pain in the ass though because they created huge blind spots. I totaled it pulling out of my driveway in June 2006 when I got T-boned by a guy in a Taurus that I couldn't see coming. Everyone who saw the accident said I probably wouldn't have survived had I been in anything smaller. I miss that car more than any other I've owned in the past and I would love to own another someday.
A friend of mine owned a '92 Vic and a '93 Caddy Fleetwood Brougham at the same time. They were his grandma's cars were hat she gave him when she got too old to drive. We called them the couch and the sofa. The couch (Crown Vic) had an issue with the idle and would just accelerate to about 40 mph without even touching the gas pedal. Combine that with nearly bald tires, RWD with no traction control, and the maneuverability of a Sherman tank, and it made for some interesting winter driving!
I own 1994 Buick roadmaster this car is so comfortable and reliable and when I drive my new car it feels stiff the Buick roadmaster spoils you they don't make them like this anymore and if you see a clean one for sale you better grab it fast !!!!!
This brings back memories of when Saabkyle04 had his 1994 or 1995 Roadmaster for a while as his RUclips channel was really getting big. His car was in pristine condition.
This is yet another proof that when GM really wants to do something outstanding, it can knock it out of the park! What a wonderfully refined touring rig!
What I would give to see these massive boats back on North American roads. The level of comfort these cars offer, combined with acceleration is hard to beat. Buick still sells cars in Canada and the US, but they're just not like this anymore. A revival of those bench seats would be welcome to many car enthusiasts.
Dad and I saw one of these (although I think it was a '95) for sale at the Mecum auction in Chicago three years ago. Still kicking myself over not bidding.
I had a '92 Limited - saved it from the crusher ( for a time );, drove it for ten years in some of the worst conditions - two feet of snow and minus 40 temps, 100 degree humid summers - and it just kept going, it had 240,000 miles at the end, never burned a drop of oil in the 4000 mile change intervals I used and consistently gave 21.6 mpg , so squeaks, rattles, exhaust or wind noise, the trans was always smooth and positive, the light blue metallic paint still had a shine and it was the most comfortable car to ride and drive since my '56 Holiday Super 88 hardtop, better in fact - I had a lump in the throat when it left ( body mount locations rotten away ) it always started, never let me down, not once, just a wonderful automobile " When better cars are built - Buick will build them" was certainly true of the last of the great American motorcars, they truly were Road-Masters!
I had a 1991 Buick Century with the 3.3 liter V6, the understroked version of the 3.8. It ran perfectly for 230 000 miles with no mechanical problems. The 3-speed automatic was so amazingly matched it with it that the shifts were imperceptible. Sadly, the engine mounts rusted out in 2013. The repair was too costly, so I had to junk my Buick though the drivetrain was still amazingly smooth-running - my present Chevrolet Sonic hatchback with its 4-cylinder engine simply cannot match it.
I was a trim guy back in the 90s. Gm dealers were constantly me to repair the body side molding on these cars. They were coming back during the warranty period with moldings that were separating from the body. The dealer subleted to me and it took a good couple hours to reattach these moldings. Sometimes every body panel was affected. I billed the dealer, who in turn marked it up and billed GM. Other than that, I think these were a rock solid car.
@@The_R-n-I_Guy the guage package was good. I appreciated having vitals that I could monitor. But I still crave that additional 80 horsepower of the '94 through '96 models with the dual exhaust. A clean '95 would be very nice.
A really nice boulevardier that would be much appreciated today, rear wheel drive full frame construction. You have to buy a luxury pock up truck today in the $60,000.00 range for such a ride.
Question.... anyone notice the oil pressure gauge at 2:00? Mind you, this was new when this video was made, or new enough not to have that issue when in the run position..
I would love a Caprice or Roadmaster with the 260 horse LT1! we had a 91 Caprice growing up but it had the 4.8 V8, an LT1 would really transform these in daily driving especially with some tuned up better suspension like the roadmaster
@@borla4491 Motorweek usually took all their cars, even Jeeps, pickup trucks, and full-size station wagons through the slalom. It would have been amusing to see this car do it too.
@@danmccarthy4700 The point is overall, no one gets these vehicles for "performance ", they are gotten for smooth amd luxury with plenty of space and decent mpgs and power.
