9 Best & Worst Buick ELECTRA Years (Complaints, Recalls, etc.)

The Buick Electra is a classic American car with a rich history dating back to the late 1950s. Throughout the years, the Electra has experienced both its high and low points, leaving enthusiasts with plenty to discuss and debate.

As we delve into the best and worst Buick Electra years, we will uncover what made certain models stand out, while others missed the mark or faced numerous recalls and common problems.

For over five decades, just as any other long-standing vehicle, the Electra had its fair share of lackluster years, ranging from mediocre designs to subpar performance and reliability issues.

The Best Year for Buick Electra

The 1968 Buick Electra 225 stood out as one of the finest years for the Electra line.

It was a classy and well-built full-size car that featured a 126-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 224.9 inches. The pillared four-door sedan, which weighed 4,253 pounds, retailed at an even $4,200, and only araound 12,000 units were made.

One key aspect that set the 1968 Electra 225 apart was its performance.

Under the hood, the Electra 225 lineup was powered by a 7.5-liter, 370 horsepower V8 engine. This impressive powertrain provided effortless acceleration, smooth highway cruising, and an overall enjoyable driving experience.

In addition, the 1968 Buick Electra 225 was well-equipped with a wide range of features.

Some of the notable amenities included power steering, power brakes, and a fully automatic transmission. The Electra 225 also boasted an elegant and well-appointed cabin, upholstered with quality materials and a host of luxurious touches.

On the aesthetic front, the 1968 Electra 225 sported a distinctive and attractive design. Its styling featured sharp lines, tasteful chrome accents, and an overall elegant precence that was quite appealing to the eye. There was also a great variety of body styles available, including:

• a four-door hardtop,
• two-door hardtop
• and the pillared sedan.

With all these elements combined, the 1968 Buick Electra 225 was a fantastic all-around vehicle that truly stood out among its contemporaries. It showcased Buick’s commitment to quality, performance, and luxury, making it a memorable and highly regarded year for the Electra line.

The 2nd Best Year

1972 was another noteworthy year for the Buick Electra 225 model.

This full-size luxury car had a powerful engine and outstanding aesthetics, making it a hit among selective buyers. In 1971, Buick had sold 126,036 Electra 225 units, accounting for 23% of total Buick sales. The 1972 models continued this success, further cementing the Electra 225’s reputation as a high-quality vehicle.

The 1972 Buick Electra 225 came with a standard 455 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 255 HP. This powertrain provided drivers with smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride, reflecting the car’s focus on luxury and performance. Driving this classic beauty was an unforgettable experience, appreciated by both casual drivers and true enthusiasts.

The exterior design of the 1972 Electra 225 was alsoo a marvel.

With clean lines and sleek curves, it presented a sophisticated yet bold appearance. The six-window hardtop roofline was shared exclusively with Cadillac, giving the Electra 225 an upscale feel. This attention to detail and design contributed significantly to the car’s allure.

Inside, the 1972 Buick Electra 225 featured plush seating and an array of amenities.

Drivers and passengers alike enjoyed the spacious cabin and the attention to comfort that was a hallmark of the model. Buick maintained its reputation for creating a luxurious driveng experience by incorporating high-quality materials and modern conveniences into the Electra 225’s interior.

The 1972 Buick Electra 225 is remembered as one of the best years for the model. Its powerful engine and exceptional design, both inside and out, made it stand out among its contemporaries and solidified the Electra 225’s position as a memorable and beloved vehicle in automotive history.

Check also the older models of the Buick Riviera for similar problems.

Other Good Years

Aside from the 1970 Buick Electra, there were a few other years that truly stood out in terms of quality and design. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of these impressive years and discuss what made them special:

• 1959: The first generation of the Buick Electra marked a new era for the automaker. With its unique design and range of options, the 1959 Electra quickly became a staple in the full-sized car market. It offered a variety of body styles, including sedan, hardtop, and convertible, making it an attractive choice for a wide array of buyers. Note, we also list this as one of the bad years – when comparing to all the models across the years – but this NEW model (at the time) was a really cool car to get your hands on. A really popular new model.
• 1965: As the third generation of Electra, Buick introduced a new, more refined body style in 1965. The car featured a sleeker and more modern design, with a lower roof and more angular body lines than its predecessors. This redesign helped the Electra maintain its status as a popular choice among luxury car buyers.
• 1977: The 1977 Electra marked the beginning of the downsized fifth generation. The car’s dimensions were reduced, making it more maneuverable and fuel-efficient without compromising its luxury and performance. This change made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts who wanted a more efficient, yet still stylish and comfortable ride.
• 1985: In 1985, the Electra underwent another significant change, as the sixth generation was launched. The car featured front-wheel drive, an improved suspension system, and an overall more modern design. While still maintaining the luxury features that made the Electra popular, this new model offered a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.

These are just a few examples of the good years the Buick Electra saw throughout its production run. Each of these models showcased continuous improvement and refinement, making them great options for those seeking a classic, timeless luxury car with a rich history.

The Worst Year for Buick Electra

The 2002 Buick Electra year stands out as one of the worst years for this vehicle.

Owners of the 2002 Electra model experienced numerous issues related to window regulators, affecting the overall driving experience. In addition to the 2002 model, the 2001 Electra also garnered a significant number of complaints.

• Window regulators became a prevalent issue in the 2002 Electra, causing inconvenience to drivers and passengers alike.
• Some owners reported poor engine performance, which led to a lack of power and responsiveness on the road.

Between the 2001 and 2002 Electras, it wasn’t uncommon for drivers to experience similar issues across both model years. Despite the complaints, the Buick Electra maintained a loyal following due to its heritage as a luxury vehicle and continued to serve as Buick’s flagship sedan for many years.

Other Bad Years

• 1959-1960 Buick Electra: The first-generation Buick Electra had some performance and design challenges. Being a new model, it took some time for Buick to iron out the kinks and perfect the Electra line. Despite these initial setbacks, the first-generation Electra paved the way for future Electra models and their eventual success.

It’s important to keep in mind that while these years had some issues, they were not necessarily terrible years for the Buick Electra. Many owners still enjoyed their vehicles and appreciated the luxury and comfort the Electra provided.

More recent models have continued to show improvement, ensuring that Buick remains a reputable car manufacturer.

Common Problems to Look for

When searching for a Buick Electra, there are a few key issues to be aware of, particularly in different model years.

The 1985 Buick Electra faced some electrical problems. These problems often manifested as flickering dash lights, malfunctioning power locks, and issues with power windows. Additionally, engine stalling plagued this model year.

Buick Electra models from the late 1980s encountered transmission issues, particularly noticeable as rough or delayed shifting. Some drivers also reported moisture-related issues affecting the transmission fluid, requiring additional maintenance.

For the 1990 Buick Electra, some common problems consisted of oil leaks and coolant leaks. In some instances, these leaks led to catastrophic engine failure if left unattended.

The last generation of the Buick Electra, the 1991 model, experienced some HVAC issues, with drivers reporting inadequate heating or air conditioning performance. A few cases of power steering problems also surfaced, where drivers noticed a loss of power steering assist or unusually stiff steering.

When deciding on a Buick Electra, consider the common issues found in various model years. Being attentive to these challenges will give you an idea of what potential repairs or maintenance to anticipate, ensuring a smoother ownership experience.

Go Back to list of all Buick models (best and worst years)

Was this article helpful?

ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.