1998 Buick Century Review (continued)
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Walkaround

If you're looking for a textbook example of good taste in four-door sedan styling, here it is. The Century is not startling or new from any angle, but it looks well-balanced and clean, free of the kinds of dramatic tweaks that can make a new design look old in short order.

Its overall form follows current GM design philosophy, being made up of long, unbroken surfaces, soft corners and a subtle wedge form rising from nose to tail. The nose carries a plated Buick grille--minus the former stand-up hood ornament-- that looks right at home between two flattened-oval headlamps, 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 attractive--in a quiet way.

To some, the Century's appearance may be a little too quiet, and it may carry too many hints of other GM products. But that hasn't hurt sales so far, and is unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future.

The Century model lineup begins with the Custom Sedan, which is loaded with enough features to keep all but a few buyers happy. For a modest base price, the Custom comes with power windows, mirrors, door locks, and front seat adjustments; it comes standard with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, antilock brakes (ABS), a tilt-steering column and tinted glass.

For not much more money, the Limited is available., which adds magnetic variable-assist power steering, stripes on the body sides, dual-zone air conditioning and fancier wheel covers. A delayed accessory power feature keeps radio and windows operable after the engine has been shut off--handy for those times when you've forgotten to close a window. It takes more than a casual once-over to tell the two models apart.

The options list is short, and includes an upgraded audio system with CD player, a power glass sunroof and alloy wheels. Also available is GM's OnStar system. Using a cellular telephone and onboard Global Positioning System sensors (GPS), OnStar allows the driver to communicate with a dedicated center that can offer roadside assistance, route advice, stolen vehicle tracking and other information.

Interior Features

Anyone who has ever spent time in a Buick or any other six-passenger GM 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, and they will have 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.

Buick buyers may be comfortable with the single-color interior scheme but having steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, seats and carpet finished off in what is as close as possible to the exact same hue may look strange to some transferring from other brands. But that's up to individual taste. In any event, the color-coordination has been handled skillfully.

The Century's cabin layout is indisputably excellent. All control buttons and switches are large, well-marked and properly located for easy use. Instruments are clear, too, though there are only three. The Century's intended customers are unlikely to care for much more information than speed, fuel level and engine water temperature anyway. Warning lights and chimes will alert them to any problems.