@@borla4491 I am well aware of that. I owned one of these cars for years. :) That doesn't mean I wouldn't be thoroughly entertained by watching one attempt to negotiate Motorweek's slalom.
I have two Roadmaster Estate wagons. A '96 collector's edition, practically mint condition with only 45K miles and it's "backup", a '95 same color with 290K. My neighbors think I'm nuts but they have no idea what's under the hood. I can easily put my 10ft standup paddle board in it. It's a great car.
My father worked for Buick Motor Division in the 1960s, and he loved the RoadMaster. It was a nice riding sedan, but it didn’t have the ride of Ford’s Crown Victoria or Mercury’s Grand Marquis. The Caprice didn’t get right until Holden in Australia started making it, and it’s nice to see this review. Holden should have made a Buick version of the Chevrolet Caprice. The Australians got the large rear wheel drive sedans correct; too bad they aren’t made anymore...
bought one of these for a grand, it was sitting in some ladies yard, she "couldn't get rid of it" and wanted 1000$ CAD. said yes, no ifs and or buts and bought it on the spot. been going strong for a year now. its a '92 limited too, with a landau top, in the maple red metallic (matches my '91 caprice wagon to a T!). Could not be happier, or asked for a more dependable daily driver. aside from a fuel pump, its needed nothing. It demands nothing while returning my investment in spades, I could not have asked for a better, more comfortable, or reliable daily driver.
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Roadmaster has to be one of the best names for a car. So much better than a jumble of letters and numbers.
I totally agree the same with new cadillacs trying to be BMW or any sport sedan i like the old caddies . Happy new year.
I can't decide which I like better. On one hand, the letters and numbers (if done well) carry so much information about the model, which is always useful. But actual names give the car more character and are more recognizable to non "car-people."
Nowadays some idiot would deem the name "Roadmaster" as racist.
@@MrOhighway That's a stretch lol, you looking for something to be mad at?
@@MrOhighway Let's not forget, many roads are surfaced with "blacktop" Buick dog whistling like mad. Shocking.
These were so comfy to ride in. I wish they still made seats like these.
The Buick Roadmaster is a Chevy Caprice in evening clothes.
yess!!!!!
And a cadillac fleetwood as well. Happy new year.
lol you mean dress clothes
@@Len1977gt yep
@Bryan James I see.
how many vehicles can comfortably seat 5 adults, ride like a couch on wheels, and haul full sheets of plywood? awesome cars!
Not many. A heavy duty truck with a crew cab and an 8 foot box is about all you’ll find.
If you mean not all at once.. like 5 comfortably or 4x8 plywood sheets.. then just about every minivan ever.
And tow a trailer.
@@Bartonovich52 A mini-van certainly won't take the sheet of plywood flat, they are several inches narrower than the big wagons were. Fitting a sheet of 4 x 8 plywood flat in the rear of a full-size wagon was the measure of cargo capacity of these vehicles for years.
@@tyler2610 16 sheets of 1/2"x4'x8' drywall in my Chevy Venture/Olds Silhouette would beg to differ. Pretty sure the Ford and Chrysler minivans did/do the same thing.
My 2007 MiniVan with 3.8L 4 cam 24valve engine can and it is faster. Plywood lay flat with rear door closed too.
The excitement in John’s voice when he mentions the full set of gauges is classic. I wonder why a full set of gauges is so important to him? I like to think John got stranded in the middle of nowhere and almost died due to a car that didn’t have a full set of gauges.
I like a full set of gauges. It really lets you know what's going on before disaster strikes. But I would gather most people don't pay attention to them anyway so the added cost is not justified.
Most of all I appreciate the analogue gauges rpm and mph - much better than digital and the irritating longitudinal version of analogue I have in my impala 65. But I also want oil pressure, voltage and coolant temperature in any car I own.
That way he can keep tabs on his Voltages and amperages!
Quite possibly.
I know that I’ve had many cars of that era overheat and having an early warning can help you manage it better like turning on the heater and reducing engine load.
A change in oil pressure is a sign of oil filter bypass or a rod about to let go. It’s a lot cheaper to stop the car before it catastrophically fails and fix the bad bearing than a catastrophic engine failure.
