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2002 Buick Century Road Test
Date Published: 7/31/08
Our road test for the 2002 Buick Century includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Buick Century from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Buick Century, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Buick Century help you decide if a 2002 Buick Century is right for you.
2002 Buick Century Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride Steering feel
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Custom/Limited Class Average
4 5

V6 well-suited here, furnishing good standing-start scoot and adequate passing power, helped by smooth gear changes and rapid downshifts.
Fuel Economy

Custom/Limited Class Average
5 5.3

Averaged 19.4-21.4 mpg in our tests.
Ride Quality

Custom/Limited Class Average
7 6.2

Soft suspension absorbs bumps impressively well, but Century tends to bound and wallow over dips and crests at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Custom/Limited Class Average
5 5.8

Pronounced body lean, limited grip in fast turns. Low-effort steering lacks precision and road feel, but makes low-speed maneuvers easy. Brakes are adequate, but pedal feel is too soft; front end dives in severe stops.
Quietness

Custom/Limited Class Average
6 5.4

Engine is noisy in hard acceleration, otherwise smooth. Wind rush well managed. Road noise especially low.
Controls

Custom/Limited Class Average
5 6.3

Just speedometer, fuel, and coolant gauges, but easy to read. Dashboard light that warns of low tire pressure is a thoughtful touch. Climate controls interfere with center passenger's knees.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Custom/Limited Class Average
5 5.7

Good head and leg room. We have not yet tested a Century with bucket seats. Bench seat offers little side support in turns, and base model's standard cloth seat is too soft for best comfort. Limited's firmer leather seat is more supportive.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Custom/Limited Class Average
4 4.3

Good room, but cushion is soft and low, and too narrow for comfortable 3-adult seating.
Cargo Room

Custom/Limited Class Average
5 4.6

Wide, flat-floor trunk. But loading/unloading requires stretching over a large bumper-level shelf.
Value within Class

Custom/Limited Class Average
6 6

A well-thought-out sedan with a no-surprises formula that's proved appealing to conservative buyers. As such, it's worth a look.
Total Score

Custom/Limited Class Average
52 54.6
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
40
Average Score
54
High Score
73
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