By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Unfortunately the Buick Century I recently test drove was of poor quality. Buick has made major strides with the Riviera and Park Avenue in the past few years. The Century is a sales leader for Buick and it is of the utmost importance that it be of the highest quality. Many people think automotive journalists get special cars, ones that have been specially prepared by the manufacturer specifically for us. This Buick Century, is proof of just the opposite, journalists get cars right off the line, just like consumers.
The Century I drove had numerous squeaks and rattles. Most were from the dash board and door panels. Further some of those same interior panels didn't match. Misalignment of dash board components, is unforgivable; this defect should be noticed and repaired at the factory. The seats, cloth, were supportive and comfortable for extended day trips. The rear seat had plenty of leg and head room for two adults cramming three people back there would be tight. Instrumentation is very simple and straight forward with large easy to read gauges. Controls for the ventilation system and radio are placed in a nice package not too far from the driver. For a mid-size sedan the trunk rivals that of full-size sedans, with plenty of space for luggage.
Anti-lock brakes are standard on the Century but the day I picked the car up the ABS warning light began to glow. The problem was intermittent but when the ABS warning light was on the anti-lock feature of the brakes did not work. Around town the 3.1L engine was fine from a performance standpoint but when entering the freeway the engine lacked power. Once on the freeway things settled down for a relatively smooth and quite ride. The suspension, DYNARIDE, is super-soft, to the point of mimicking a Cadillac. Over bumps and undulations the Century loses its' grip, a better set of tires with less side-wall would help. The test car was fitted with 70 series tires.
The design theme of the Riviera and the Park Avenue have been carried over to the Century, but softened. The new Century looks quite nice but it doesn't stand out at all, I'll bet that most people won't even recognize it as new. Buick recently introduced a sporty version of the Century with the Regal nameplate. The Regal features upgrades in suspension; changes in body panels; 5 passenger seating; and the 3800 Series II, supercharged, V6. I look forward to an opportunity, later this year, to drive the Regal, which will also bear out whether the quality problems experienced with this Century are unique.
Buick claims mileage ratings of 22 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. During my week long drive I realized 24 mpg. The Century is very reasonably priced; the car you see here cost only $19,700 destination included. I sincerely hope the quality problems associated with this early production vehicle will not be found in regular production cars. Finding a decent car under $20,000 is hard to do but I think the Century might just be one.