New for '97: What's new for '97? Almost everything. The economically-priced Century is quieter, longer and wider than its previous generation counterpart. Remote keyless entry is a new standard feature, as is an air filtration system which removes pollen from the interior. Four-wheel independent suspension is new too.
Background: The Century name dates back to 1936, the first year Buick began using names rather than numbers to identify its vehicles. The name was retired and reappeared several times until General Motors debuted the first front-wheel-drive Century in the 1982 model year. The current all-new version, introduced earlier this year, represents the first major Century reconstruction since 1982. General Motors assembles Century in Canada.
Trim Levels: Buick Century is available in two trim levels: the entry-level Custom and more upscale Limited.
Price: Custom trim levels have a suggested manufacturers retail price of $17,845. Limited editions start at 19,220. Our test drive Limited edition, with a "prestige package" (cruise control, upgraded rearview mirror, steering wheel mounted radio controls and power six-way seats) totaled $21,895 including a $550 destination charge.
Safety features: Century is one of a handful of vehicles in its class with anti-lock brakes standard in both trim levels. A passenger air bag joins the driver's side air bag this year too. Daytime running lamps, child safety rear door locks and remote keyless entry comes standard. Traction control is not offered.
Standard equipment: Four-speed automatic transmission, rear window defoggers, tilt steering column, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power windows and locks come standard. One nice feature of the power locks is that if keys are forgotten in the ignition, the power doors will not lock. Air condition is standard in Custom editions. Dual automatic comfort climate zones (where two separate temperatures may be chosen for each interior side) comes standard in Limited and is optional in Custom. Limited editions include a rear seat center arm rest, front seat storage pockets and retained accessory power, which allow drivers and passengers to operate power windows a short time after the ignition is turned off.
Optional equipment: Power sunroof, cruise control, heated outside mirrors, integrated child safety seats steering-wheel-mounted radio controls and dual six-way power seats are optional in both trim levels.
Seating comfort: The midsize century accommodates seating for six in both Custom and Limited editions. Bench seating is featured in both in the front and rear, although the middle front person may be cramped with the low-sitting dashboard temperature controls and tight leg room. Seats are on the soft side. If two travelers occupy the front bench seat, an arm rest/storage bin can be folded down. Dual cup holders flip out from the front of this arm rest when needed. Limited editions have a flip down arm rest in back. It's a true arm rest with no storage capacity.
Interior: Century's headroom is plentiful both in front and back. Climate controls are found beneath the stereo system, and an array of square and rectangular buttons control manual fan speed, on/off and temperature selection. Averaged-sized radio present buttons along with steering wheel mounted controls make the sound system easy to use. Headlights activate from the dashboard while windshield wipers are found on the turn signal stalk. Century's legroom is enhanced party because the automatic transmission gear shift is located on the steering column and not the floor. Both wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) and overall length increase by over four inches this year, contributing to a larger interior. Better insulation keeps the interior quieter and reduces wind noise.
Trunk: Trunk space increases from last year and is very plentiful for a car in the mid-size segment. There is 16.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the long, flat trunk. The trunk design incorporates a low-liftover design making it easier to load and unload items. Unfortunately, there is now "pass through" window leading to the back seat for transporting skis or lumber, and the back seat does not fold down.
Exterior: The front windshield is steeper, contributing to a less boxy exterior. Still, Century maintains a conservative design. The tri-shield logo built into the front vertical bar grille gives Century a unmistakable Buick identification. Colors choices include: gray, white, blue black, Bordeaux Red, Santa Fe Red, green and orchid.
Dimensions: Overall length: 194.5 inches Overall width: 72.7 inches Overall height: 57 inches Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle): 109 inches Front headroom: 39.3 inches Front legroom: 42.4 inches Curb weight: 3,359 lbs.
Engine: Although exterior and interior changes are plentiful, the powertrain remains unchanged from last year. Both Century trim levels feature a 3100 V-6 delivers 160 horsepower. It's the same engine found in several other General Motors products, including the full-sized Lumina sedan.
Fuel economy: Mileage estimates check in at 20 miles per gallon city and 29 miles per gallon highway. The fuel tank holds 17 gallons of unleaded fuel.
Target audience: Buick hopes to bring more women buyers and a younger audience into the fold with this new Century. Previous buyers were in their 60s and Buick hopes to attract more 45 to 59 year-olds. Annual household income of potential buyers is expected to be between $45,000 and $50,000.
Final thoughts: The Buick division of General Motors targets Century to a more conservative, slightly older audience than Century's automotive platform partner, the Pontiac Grand Prix. Century is comparably priced to many mid-size competitors including the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. If you like the idea of driving a six-passenger, economically-priced, six-cylinder Buick and are turned off by the recent Ford Taurus redesign, check out Century. |