Overview:
This 2000 Buick Century Limited Sedan is the car of choice of lots of older drivers. That has been true for many years. When I was a kid, only old folks drove Buick cars except for one younger guy I knew who also rode a Harley motorcycle. What a contrast, eh? Roy was also a musician and rather different for lots of reasons.
Something that always comes to mind when I think of Buick cars is that they used to put the letters B – U – I – C – K on the radio buttons and Roy pulled the buttons off and put them in order to spell C – I – K – U – B. When the girls would ask what that meant he’d answer Can I Kiss You Baby. I wonder what ever happened to Roy.
Well, today you’re beginning to see a younger set buying Buick because the image has changed and it’s not the “Boat” it used to be, even if it still rides like one at times. This is a great car for the young exec that’s on his or her way up.
Handling & Performance:
Surprisingly fast and comfortably smooth. But then with a smooth ride, you give up “road feel” and “stability” in the curves. The power steering is too loose for my taste on the highway because it causes a deadening of road feel. And although it’s comfortable, that old Buick ride brought about the saying that it rides like a boat. You know, that up and down motion like your shocks are real bad.
Styling:
Clean lines and nothing like the Buick “old man O’dell” used to drive in my youth. That Roadmaster (some called it a Road Hog) was big and bulky. Remember, the front fender hole facades that must have been designed to make it look racy, I guess.
Fit and Finish:
Nice. Good old American ingenuity comes to play here. For the money we simply do a better job.
Conveniences:
The way this car comes standard is just fine, but if you want to add a power seat for the passenger and have CD and Cassette players, leather seating, cruise control, steering wheel controls for the radio, split folding rear seat, a Special Edition appearance and a few other goodies, you can add $2,608 to the MSRP below.
Cost:
It doesn’t get any better. This is a standout car for the money.
Recommendation:
I would test-drive this Buick, the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Maxima first because this is a long list to get through. It is just right for the young executive who needs to balance price with family needs while providing a good business appearance. Buick has it all.
The Competition:
Chevrolet Malibu $16,535-19,215, Ford Taurus $18,260-21,535, Honda Accord $15,350-24,550, Mazda 626 $18,515-22,715, Mercury Sable $19,035-21,435, Mitsubishi Galant $17,557-24,007, Nissan Maxima $21-049-26,249, Oldsmobile Intrigue $22,210-25,840, Pontiac Grand Prix $19,935-24,610, Subaru Legacy $19,195-24,295, Toyota Camry $17,518-26,198, Volkswagen Passat $21,200-27,655.
Good News:
Bob Barker says The Price is Right. I agree where this care is concerned. It is perhaps the best-priced car out there for the quiet luxury car ride and appointments you get. Good gas mileage, large trunk, roomy seating area and fast.
Bad News:
Spongy ride like riding on a waterbed, over active power steering at highway speeds that causes loss of road feel.
Styling:
3.1 liter 175 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed elect., transmission, dual air bags with driver side bag, power ABS brakes, theft deterrent system, traction control, power steering, tilt wheel, air conditioning and filtration, dual power and heated mirrors, power windows and door locks, AM/FM radio, 6-way power driver seat, remote trunk release, theatre lighting.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 30 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $21,975.
