2000 Buick Century - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Custom/Limited Rating (See All Ratings)	Midsize Car Average Rating

Acceleration	4	4.7

Fuel Economy	5	5.4

Ride Quality	6	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	4	5

Quietness	6	5

Controls	5	6

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)	5	5.2

Room/Comfort (rear)	4	4.1

Cargo Room	5	4.5

Value within Class	6	5.3

Total Score:	50	50.2

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

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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.

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.

2000 Buick Century Road Test >

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