An ammeter will tell you if you have a bad battery or connection if it indicates no charge (not necessarily with a discharge that would trigger a light) or excessive charge.
A voltmeter can indicate a bad regulator or weak alternator.
And with each of those, you plan your next stop near a service station or at home so you aren’t stuck with a car you can’t start.
A tachometer allows you to tell what gear you are in as most GM transmissions are very smooth. If you selected Drive or 2 to go down a hill.. the RPM will help remind you to shift back into overdrive to save fuel.
Wtf
Other standard equipment included a right turn single that was always on , cigarette smoke tinted windows and a AAA trip tick to Florida.
Mine sounded a warning chime if I left the turn signal on too long. 😂
it bings and bongs at you if you leave your signals on
Never smoke inside your car
I thought that was the left signal 😄
@@thomasnowicki5844 my left signal doesn't auto-cancel anymore for some reason so probably
OMG that interior is amazing! You don't see comfort like that anymore, that is built for a long road trip.
They really were the best seats.
Every single car now is built to be a damn sports car. I love a big land yacht with a bench seat and a column mounted shifter. Sure my Charger is my fun toy but theres nothing like hitting the road in a proper old B body or Panther
@@LSp8 I have a Crown Victoria now but the Roadmaster was on a whole different level of plush.
@@danmccarthy4700 indeed! I also got a 11' Crown Vic (P7B) and she's smooth but my 96' impala is surprisingly plush considering how low the factory ride height is, still has that B-Body plushness but albeit not as much as the Caprice she's based on. The Roadmaster's ride only comes second from the Fleetwood.
@@LSp8 I have an '02 Crown Vic right now...while it has proven to be more reliable than the Roadmaster I had, it isn't nearly as luxurious. The seats in that Roadmaster really were something else.
I miss these GM "B" bodies and the Ford "Panther" full size cars. Other than full size pickups and muscle cars, there's nothing that says All American than these comfortable, body on frame, RWD, V8 powered land yachts. In my mind, no modern day crossover will never replace these traditional full size cars.
WELL SAID BRO! These new cars ALL LOOK ALIKE PLUS YOU FEEL EVERY BUMP ON THE DAMN ROAD!👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽
Do you want to know why no one makes cars like this anymore?... THEY LAST TOO LONG
@@zephead4835 That's a really good point. Everything is made disposable now. My parents bought their house in 1972, and all the appliances that were already there from when the house was built in 1966, except for the stove, were still there and fully functioning in the late 90's. These days you are lucky to get 5-7 years out of most. And when they did break, you called a REPAIRMAN. Now you just toss them and fork out cash for a new one. I even still have my dad's old 1984 Magnavox VCR, still operational to this day. Solid metal and weighs like 30 lbs. The tape heads run loud as hell but still works, and even the lcd display works! Also had his old Magnavox TV from '87 until the cable system no longer supported non-HD tvs around 2013 or so, I donated it and it still worked. I can't tell you how many DVD players and modern tvs I have went through.
@@larrypurnell3573 And don't forget the radical environmentalists would prefer us all to be driving micro cars with an ac adapter.
No thanks!!
They can keep those pieces of electric junk. 😆
@@100percentSNAFU Yep. Sad that todays cars are throw aways.
The later 1994+ cars with the 260 hp engine were much more lively. I’ve seen them run 15s in the 1/4 stock which is pretty good for something you’d expect to see parked at a nursing home. Cool cars.
Yes, 94-96s packed the Vette's LT1(different heads though), and ran far better performance and returned the same mileage.
@@hellkitty1014 Indeed. They should’ve gotten that engine sooner.
@@GyroPyro121212 agreed. GM dropped that engine into everything right as they were winding down production at the Arlington plant to make room for the then-new Chevy Tahoe. The Fleetwood/Caprice/Roadmaster really owned the early 90s.
@@hellkitty1014 They were very good performing land barges for sure.
Optispark. Shudder.
