2003 Buick Century: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Buick Century ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $21,235
- Invoice: $19,430
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Buick Century
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2003 Buick Century includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Buick Century from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Buick Century, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Buick Century help you decide if a 2003 Buick Century is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.2 |
V6 well-suited here, furnishing good standing-start scoot and adequate passing power, helped by smooth gear changes and rapid downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.3 |
Averaged 19.4-21.4 mpg in our tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.3 |
Soft suspension absorbs bumps impressively well, but Century tends to bound and wallow over dips and crests at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.1 |
Pronounced body lean, limited grip in fast turns. Low-effort steering lacks precision and road feel, but makes low-speed maneuvers easy. With ABS, stopping power is adequate, but pedal feel is too soft and the front end dives in severe stops. We have not tested a Century without ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Engine is noisy in hard acceleration, otherwise smooth. Wind rush well-managed. Road noise especially low.
CONTROLS
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.5 |
Just speedometer, fuel, and coolant gauges, but all are easy to read. Tire-pressure monitor a useful feature that comes with the optional ABS. Climate controls interfere with center passenger's knees.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.9 |
Good head and leg room. Bench seat offers little side support in turns, and standard cloth seat is too soft for best comfort. Limited's firmer leather seat is more supportive.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.4 |
Good room, but cushion is soft and low, and too narrow for comfortable 3-adult seating.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.7 |
Wide, flat-floor trunk. But loading/unloading requires stretching over a large bumper-level shelf.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
Century was a better value with standard ABS and traction control, but it's still 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
| Base w/Limited Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 52 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Midsize Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
