1988 Buick Century Custom 2.8L V6 MFI
Summary:
A perfect combination of comfort, style, performance and efficiency
Faults:
The overdrive solenoid in the transaxle stuck, making it die after travelling at high speeds (embarrassing during sudden traffic jams). But since it was due for transmission service anyways, this wasn't really completely unexpected.
When the windshield wiper switch is set to "off" it turns on full for about two minutes before turning off. It's probably just a bad wiper switch, but the problem isn't quite annoying enough to make me buy a new one.
The cruise control hasn't worked for as long as I've had it, except two times when it was raining heavily. Funny that.
The many, many miles of driving have worn a hole in the original floor mat. This car is so reliable that if I don't replace it I'll probably wear a hole through the floor before this car finally quits!
General Comments:
If I sat down and wrote up what I thought the perfect car would be like, this would be it.
The midrange 2.8L V6 packs a punch in terms of power. The speedometer, which tops off at 85, does not do this vehicle justice on the open highway.
The styling of this car is kind of odd in that it makes it look bigger than it really is. But those blocky-looking curves make this car feel like a true American classic. Too me anyways.
I just love the interior. Essentially this car is two soft, soft couches on wheels.
The stock stereo system is very respectable, cranking out the sound as much as any sane person would ever need.
Considering the largeness, blocky-ness and high-performance of this vehicle, the fuel efficiency of this is amazing. It got 27MPG highway with the stock air filter and with a K&N high flow, it easily gets over 30.
Like one of this car's admirers said, this car is like "owning a Regal, comfort and style-wise, but owning a Honda, money-wise"
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th June, 2002
26th Jan 2006, 10:27
It's all good... but this car is a basic ride folks. You talk about it like it's some significant vehicle. It's simply not. A reliable car that will last a long time, sure. A performer? I'm not sure what you folks have driven before your Century's, but these are not performers. We bought one new in 88, and Mom drove it four about 6 years before we sold it. MY MOTHER used to complain about the lack of guts on any respectable hill, and for HER to complain about lack of speed, you know the engine must be weak. That car was like trying to escape Europe in a Peugeot... LOL... Buick is and will always be second only to Olds in my book, but this was a car made by Buick not to be referred to as a performer, but to compete with the new, econo-minded marketing of the imports as we moved into the 90's. Someone, in one of these comments, compared their Century to a regal... drive a Regal T-Type once - now that's a performer. The Wildcat model - that's a performer. But unfortunateley, not the late model (post 70's) Century.