Buick made robust, comfortable and desirable vehicles back then
I hate the new Buick
The best of 90s buick was the 97-04 Regal GS
Yes , buick and suv crossover shouldn't have gotten together... lol
@@jacquesrichard3835 I don’t think so
Look at Lincoln’s suvs they’re absolutely gorgeous,stunning and quite luxurious vehicles
@@jacquesrichard3835
Encore and Enclave are good. I hate the Envision. They need a 4th or 5th car as well.
@@joskjj3625 they are being recalled. Many problems
So you're wrong. STUDY MORE.
Ah yes, early 90s GM B bodies. I absolutely love them and their sweeping aerodynamic styling. Its always a treat to see one on the road, and at least in my area, they're still fairly common. Hell, there's someone around the corner from me who drives a blue Roadmaster wagon, woodgrain and all - I honk and wave everytime I see him.
I love this type of car. I wish it's debuted today as 2021 model. The real american car full size , rear wheel drive , v8 , body on frame column shift and smooth ride. Happy new year for every body.
Damn Straight!!! Tired of all these fwd based econoboxes and soon to be disposable battery electric everything😨
@@LSp8 The last real big car you could get that's RWD and column shift would be a 2011 Lincoln Town car or 2011 Grand Marquis, look for one of those with low miles.
Yeah, i miss the column shifter
@@northerntraveller3815 I still have my 11' CV P7B. Even in police spec she's still smooth! The only new equivalent is the Tahoe PPV lol.
@@northerntraveller3815 I wish we would have a 2021 town car that would have been dope
These “B body” General Motors products were the most comfortable land yachts that were home grown during the 90’s. Uncle had a Caprice.
My great uncle had a 94, first year of the LT1 for those
I got a 96 Imp SS, my favorite car but she's hibernating for the winter.
As the co-owner of a 96 Roadmaster Estate I can say these cars are EXTREMELY underrated. 110 mph fully loaded without breaking a sweat. Comfort on a level that’s all but gone from the American landscape.
I bought a 96 Roadmaster 4 yrs ago with 22,641 one owner miles. Also has the tow package. Shipped it to Germany where I am stationed and have 35,000 miles now. Will be going home with me this year. Love it💯💯💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The last big Buick with V8 I really love this. I have a ParkAve but I would be cool to also have a Roadmaster in the garage but this are super rare in Europe.
Technically the Rainier had a V8, but it most likely doesn't meet your "big Buick" qualification.
There was a Lucerne Super with a 32v Northstar.
@@DiRF Any Buick made during the last 15 years are an absolute joke and are just rebadged Opels. Nothing but bland boring plastic sboxes.
@@TeeroyHammermill The Lucerne was built on the Cadillac DTS/DEVILLE platform. I think they also made a Lacrosse w- body car with a v8 5.3ls motor. Hard to find that one.
@@povking1460 the ls4 that was on the Monte Carlo ss impala ss and Grand Prix gxp as well. (Sadly GM butchered those iconic names with front wheel drive). Ugh
I feel like I could just crawl in there and take a nap. And I miss the freight train horns.
You can! I do it all the time in my '93 Limited. Just not while driving!🤗
Now this is exactly what I, as European, envy you Americans for.
I, for one, envy american fuel prices the most.
@@gaborcsuzdi7006 Yeah, agreed, that goes hand in hand.
This is the sorryest thing ever built in the 🇺🇸
Yep.
If you hate flying or can’t fly.. this is the car to do a 2000 mile road trip in.
Run them in Europe on LPG (propane) and never look back...
These would go on to be the most reliable cars GM made in the 90s. I would know...
These and anything with the 3800 V6
Yup, had a 1991 Brougham and 1995 Fleetwood for 5 years as daily drivers. Very reliable and when something did break it was cheap to service or I did it myself.
Mine was great for the most part but it had a lot of transmission problems.
I still have my 1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi w/the Supercharged 3800. 129k mi & counting. She always starts right up
Nope. My '96 Roadie wagon was a variable money pit. I loved the car when all was well, but it generally wasn't long before something went wrong. Replaced were the heater core, opti spark, water pump, radiator, TWO starters, main power window switch, smog pump, along with plugs, plug wires, o2 sensors, the stock radio (that ate a cassette and wouldn't spit it out), wiper switch, control arm bushings, etc. My current 2005 LeSabre is all that the Roadie should have been, quiet, SMOOTH and reliable.
