Do rear-wheel-drive behemoths such as this really have a place in today's world?
Buick obviously thinks so, but it's hard to ignore the steadily thinning ranks of the traditional American full-size sedan. Big, heavy and ponderous cars like this are perceived as dinosaurs by some, while others reject them for not making the right fashion statement.
After all, to many, an important part of the all new-car buying process is what the car is going to say about us.
Viewed from that perspective, the Roadmaster appears to be rooted firmly in a bygone era, with a collection of attributes that do not apply to 1995.
But let's take a harder look at that. What are some of the key elements of today's luxury cars? Power, of course. That is always near the top of the list. Lots of room inside. Lots of power-operated amenities.
A premium sound system. Smooth ride quality. Quiet operation. So far, we have a list that applies to the Buick Roadmaster.
True, it does not measure up to the handling standards of a big BMW or the Lexus LS 400, but think about this: You get all the other amenities for $20,000 less.
And if that's not quite enough to completely dispel your nagging image concerns, you can always get rid of the white sidewall tires.
Although its appearance has been updated by some tasteful de-chroming and flush-mounted aero headlamps, the Roadmaster still has that traditional look that some trendy buyers would characterize as old-fashioned. There's a fair amount of
Buick extending beyond the front wheels, and even more of it thrusting out behind.
We also have to say that the semi-skirted rear wheels give the Roadmaster's going-away view a rather pudgy look.
On the other hand, we think There is still prestige and substance, the kind of appearance that we associate with country clubs and black-tie soirees.
Sheer size is also a classic luxury index, and the Roadmaster has plenty of it. Although it's a little smaller than battleships such as the Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac Fleetwood, it's not much smaller. And that big waterfall grille says Buick in unmistakable terms.
Buick offers two versions of its big sedan for 1995: the Roadmaster and Roadmaster Limited, plus the Roadmaster Estate Wagon.
All are powered by GM's LT1 V8 engine, essentially the same engine you'll find in the Chevrolet Corvette. Installed last year, this impressive torque-generator has done wonders for the power portion of the Roadmaster's prestige quotient. After all, it's difficult for the trendy to sneer at you when all they can see are your taillights.
The transmission is one of General Motors' excellent electronically controlled 4-speed automatics, as smooth as any, regardless of national origin.
Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment on all models. And our Roadmaster Limited test car was also equipped with an optional limited-slip differential, which ensures smooth power delivery to both rear wheels.
One small but significant exterior change for 1995 is the addition of bigger side mirrors. Our test car's side mirrors were heated, too.
There's also a new color - Platinum Gray Metallic - as well as a coach lamp in the rear roof pillar that says Roadmaster, in case you need reminding.
