Buick Century mid-size sedan restructured in larger package
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Century, the budget buy in Buick's line, shows up in a sleek new mid-size package with 1997 designation applied and new safety systems added, plus new mechanical hardware aboard and comfort fittings too.
That's the newsworthy message attached to this car, which traces to 1936 when Buick first identified its products by easy-to-remember names rather than numbers.
Century became Buick's high-performing mid-size model of 1954, and by 1982 power was redirected to front wheels.
That front-wheel-drive mid-sizer continued to the last model, a 15-year run which spawned some two million units.
Today, this one still goes by the familiar name of Century but what may not be so familiar is Century's stance as an import fighter.
Like off-shore nameplates, Century in new format feels tight and precise in movement and aggressive in action, and it's economical to operate.
Also like imports, Buick's sedan contains creature comforts and devices to insulate and protect passengers.
It even stocks a V6 as the exclusive powerplant.
Yet compare digits on the bottom line of Century against 6-cylinder imports and you'd find a noteworthy variance for the Buick: Less dollar signs attached.
Figures for a base Century Custom begin well below the threshold of $20,000, which amounts to at least $3,000 less than prices of leading V6 import contenders.
Until the new design appeared, however, this tester's opinion of Century was less than enthusiastic in terms of its attitude and appearance.
Stodgy, in fact, is the descriptive that came to mind for previous iterations.
That's not true now.
With the new shape, adjectives like contemporary and classy apply to Century's external lines, while within the redesigned passenger compartment you could call it spacious in size and accommodating in comfort.
Substantial generational changes for Century of 1997 include a longer and wider wheelbase plus the fresh exterior design and more interior conveniences installed.
Buick's designers proceeded on conservative course to alter Century's appearance.
Century's subtle suggestions of clean and modern lines were achieved by flush-fit components for the new front oval chrome grille, wrap-around halogen headlamp assemblies and wide body-colored side terraces of protective plastic moldings which deflect scratches and door dings.
Overall, Century looks slick and curvy now in wide stance with muted notches on the hood and a tapering prow.
Shapely sides emphasize Century's wedge-shaped profile, which concludes at the blunted back with broad wrap-around band for the taillight panel.
This package measures more than four inches longer than the Century it replaces, thanks to a wheelbase stretcher.
It's also three inches wider.
These expansions produce a larger passenger compartment with noteworthy increases in space for heads and legs and shoulders of occupants.
In addition, Century's longer wheelbase and wider track, when combined with a stiffer structure beefed up with steel braces and bigger single-piece body sections, set up a smoother ride personality that's far more active and controllable when in motion.
To this structure Buick attaches a suspension system that's fully independent at all four corners.
In front, MacPherson struts employ L-shaped lower control arms and aluminum knuckles, with twin-tube shocks and stabilizer bar added to prevent lateral sway.
In back, the tri-link design features coil over strut at each wheel, with hybrid-deflected disc shock absorbers and solid stabilizer bar.
Add quick-turning rack and pinion steering and brakes tied to a 4-wheel anti-lock arrangement with computerized controls, and Century becomes downright nimble.
My Century experiences, including brief test-track time in Michigan followed by a week's worth of everyday usage while at home, replaced former staid and stodgy impressions with new behavioral images of a more athletic profile.
The power's there too.
Century's V6 engine -- the 3100 series General Motors 3.1-liter plant -- features aluminum cylinder heads and sequential fuel injection.
Horsepower runs up to 160, with torque coming on strong at relatively low engine speed, which means Century leaps to action through lower gears in city traffic.
The GM 4T60E transmission with four forward gears ranks in this tester's log as one of the best in the industry. Consider it unobtrusive, almost seamless when shifting.
Developers devoted time and material to make the new Century more smooth and quiet in operation.
More and better insulating agents plugged around the passenger compartment, new rubber engine mounts which isolate vibration, plus that stiff body structure contribute to an interior experience for passengers which approaches the caliber of quietness expected from a pricy luxury sedan.
Century's expanded passenger compartment seats up to six riders, thanks to the standard front bench split in sections of 55-45 percent.
Front seats slide fore and aft on extended tracks which increase legroom for taller occupants, while in back a 3-person rear bench with twin sculpted recesses has been elevated to improve passenger views.
A new instrument panel adds easy-view analog gauges, with airbags concealed in steering wheel hub and dashboard.
Base Custom stocks air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and adjustable steering wheel.
Upscale Century Limited applies automatic dual-zone climate controls, magnetic variable steering assistance, power mirrors, along with interior map and courtesy lights.
1997 BUICK CENTURY
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| 1997 BUICK CENTURY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Mid-size sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
109.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
194.5 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 3.1-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
20/29 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 18,000 to $ 23,000 |
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