Damn. Wish they reviewed the 1994+ models with the Lt1 5.7. 260hp.
The ol' Buick Roadmonster.
My father got this car when I was 13 and sold it when I was 30... hoped in it with joy when I was a kid, was one of the first cars I drove and later drove to work sometimes. It felt sad to see it go. One of best rides we've ever had.
I had a 96 Roadmaster with the LT1 and loved it. (260 horsepower) I think that engine showed up in 94 and it really made a difference.
Buick needs to bring back this nameplate....
I bought a new one back in 1992. Limited Model. Loved it. Drove it for 10 years.
My dad had this car back in the 90's. I only got to drive it a few short times. I was young at the time and didn't really appreciate it as I would today.
The greatest 90s Buick. All hail the King.
If this was a review of the Park Ave Ultra, I'd agree!
1996 Park Ave Ultra was the ultimate 90's Buick. Last year of the "good" body style, first year of the improved supercharged 3.8 V6. Although I'd take a 94-96 Roadmaster wagon over that Park Ave, despite it being an inferior car, it just has so much character.
I love the Ultra but I’m a RWD guy and the Roadmaster with the LT1 is just about perfect. GM never should have dropped the B Body.
As much as I liked my 98 regal gs for its power I’d much rather have this
Its dangerous when the roads are wet why of course I have the LT1 power house in it
The guy 2:18 was wearing sneakers with a blazer before hipsters
I was 20 when this car came out. Even at that age, I appreciated it for what it was.
I had a Honda Civic Si, my priority was excellent handling and decent fuel economy. Now, at 49, I really wish a car like that, full frame, V8, RWD, was available...anywhere. Damn CAFE.
I still have my Grandparents 93' Buick Roadmaster... After they passed on, it came up for sale within the family so I bought it, and shipped it to Arizona. TruIy love this car. I have been performing all of the maintenance on it, throughout the last yrs. Only 119,000 miles. They don't make them like this anymore!
I currently have two of these cars, a 1993 and a 1995. I will never part with them as they can not be replaced. Great history with this video.
Later versions had a 260 hp LT-1 under the hood. Car and Driver called it, "the perfect car for the granny with an attitude."
Wouldn’t it be fun to run around town on Saturday afternoon with a pristine, freshly-waxed Roadmaster wagon as your weekend cruiser? I’ll take mine in blue with the wood grain trim and the nice aluminum wheels.....!!!!
Perfection!! 💪🏻
That would look good with a couple of surfboards on top.
Buick needs to make cars like this again!!!!
I keep trying to figure out why they can't take Escalade frame/underpinnings/interior and throw a Fleetwood and Roadmaster body on it.
So I drove 2 of these behemoths when I was around 16-17 yrs old. They belong to my grandmother and an aunt. They hold a special place in my heart as I taxied them around but also drove them "to the store" by myself and enjoyed every minute.
My really old neighbor back in the day had a big road master with the V8, he used to scare me he was always accidentally burning out at traffic lights cause he didn’t have good function and pushed the gas to hard.
My mom had one. With those skinny tires in the back, it spun the tires really easily.
My beloved aunt had one she drove the tar out that big baby it was '95 the same color as this one but it looked better she would drive fast when at stop signs she came to a complete stop always would yield driving like a bat she loved that car to death so did I miss it as well myself.
2:58 John: NO DESIGN FEATURE OF THE ROADMASTER TAKES A BACK SEAT. NOT EVEN THE BACK SEAT! LOL
I didn’t even try to makes sense of that comment
My first car was a 92 Roadmaster, great tanky lazyboy and it could do some pretty decent burnouts ;)
Would love to take this car on a road trip. A long road trip.
There are plenty of people who would pay good money for modern day version of a full size car like this. Shame the market is flooded with crossovers now. A boat like this with modern tech could easily compete in regards to crash safety and fuel economy
And it's not like GM doesn't already have 99% of the parts needed to build one of these already on the shelf in the form of Silverado/Sierra parts. Engines, transmissions, axles, etc could all cheaply and easily be cribbed from the truck line.
