15 Best & Worst Buick Skylark Years (Complaints, Stats etc.)

The Buick Skylark is a classic American car that has been around since the early 1950s. Over the years, it has gone through many changes, with some years being better than others.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the best and worst years for the Buick Skylark.

When it comes to the best years for the Buick Skylark, there are a few that stand out.

Let’s dive in!

The Best Year for Buick Skylark

One of the best years for the Buick Skylark was 1967.

The car was longer, lower, and wider than previous generations, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. The interior was also updated, with a more comfortable and luxurious feel.

But what really made the 1967 Buick Skylark stand out was its performance. The car was available with a range of powerful engines, including a 340 cubic inch V8. This made the Skylark a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.

In addition to its performance, the 1967 Buick Skylark was also known for its reliability and durability. The car was built to last, and many examples are still on the road today.

Overall, the 1967 Buick Skylark was a great car that combined style, performance, and reliability. It was one of the best years for the Skylark, and it remains a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts today.

The 2nd Best Year

The 1968 Buick Skylark was given a complete facelift, with a new front end, grille, and hood design. The car’s wheelbase was also lengthened, which gave it a more aggressive stance on the road. Buick also introduced a new engine for the 1968 Skylark, a 350 cubic inch V8, which was capable of producing up to 280 horsepower.

One of the most notable features of the 1968 Buick Skylark was its optional GS package, which included a high-performance engine, heavy-duty suspension, and upgraded brakes. This package transformed the Skylark into a true muscle car.

In addition to its impressive performance, the 1968 Buick Skylark also featured a spacious and comfortable interior, with plenty of legroom and headroom for all passengers. The car’s sleek and stylish exterior design, combined with its powerful engine and comfortable interior, made it one of the most popular models of the year.

Overall, the 1968 Buick Skylark was a major success for Buick, and it remains one of the most iconic models in the company’s history. Its combination of style, performance, and comfort made it a favorite among car enthusiasts, and it set the standard for future generations of Buick Skylarks.

Other Good Years

Aside from the best years for Buick Skylark, there are other years that also stand out.

Here are some additional good years for the Buick Skylark:

• 1964: This year saw the introduction of the Gran Sport option, which added a 401 cubic inch V8 engine to the Skylark. The Gran Sport also included a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a dual exhaust system.
• 1965: The Skylark received a facelift in 1965, with a new grille and revised taillights. The Gran Sport option was also expanded to include a 400 cubic inch V8 engine.
• 1970: The Skylark received a new body style in 1970, with more angular lines and a longer hood. The Gran Sport option was also updated with a new 455 cubic inch V8 engine, which produced 350 horsepower.
• 1972: The Skylark received a minor facelift in 1972, with a new grille and revised taillights. The Gran Sport option was also updated with a new 350 cubic inch V8 engine, which produced 260 horsepower.

These years are also notable for their performance and styling.

While they may not be considered the best years for the Buick Skylark, they still offer a lot of value for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Worst Year

The 2014 Buick Skylark is widely regarded as the worst year for the model. While the Skylark had a reputation for being a reliable car, the 2014 model year was plagued with issues that left many owners frustrated and disappointed.

One of the most significant problems with the 2014 Skylark was the locking system. Many owners reported that their doors would remain locked, even when using the fob. This issue was particularly frustrating because it meant that owners could not enter their cars, even when they had the key.

Another problem with the 2014 Skylark was the lighting system.

Finally, the 2014 Skylark had a number of issues with the engine. Many owners reported that their engines would stall or shut off unexpectedly, which was a serious safety concern. Additionally, the engine was not very powerful, which made it difficult for drivers to accelerate quickly or pass other cars on the highway.

Overall, the 2014 Buick Skylark was a disappointing year for the model. While it had some good features, such as a comfortable interior and good fuel economy, the issues with the locking system, lighting system, and engine made it a frustrating car to own and drive.

Check also the best and worst years for Buick Electra here.

Other Bad Years

• 1975: The 1975 Buick Skylark was one of the worst models produced by the company. It had mechanical issues, including problems with the transmission and brakes.
• 1981: The 1981 Buick Skylark had a lot of problems with its engine. The 2.8-liter V6 engine of was known for having issues with the timing chain, which could cause the engine to fail. The car also had a lot of electrical issues, including problems with the alternator and starter.
• 1986: The 1986 Buick Skylark had problems with its transmission. The car was known for having issues with the automatic transmission, which could cause the car to stall or not shift properly. The car also had a lot of issues with its suspension, including problems with the shocks and struts.
• 1990: The 1990 Buick Skylark had problems with its engine. The car was known for having issues with the head gasket, which could cause the engine to overheat and fail. The car also had a lot of electrical issues, including problems with the ignition system and fuel injection system.
• 1997: The 1997 Buick Skylark had problems with its brakes. The car was known for having issues with the brake system, which could cause the car to not stop properly. The car also had a lot of issues with its suspension, including problems with the shocks and struts.

Overall, these years were not the best for Buick Skylark.

Despite the issues, it’s important to note that every car has its faults, and these models were no exception. Buick Skylark has had many great years, and it’s important to keep that in mind when evaluating the brand.

Years with the Most Recalls

When it comes to recalls, some years for the Buick Skylark have been worse than others.

The following table shows the years with the most recalls:

As can be seen from the table, the early 1990s were particularly problematic for the Buick Skylark, with 1990 and 1991 being the worst years for recalls.

The mid-1990s were also problematic for the Buick Skylark, with 1996 and 1997 both having recalls each. These recalls were related to issues such as faulty ignition switches, defective power steering systems, and problems with the fuel pump.

Overall, it’s clear that some years of the Buick Skylark were more prone to recalls than others. While these recalls can be inconvenient and frustrating for owners, it’s important to remember that they are issued to address safety concerns and ensure that the vehicle is operating as it should.

Common Problems to Look For

When considering buying a Buick Skylark, it’s important to be aware of the common problems that may arise with certain models.

Here are some of the most frequent issues to look out for:

• Power Window Motor Failure: This issue affects many Skylark models, with the power window motors failing due to overheating. This can be a costly repair, so it’s important to check that all windows are functioning properly before purchasing.
• Ignition Switch Failure: Another common issue is the ignition switch failing, resulting in a “no start” situation. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if it happens unexpectedly. Make sure to test the ignition switch before making a purchase.
• Leaking Water Pump: The water pump can leak, leading to coolant loss and overheating. This can cause serious damage to the engine if not addressed promptly. Be sure to check for any signs of a leaking water pump.

In addition to these issues, certain model years may have their own unique problems. For example, the 1997 Skylark may experience transmission failure, while the 1995 model may have issues with the fuel pump. It’s important to do your research and check for any known issues with the specific year and model you’re considering.

Overall, being aware of these common problems can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Buick Skylark. By checking for these issues and addressing them promptly, you can ensure that your Skylark runs smoothly for years to come.

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.