The interior is clean and tasteful. For 2003, Burled Walnut woodgrain (plastic, but it's nice) trim accents the dash and door panels. We question the need for the Buick Park Avenue logo on the passenger-side of the dash, however. Dual sun visors with extensions shield glare from almost every angle. The main instruments are covered by a gently arching nacelle that sweeps across the dash. Besides its contemporary appearance, this design allows room for a big speedometer and tachometer that are easy to scan.

Audio and climate controls use big buttons that are easy to find and operate when the car is in motion, and are visually set off from the rest of the interior by contrasting colors. The passenger temperature control for the dual-zone HVAC is located at the extreme right side of the dash, good for the passenger, impossible to reach from the driver's seat.

A trip computer allows the driver to calculate fuel economy and miles-to-empty. It also provides tire pressure, oil level and coolant level information. The Park Avenue's information system is controlled by a stack of clearly-marked buttons to the left of the gauges, and are easy to understand and operate. The trip odometer can track two trips, which can be useful on long journeys.

The Ultra adds premium CD sound, leather and power everything, which make the going more pleasant. The Concert Sound III stereo system, standard on Ultra and available on Park Avenue, comes with nine speakers, an amplifier, an integrated antenna system, and steering-wheel controls. A trunk-mounted CD-changer, part of the Ultra Luxury Package ($1,875), holds 12 CDs, enough for a drive from New York to Chicago.

Seating for six is standard, although the front-middle passenger may find the accommodations a little tight. We prefer the individual front seats ($185), which come with a new center console. (Our Ultra had the 5-passenger configuration included as part of the Ultra Luxury Package.) The console also includes two auxiliary 12v outlets and a rear seat heater/air conditioner vent. We found the lids on the center console awkward, but it provides a large amount of storage capacity because the shifter is up on the column. An overhead console is also part of the package, including reading lights and a universal transmitter for garage door openers or similar devices.

The optional head up display ($300) projects images that seem to float out the front edge of the hood. The display includes vehicle speed, turn signals and such. Some find it helpful, others annoying. Try it before you buy it.

Next Generation (reduced force) dual front airbags and side-impact airbags come standard. Park Avenue offers strong safety cage construction, and its doors are designed to automatically unlock within 15 seconds of an airbag deployment. Not surprisingly, insurance costs are low compared with other cars.

OnStar, GM's 24-hour on-demand driver assistance and navigation system, is standard on Ultra and optional on the base Park Avenue. Individually programmable Personal Choice key fobs control perimeter lighting, delayed locking, and memory settings for door locks, climate control, radio presets, seat adjustments, and inside and outside mirrors.

Park Avenue's trunk is almost large enough for an echo. It's slightly larger than that of the Chrysler Concorde, slightly smaller than the Lincoln Continental's. Gooseneck trunk lid support arms intrude on trunk space a bit, but offer the advantage of popping the trunk lid open when the button on the key fob is pressed, great when you have an armload of stuff.