1997 Buick Century Review
1997 Buick Century Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Tight construction, 6-passenger capacity, optional integrated child seat, standard dual-zone air conditioning
Cons
- No engine upgrade available, staid styling, no traction control option
What’s new
Buick redesigns its bread-and-butter midsize sedan, dropping the wagon variant in the process. A 3.1-liter V6 engine, roomier interior, larger trunk and traditional Buick styling cues highlight the new Century.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for Century Custom
Century Custom
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
How many of us know someone who owned a Buick Century between 1982 and 1996, aside from Avis or National? Buick moved more than two-million A-body Centurys during this period, which means that more than one out of every 150 Americans brought one of these no-nonsense sedans home during the past 15 years. Wow. That's almost scary, isn't it?
For 1997, Buick trots out an all-new Century sedan that puts the 1996 model to shame. More room inside, more trunk volume, a more ergonomic interior, and a solid structure are the core improvements to the new model, but one look at the smooth exterior shape of the 1997 model speaks volumes about the Century for the next century.
Wayne Kady, chief exterior designer of the new car, was looking for a shape that would have a long shelf life. "We purposely avoided anything that could be considered trendy," said Kady. No duh. The new Century is about as exciting to look at as a Dan Ackroyd movie. The most distinctive feature is the traditional chromed oval grille up front. Closer examination reveals a hand-me-down from the Riviera and Park Avenue; a character line running from the forward edge of the hood to the decklid along the bottom of the windows lends the Century a bit of class. Inside, the Century boasts contemporary styling, with large and legible gauges and controls facing seating for six passengers. Rear seating is elevated theater-style, lending an airy feel to the interior.
Two flavors are available. Custom comes fully loaded, unless you want a remote decklid release, retained accessory power, automatic ComforTemp climate controls, and speed-sensitive steering. For these items, you've gotta pop for the Limited model. The wagon disappears, like Brontosaurus into the La Brea Tar Pits.
Hardware includes a 3.1-liter V6 engine good for 160 horsepower. A four-wheel independent DynaRide suspension and four-wheel antilock brakes are also standard. Battery rundown protection means the car won't suffer a meltdown in extremely cold weather. Families benefit from an optional integrated child seat, and side-impact protection exceeds 1997 standards. Oddly, the smaller Buick Skylark comes standard with traction control, but this feature is not available on the Century at any cost.
Buick has a competent sedan with the 1997 Century. However, GM stablemates Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac have similar vehicles that differ mainly in terms of styling and content. The Chevy Malibu LS is an amazing value. Ditto the euro-flavored Oldsmobile Cutlass. The new Olds Intrigue is simply gorgeous, and Pontiac's Grand Prix is one of our favorites of the new year. Buick Century brand manager, Anthony H. Derhake, says Buick's new sedan is "classic and contemporary without being trendy. It has a clean, enduring design with classic Buick themes..." That's the essence of the Buick Century, according to the marketing whizzes, so if this is what you're looking for in a mid-sized sedan, step right up.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Buick Century.
5 star(53%)
4 star(42%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
19 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Great Car
tpalya, 08/26/2002
1997 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
Quiet and comfortable, we bought this
car used and have been happy ever
since. Replacing factory tires with
Goodyear Regatta-2 improved handling
and ride beyond belief. Great family
car, reliable and inexpensive to
operate.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Iris's
Iris Flower, 07/31/2002
1997 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
The vehicle has been reliable. No
problem starting, no stalling. Rides
comfortably on rough roads. Has ABS
that work well in inclement weather.
Automatic lights at dark are convenient
and the daylight running lights are a
safety factor. Instrumentation is
convenient.
Trunk is roomy and has a net to hold
small items.
4.13 out of 5 stars
No Bells or Whistles
ScottieG, 09/10/2009
1997 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
I bought this Buick against my style requirements out of cost and necessity. I have not a single complaint about this car from 35000 to 159000mi. It was not attractive but more than functional. I sold it to my sister to buy a Maxima and miss that Century in every way other than styling and pick up. Excellent, comfortable transportation that owed me nothing.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Ride your living room couch!
ddouglas2, 08/15/2002
1997 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
I love this car! It has all the bells
and whistles and has been very
reliable. The only problems we've had
have been from zero maintenance the
first 75000 miles before we bought it.
After a transmission rebuild it's been
flawless.
1997 Century Highlights
Custom
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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