- sedan 146,131
- Yankton, SD
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 146,131 gasoline green automatic
1997 buick century review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The value of understatement. introductionbuicks are quiet cars, in more ways than simply those relating to mufflers and sound insulation. With the possible exception of the glamorous riviera coupe, most buicks are owned by people who want luxurious transportation in a wrapper that is elegant but not ostentatious. These customers avoid the trendy and flashy, but are pretty picky about basics; if a car is not quiet, comfortable and easy to drive, it's not for them. buick has carved a successful niche in the marketplace for itself by addressing the needs of what might be called, for lack of a better term, the silent majority. And that group has responded, giving buick several best-sellers in its six-model lineup. the century is an excellent example of buick's philosophy at work. The latest version, completely revamped for 1997, replaces a car kept in production for some 15 years. By all accounts, buick management was well aware of the car's advanced age, but they had a good reason for keeping it around: it was still selling very, very well, and it scored outstanding ratings for quality. so, we predict, will the new century. Though it has several serious rivals on paper--among them, the ford taurus, toyota camry, honda accord, nissan maxima and the chrysler cirrus/dodge stratus/ plymouth breeze trio--it is really more of a budget-driven alternative to the buick lesabre. walkaroundpedestrians didn't stop in their tracks and stare at the old century, and probably won't react much to the new one, either. Its overall form follows the current gm corporate design philosophy of long, unbroken surfaces, soft corners and a subtle wedge form rising from nose to tail. It looks, in fact, rather more like a chevrolet or oldsmobile--or cadillac catera--than some folks might want. but there are readily recognizable buick styling cues, and they are attractively executed. Roof pillars are thin, giving driver and passengers plenty of visibility. In short, the century is very attractive. In a quiet way. two models are offered. From a distance, or even up close, it takes more than a casual once-over to tell the two models apart. interioranyone who has ever spent time in a buick (or, for that matter, any other conventional american sedan) will feel right at home in the century. Full-width seats front and rear hold six full-size adults on soft cushions covered in smooth, attractive cloth. Having steering wheels, dashboard, door panels, seats and carpet finished off in what is as close as possible to the exact same hue does not sit as well with some people as use of some contrasting shades might. But that, obviously is a matter of individual tastes. all control buttons and switches are large, well-marked and properly sited for easy use. Instruments are clear, too, though there are only three. A power glass sunroof is one; another is a rear-mounted child safety seat. As they likely will. driving impressionif any single element of the century can be said to define buick's marketing goals and intentions for this car, it's a stint behind the wheel. Over any surface one might reasonably drive on, it is soft. Bumps, dips or ridges on the pavement are seldom heard or felt; instead, there are smooth up-and-down movements that tell the driver the century has been driven over something, with little indication as to the nature or size of the obstruction. Road and suspension noise are both absent. for some drivers, the dyna-ride century will be too soft, and it must be said that we found some of its reactions--especially body roll in corners and the rocking motions that occurred as the suspension settled down after hitting dips and bumps--a little dated by contemporary ride and handling standards. We've experienced other examples of this new magnasteer system that respond a little better in this regard. once again, however, it must be emphasized that this car has been designed with a keen sense of what its market wants. Few, if any, owners will ever drive centurys down a canyon road at anything above a modest speed, and fewer still will care if the car's steering has sports-car precision and road feel. beyond those small cavils, the century is quite pleasant to drive. Fuel economy is good as well. So are the brakes, though we felt the abs system coming into play earlier than expected during hard stops on some surfaces. summaryit was certainly time for buick to renovate the century. The pleasant surprise is that the makeover was done so well. Power Mirrors✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Air Conditioning✔ Sunroof/Moonroof
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