I'm buying a 95 Roadmaster Estate Wagon tomorrow morning for $600. I can't wait to get back into a Buick
These cars were boats but they were smooth yachts talk about comfortable with long stretched dashboard. I like this model better than Fleetwood and Caprice. The 5.7 LT-1 was used out of Corvette was great my aunt had a '95 RM she would drive like on Ìndy500 racetrack for a car this size knew would how lots of power sad thing never drove that car. The other day was thinking about of Roadmaster now see MW did a review of this beautiful also like the station wagon these cars will be legends forever. Based off Caprice as much like the Caprice the Roadmaster looked bit stylish I wish had digital dash other that a beautiful car they don't make them like this anymore few years later they made them bigger and wider sad when they were no longer made after '96.
I would thoroughly enjoy having one of these cars, even if it was just a more luxurious version of the Chevy Caprice. The Caprice was a damned good car.
Though I heard that the suspension and handling wasn't as good as the Buicks. I'm starting to wonder.....
If they still made a car like this in the dreary 2020's I would be first in line!
Had a 95... thing was a beast but ever so comfortable.
This review from years ago is the reason I bought my own Buick Roadmaster sedan!
At 4:58 you see a Crown Victoria in the background. It is interesting that GM gave up on full-size, body on frame, RWD sedans more than a decade before Ford did.
what. shame w
Not even ten, but 15 years! GM ended their full size RWD line in 1996, while Ford’s lasted until 2011.
@blackandgold51
You learn something new everyday.
@@superbird4351 Yep! Them Middle Easterns love Crown Victorias and Caprices by the way lol
I recall reading that GM execs figured they could make bigger profits selling "even more" SUV's so they converted the Arlington, TX B-body plant to make Tahoes, Yukons, and Suburbans.
Amazing cars man. I've always driven Grand Marquis I'm on my 4th one but I was a huge fan of these cars especially the ones with the LT-1 V8. And that horn made me giggle like a little kid. I love these old American boats.
This was I'd say the end of an era truly the last of the large comfortable V8 tear wheel drive sedans. Some neighbors of ours when I was growing up had the wagon version 94 it was because it had the corvette engine that was later used in these and the fleetwood.
Awesome! My 2nd car was a ‘93. Jadestone grey metallic. It came with Eagle GT+4’s with white walls. It was a fantastic burnout and donut machine.
You actually made donuts with it? But no coffee to go with them? 😄 (1/16/2021)
The 1992 buick roadmaster was my first car and is still in my collection. The only thing I would trade it for is a better roadmaster.
I loved riding in & driving my grandparents’ ‘92 Limited. Their car had the exact same interior as this one. Still miss it 14 years later.
I know it's a luxo-barge, but I would love to own one of these things in nice condition.
In Europe, we can see only these cars in movies and TV movies. This is a managers cars. ;)
These monsters need to make a comeback!
There are plenty of 1991-1996 Roadmasters on the road in Europe. 33 alone are registered in a tiny country likeThe Netherlands, even some station wagons still in daily use as hearses.
@@badboattail In France, you can see one or two in exibitions if you go in Paris, Lyon or Avignon.
You should visit American car shows and meetings in France, I've seen several Roadmasters at such events. Try "Fun Car Show" in Illzach in (hopefully) May this year.
@@badboattail When I visit american car shows in France, I see a lot of Muscle cars like Mustang, Camaro, Corvette etc... and à lot of 50's cars but roadmaster are so rare while in North America, you can see everywhere and everytime.
Thank you for your advice. I didn't knew Illzach.
Taking the sofa and living room where ever you go. Vessel-like design and it moves..
My mother got the 94 Roadmaster. It is about the only thing she ever did right in her entire life.
I sold this car at a dealership in 92! We had complaints that it shared too much with the Chevy Caprice, that could be similar in luxury when loaded up for a lot less money. Then we had Park Avenues to sell against it! Along with mechanical problems and fit and finish, we dubbed it as the Road Desaster.
I had a '92 Roadmaster Limited sedan. Mine was black with a maroon interior. This review is pretty spot on; although mine didn't feel as quick as this one. The seats were insanely comfortable and it really did have the best horn. Those massive sail panels were a pain in the ass though because they created huge blind spots. I totaled it pulling out of my driveway in June 2006 when I got T-boned by a guy in a Taurus that I couldn't see coming. Everyone who saw the accident said I probably wouldn't have survived had I been in anything smaller. I miss that car more than any other I've owned in the past and I would love to own another someday.
