1986–1991
| Also called | Buick Somerset |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1986–1991 |
| Assembly | Lansing, Michigan, United States |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | N-body |
| Engine | 2.3 L Quad-4 I4 2.5 L Tech-4 I4 3.0 L Buick V6 3.3 L Buick V6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed THM125 automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 103.4 in (2,626 mm) |
| Length | 180.0 in (4,572 mm) |
| Width | 66.6 in (1,692 mm) (1986–88) 66.7 in (1,694 mm) (1989–1991) |
| Height | 52.2 in (1,326 mm) |
| Related | Oldsmobile Calais Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Pontiac Grand Am |
Beginning with the 1985 model year, the two-door coupe was replaced by the Somerset Regal coupe built on the Oldsmobile-developed N-body platform. This generation of compact Buicks featured a more upscale and aerodynamic design than its predecessor, incorporating the long-hood/short-deck look popular at the time. With the start of the 1986 model year, it lost the Regal suffix from its name and was known simply as Somerset. The Skylark name was moved to a four-door sedan version of the Somerset. This version of the Skylark has a split bench seat with a center console with a column shift.
The 1986 Skylark would continue to be available as either a Custom or a Limited model. The standard engine would continue to be the 2.5 L Iron Duke 4, now available with a five-speed manual transaxle as standard and a three-speed automatic as an option. A new optional engine would be the fuel-injected Buick-designed 3.0 L V6, generating 125 hp (93 kW) at 4900 rpm (it replaced the previous 2.8 L Chevrolet-designed V6s). The 3.0 L V6 was available only with a three-speed automatic transaxle.
Beginning with the 1987 model year, the four-door Skylark was available as a sporty T-Type model.
For 1988 models, the Somerset name would be dropped and Buick's two-door N-body compact would share the Skylark nameplate with its four-door counterparts. A new engine option for 1988 models was the fuel-injected, Oldsmobile-designed 2.3 L DOHC Quad-4 4-cylinder engine that produced 150 hp (110 kW) at 5200 rpm. An S/E package for Custom models replaced the previous T-Type trim.
On 1989 models, a fuel-injected 3.3 L V6 (160 hp at 5200 rpm) replaced the previous 3.0 L V6. A new LE package become available on four-door sedans that featured a vinyl roof that covered part of the rear side windows.
For 1990, a new base Skylark was added, moving the Custom model up to replace the Limited. The S/E package was replaced by a new Gran Sport two-door sedan, reviving a name that had not been connected with the Skylark for many years. The LE ("Luxury Edition") sedan would become a full-fledged model. 1991 was the last year the N-bodied Skylarks would be offered, and there were few changes from 1990. The only transaxle offered for 1991 was the three-speed automatic. Production is said to have ended on May 1, 1991.
Read more about this topic: Buick Skylark