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2000 Buick Century Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Buick Century Review:
2000 Buick Century Review
The 2000 Century arrived last summer with more power, a few trim changes, standard dual-zone climate control, and an available side airbag for the driver. Buick aims Century at mainstream midsize-sedan buyers, while the sportier Regal, which shares Century's basic platform, targets a younger audience.
Century's sole engine remains a 3.1-liter V6, but horsepower increases by 15, to 175. Automatic transmission, traction control, and a tire-inflation monitor remain standard, as does 6-passenger seating with a standard front bench seat; bucket seats aren't offered. General Motors' simplified 3-button OnStar assistance system is optional.
Custom and up-trim Limited models are offered. Exclusive to the Limited are standard leather upholstery and a side airbag for the driver. Added at midyear was a Chrome Package option for Custom models that included a black and chrome grille and other cosmetic touches. Dropped at the same time was a Century 2000 Special Edition package that included the blacked-out grille, as well as body-colored exterior trim, alloy wheels, and "Century 2000" emblems; when ordered on the Limited, it included a split folding rear seatback.
Century's sole engine remains a 3.1-liter V6, but horsepower increases by 15, to 175. Automatic transmission, traction control, and a tire-inflation monitor remain standard, as does 6-passenger seating with a standard front bench seat; bucket seats aren't offered. General Motors' simplified 3-button OnStar assistance system is optional.
Custom and up-trim Limited models are offered. Exclusive to the Limited are standard leather upholstery and a side airbag for the driver. Added at midyear was a Chrome Package option for Custom models that included a black and chrome grille and other cosmetic touches. Dropped at the same time was a Century 2000 Special Edition package that included the blacked-out grille, as well as body-colored exterior trim, alloy wheels, and "Century 2000" emblems; when ordered on the Limited, it included a split folding rear seatback.
Competition
Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.
News
Though the Century and Regal are basically the same car, the less expensive midsize outsold its premium sister by more than 2 to 1 in 1999 and by 3 to 1 in the first four months of 2000. More significantly, Century has taken over the mantle of best-selling Buick from the full-size LeSabre.
Like Regal, Century isn't scheduled for its next full redesign until the 2004 model year, though Buick will strive to keep buyers interested with a minor restyle for '02. No major mechanical or features changes are expected before '04, thus allowing Century to maintain its "high value" role as the entry-level Buick. However, because the current 3.1-liter V6 is now quite old (it dates from 1980)--and with emissions standards becoming ever tighter--Century could well graduate to General Motors' newer 3.4-liter corporate V6 in a few years, though we can't confirm it at this point.
Like Regal, Century isn't scheduled for its next full redesign until the 2004 model year, though Buick will strive to keep buyers interested with a minor restyle for '02. No major mechanical or features changes are expected before '04, thus allowing Century to maintain its "high value" role as the entry-level Buick. However, because the current 3.1-liter V6 is now quite old (it dates from 1980)--and with emissions standards becoming ever tighter--Century could well graduate to General Motors' newer 3.4-liter corporate V6 in a few years, though we can't confirm it at this point.
2000 Buick Century Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Handling |
| Steering | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Good from a standing start and in passing, helped by smooth gear changes and rapid downshifts.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.7 |
Good from a standing start and in passing, helped by smooth gear changes and rapid downshifts.
Fuel Economy
Averages in our tests ranged from 28.1 mpg in mostly highway driving, to 18.5 mpg with mostly city miles.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.4 |
Averages in our tests ranged from 28.1 mpg in mostly highway driving, to 18.5 mpg with mostly city miles.
Ride Quality
Soft suspension absorbs most bumps, with minimal high-speed bounce.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 |
Soft suspension absorbs most bumps, with minimal high-speed bounce.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Pronounced body lean, limited grip in fast turns. Low-effort steering lacks road feel, but makes low-speed maneuvers easy. Brakes are adequate, but pedal feel is too soft, front end dives in severe stops.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 |
Pronounced body lean, limited grip in fast turns. Low-effort steering lacks road feel, but makes low-speed maneuvers easy. Brakes are adequate, but pedal feel is too soft, front end dives in severe stops.
Quietness
Engine is noisy when passing, but otherwise smooth. Low wind and road noise.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 |
Engine is noisy when passing, but otherwise smooth. Low wind and road noise.
Controls
Minimal gauges, but they're easy to read. Controls are handy and simple, but the low-mounted climate system controls interfere with center passenger's knees.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 |
Minimal gauges, but they're easy to read. Controls are handy and simple, but the low-mounted climate system controls interfere with center passenger's knees.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head and leg room, but the softly padded standard cloth seats lack thigh and lower-back support. The Limited's optional leather seats are firmer and more comfortable.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
Good head and leg room, but the softly padded standard cloth seats lack thigh and lower-back support. The Limited's optional leather seats are firmer and more comfortable.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good head and leg room, but too narrow for three adults to be comfortable.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.1 |
Good head and leg room, but too narrow for three adults to be comfortable.
Cargo Room
Wide, flat-floor trunk is nice, but loading/unloading requires stretching over a wide bumper-level shelf.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.5 |
Wide, flat-floor trunk is nice, but loading/unloading requires stretching over a wide bumper-level shelf.
Value within Class
Century is a modern, well-thought-out sedan with a no-surprises formula that's proved appealing to conservative buyers. It's worth a look.
