Introduction

Buicks 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. During the latter stages of its life, the old Century was regularly derided by journalists for being antiquated. 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.

Walkaround

Pedestrians 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. The nose carries its plated Buick waterfall grille very well--minus the former stand-up hood ornament--and enough shiny trim has been used to trigger visions of luxury in the minds of target buyers. In back, an ovoid full-width taillight assembly gives the tail a handsome look; you'll seldom see a large rear light cluster so deftly integrated. 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. The standard version is called the Century Custom Sedan, and is loaded with enough features to keep all but a few buyers happy. The Custom includes most power assists (windows, locks, front seat adjustments and remote keyless entry) in its modest base price, plus features such as air conditioning, antilock brakes a tilt-steering column and tinted glass. The top-line Century is the Limited--our test subject--which adds magnetic variable-assist power steering, stripes on the body sides, power mirrors, fancier wheel covers and a delayed accessory power feature that keeps radio and windows operable after the engine has been shut off as long as the car doors are closed. From a distance, or even up close, it takes more than a casual once-over to tell the two models apart.

Interior Features

Anyone 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. All six will find head and legroom to be more than adequate, as well as easy access through four large, well-shaped doors. Fancy trim is kept to a minimum, with only small wood-effect panels in the doors--holding power-window switches--contrasting with the interior's monochromatic appearance. The single-color interior scheme is perhaps the cabin's only somewhat controversial feature. 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. Buick assumes the Century's intended customers are unlikely to care for much more information than speed, fuel level and engine water temperature anyway, and if they really need to know about a problem in one of the car's systems, there are warning lights and chimes to do the job. Because the cars are well equipped, only a few options are offered to Century customers. A power glass sunroof is one; another is a rear-mounted child safety seat. Beyond those items, steering wheel-mounted radio controls and a few minor upgrades, Buick seems content to let the standard list of features keep buyers happy. As they likely will.