A friend of mine owned a '92 Vic and a '93 Caddy Fleetwood Brougham at the same time. They were his grandma's cars were hat she gave him when she got too old to drive. We called them the couch and the sofa. The couch (Crown Vic) had an issue with the idle and would just accelerate to about 40 mph without even touching the gas pedal. Combine that with nearly bald tires, RWD with no traction control, and the maneuverability of a Sherman tank, and it made for some interesting winter driving!
Growing up my nextdoor neighbours mom got a new '92 roadmaster wagon. Loved that car and ended up driving it a few times
the leather on those seats looks absolutely scrumptious!
My old man had one of these and it was his pride and joy!! Very nice cars, indeed
I own 1994 Buick roadmaster this car is so comfortable and reliable and when I drive my new car it feels stiff the Buick roadmaster spoils you they don't make them like this anymore and if you see a clean one for sale you better grab it fast !!!!!
I like how they mentioned the 1949 Roadmaster, which was in the movie 'Rain Man."
The last of its kind. Such great cars.
This brings back memories of when Saabkyle04 had his 1994 or 1995 Roadmaster for a while as his RUclips channel was really getting big. His car was in pristine condition.
I remember when reviewed it as well
This is yet another proof that when GM really wants to do something outstanding, it can knock it out of the park! What a wonderfully refined touring rig!
What I would give to see these massive boats back on North American roads. The level of comfort these cars offer, combined with acceleration is hard to beat. Buick still sells cars in Canada and the US, but they're just not like this anymore. A revival of those bench seats would be welcome to many car enthusiasts.
Dad and I saw one of these (although I think it was a '95) for sale at the Mecum auction in Chicago three years ago. Still kicking myself over not bidding.
I had a '92 Limited - saved it from the crusher ( for a time );, drove it for ten years in some of the worst conditions - two feet of snow and minus 40 temps, 100 degree humid summers - and it just kept going, it had 240,000 miles at the end, never burned a drop of oil in the 4000 mile change intervals I used and consistently gave 21.6 mpg , so squeaks, rattles, exhaust or wind noise, the trans was always smooth and positive, the light blue metallic paint still had a shine and it was the most comfortable car to ride and drive since my '56 Holiday Super 88 hardtop, better in fact - I had a lump in the throat when it left ( body mount locations rotten away ) it always started, never let me down, not once, just a wonderful automobile " When better cars are built - Buick will build them" was certainly true of the last of the great American motorcars, they truly were Road-Masters!
The buick 3.8 V6 is an excellent engine.
Yes it is, I have a GN with 245,000mi no major engine problems.
yes
yessir my folks have an 07 lacrosse with the 3.8 200 hp, great pull. Such a great looking car for a buick.
The LT1 is an even better engine.
I had a 1991 Buick Century with the 3.3 liter V6, the understroked version of the 3.8. It ran perfectly for 230 000 miles with no mechanical problems. The 3-speed automatic was so amazingly matched it with it that the shifts were imperceptible. Sadly, the engine mounts rusted out in 2013. The repair was too costly, so I had to junk my Buick though the drivetrain was still amazingly smooth-running - my present Chevrolet Sonic hatchback with its 4-cylinder engine simply cannot match it.
I was a trim guy back in the 90s. Gm dealers were constantly me to repair the body side molding on these cars. They were coming back during the warranty period with moldings that were separating from the body. The dealer subleted to me and it took a good couple hours to reattach these moldings. Sometimes every body panel was affected. I billed the dealer, who in turn marked it up and billed GM. Other than that, I think these were a rock solid car.
I had this in the station wagon.. huge.. One of my favorite vehicles I owned.
My parents had a Roadmaster. That thing was huge. You could play cards on the dashboard! Freakin massive
Those stainless steel switches had a smooth 'click-click' that I haven't seen in other cars
Although I am a Ford guy, I can see beauty and comfort in GM products, and this is one of them!
David Dunbar Buick, would be proud!
I have a 94 sedan! Betty White is her name according to the previous owner 🤣
That 4-horn setup is legendary!