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.3 |
Century is a modern, well-thought-out sedan with a no-surprises formula that's proved appealing to conservative buyers. It's worth a look.
Total Score
| Custom/Limited | Class Average |
| 50 | 50.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2000 Buick Century Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/28/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Custom 4-door sedan | $19,840 | $18,154 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| Limited 4-door sedan | $21,975 | $20,107 | $600 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Custom
Powertrain
3.1-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth reclining front split bench seat, front storage armrest, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio, digital clock, rear defogger, variable intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, tire-pressure monitor, 205/70R15 tires, wheel covers.
Limited adds to Custom:
Safety
Driver-side side- airbag.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, rear courtesy/reading lights, floormats.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Popular Pkg. 1SB
|
||
|
Custom
|
$310
|
$267
|
|
Cruise control, cargo net, floormats.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg. 1SC
|
||
|
Custom
|
$935
|
$804
|
|
Popular Pkg SB plus 6-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/cassette, rear window antenna.
|
||
|
Elite Pkg. 1SG
|
||
|
Custom
|
$1,085
|
$933
|
|
Premium Pkg. 1SC plus upgraded AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control, steering wheel radio controls.
|
||
|
Century 2000 Special Edition Pkg. 1SJ
|
||
|
Custom
|
$1,810
|
$1,557
|
|
Elite Pkg. 1SG plus badging, special grille and body trim, special headrests and floormats, alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Chrome Pkg. 1SL
|
||
|
Custom
|
$1,647
|
$1,416
|
|
Elite Pkg. 1SG plus badging, black grille w/chrome surround, special headrests and floormats, badging, chrome wheel covers.
|
||
|
Luxury Pkg. 1SE
|
||
|
Limited
|
$460
|
$396
|
|
Cruise control, AM/FM/cassette, cargo net.
|
||
|
Elite Pkg. 1SH
|
||
|
Limited
|
$845
|
$727
|
|
Luxury Pkg. 1SE plus dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear window antenna, upgraded AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control, steering wheel radio controls.
|
||
|
Prestige Pkg. 1SF
|
||
|
Limited
|
$1,505
|
$1,294
|
|
Luxury Pkg. 1SH plus 6-way power passenger seat, Concert Sound III speakers, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors.
|
||
|
Century 2000 Special Edition Pkg. 1SK
|
||
|
Limited
|
$2,608
|
$2,243
|
|
Prestige Pkg. 1SF plus AM/FM/cassette/CD player, split folding rear seat, badging, black grille w/chrome surround, special headrests and floormats, badging, alloy wheels.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
OnStar System
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$695
|
$
|
|
Includes Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services. Requires annual service charge. Price may vary.
|
||
|
6-way power driver seat
|
||
|
Custom
|
$330
|
$283
|
|
Split folding rear seat
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$275
|
$237
|
|
Includes armrest, cupholders.
|
||
|
Cruise control
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$235
|
$202
|
|
Dual-zone automatic climate control
|
||
|
Limited
|
$195
|
$168
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$695
|
$598
|
|
Custom requires Pkg. 1SC/1SG/1SJ, automatic day/night rearview mirror, and illuminated visor mirrors. Limited requires Pkg. 1SF/1SH/1SK.
|
||
|
Automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$120
|
$103
|
|
Custom requires illuminated visor mirrors, Pkg. 1SC/1SG/1SJ. Limited requires option pkg.
|
||
|
Heated power mirrors
|
||
|
Custom
|
$60
|
$51
|
|
Illuminated visor mirrors
|
||
|
Custom
|
$137
|
$118
|
|
Requires Pkg. 1SC/1SG/1SJ.
|
||
|
AM/FM/cassette
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$195
|
$168
|
|
Upgraded AM/FM/cassette
|
||
|
Custom w/Pkg. 1SB, Limited
|
$220
|
$189
|
|
Custom w/Pkg. 1SC, Limited w/Pkg. 1SE
|
$25
|
$22
|
|
Includes automatic tone control.
|
||
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
Custom w/Pkg. 1SB, Limited
|
$420
|
$361
|
|
Custom w/Pkg. 1SC, Limited w/Pkg. 1SE
|
$225
|
$194
|
|
Custom w/Pkg. 1SG, Limited w/Pkg. 1SF/1SH/1SJ
|
$200
|
$172
|
|
Includes automatic tone control.
|
||
|
Concert Sound III speakers
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$250
|
$215
|
|
Custom w/Pkg. 1SC/1SG/1SJ, Limited w/Pkg. 1SH
|
$210
|
$181
|
|
Requires upgraded AM/FM/cassette or AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
|
||
|
Integrated rear window antenna
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$40
|
$34
|
|
Requires option pkg.
|
||
|
Steering-wheel radio controls
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$125
|
$108
|
|
Requires upgraded AM/FM/cassette, AM/FM/cassette/CD player. Requires cruise control. Custom requires option pkg.
|
||
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$30
|
$26
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
Custom
|
$45
|
$39
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Striping
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$75
|
$65
|
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$18
|
$15
|
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$375
|
$323
|
|
205/70R15 whitewall tires
|
||
|
Custom, Limited
|
$150
|
$129
|
|
|
||
2000 Buick Century Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Buick Century 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3368 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.1 /191 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 175 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 195 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 20/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Buick Century 4-door sedan |
| Collision | 5 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 68 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
| Injury | 5 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 62 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 |
| Theft | 5 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 10 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Buick Century Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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