I want them in my truck too..
I love my 96 Buick Roadmaster sedan. With the LT1 engine it gets down the road pretty good
Yeah, don't rub it in! I have the drivetrain set up featured in this video (1993 Roadmaster Limited) and I yearn for more giddy up and go!😂
@@steversystems you probably have the good gauge package though. There's pros and cons to all of them
@@The_R-n-I_Guy the guage package was good. I appreciated having vitals that I could monitor. But I still crave that additional 80 horsepower of the '94 through '96 models with the dual exhaust. A clean '95 would be very nice.
One of my ABSOLUTE dream cars
Excellent old school comfort, with a boat ride. Something new cars don't have. That really needs to come back
who is playing guitar on the soundtrack of motor week, or is it just a synthesizer?
Is Pat Goss Still ALIVE?
A really nice boulevardier that would be much appreciated today, rear wheel drive full frame construction. You have to buy a luxury pock up truck today in the $60,000.00 range for such a ride.
Ah, the motorweek reviewer wardrobe of sportcoat and white sneakers that look like they were left in the mud for a few months, then hastily hosed off.
Forgot got to change out of his 'grass cutting sneakers' lol
Question.... anyone notice the oil pressure gauge at 2:00? Mind you, this was new when this video was made, or new enough not to have that issue when in the run position..
I noticed immediately lol. 😂
I love these. I plan to get one eventually.
I would love a Caprice or Roadmaster with the 260 horse LT1! we had a 91 Caprice growing up but it had the 4.8 V8, an LT1 would really transform these in daily driving especially with some tuned up better suspension like the roadmaster
I would be very proud to drive and own this car. They will never make them like this ever again. This is a real car.
Lol let’s skip the slalom
Right? I was curious to see how it would've done!
These arent sports cars 🤷
@@borla4491 Motorweek usually took all their cars, even Jeeps, pickup trucks, and full-size station wagons through the slalom. It would have been amusing to see this car do it too.
@@danmccarthy4700 The point is overall, no one gets these vehicles for "performance ", they are gotten for smooth amd luxury with plenty of space and decent mpgs and power.
@@borla4491 I am well aware of that. I owned one of these cars for years. :) That doesn't mean I wouldn't be thoroughly entertained by watching one attempt to negotiate Motorweek's slalom.
As a kid, well teen, I always called this Buick ASSmaster. Still makes me laugh even as I approach 50.
The interior is something else, very beautiful.
that old 350 v8 and 700R4 trans make a bulletproof combination
I have this car in my garage. Same color, mint condition. Not as many options. And just found this video today. Awsome
I have two Roadmaster Estate wagons. A '96 collector's edition, practically mint condition with only 45K miles and it's "backup", a '95 same color with 290K. My neighbors think I'm nuts but they have no idea what's under the hood. I can easily put my 10ft standup paddle board in it. It's a great car.
My father worked for Buick Motor Division in the 1960s, and he loved the RoadMaster. It was a nice riding sedan, but it didn’t have the ride of Ford’s Crown Victoria or Mercury’s Grand Marquis. The Caprice didn’t get right until Holden in Australia started making it, and it’s nice to see this review. Holden should have made a Buick version of the Chevrolet Caprice. The Australians got the large rear wheel drive sedans correct; too bad they aren’t made anymore...
bought one of these for a grand, it was sitting in some ladies yard, she "couldn't get rid of it" and wanted 1000$ CAD. said yes, no ifs and or buts and bought it on the spot. been going strong for a year now. its a '92 limited too, with a landau top, in the maple red metallic (matches my '91 caprice wagon to a T!). Could not be happier, or asked for a more dependable daily driver. aside from a fuel pump, its needed nothing. It demands nothing while returning my investment in spades, I could not have asked for a better, more comfortable, or reliable daily driver.
5x more comfortable than any new car under $250,000..
Can’t believe that they complained about the trunk space
at least they didn't complain about having to twist the badge to the side to get to the trunk key hole
Wonder what that body would look like as a coupe. American full size in it's final leg.
There's a guy in Switzerland with a coupe version of a 1996 LT1 powered Roadmaster. Nice project, low and black...
Good old days. I miss the teal full size cars.