2002 Buick Century Custom review from North America

Engine hard to start at times: turns over and no start, sputtering but no start, backfired with pops several times and then started but ran roughly for first few miles. Randomly the Service Engine Soon light comes on for no apparent reason. Occasionally the cruise control dash-light will not be lit when engaged. Rushed and rude dealer found nothing.

Good gas mileage interstate/highway driving, terrible gas hog stop-and-go city driving.

At travel speeds 70-75 mph with windows up, there is annoying wind whistling sound off both right and left rear-view mirrors. Reverse problem, excellent Concert II surround sound system but music from speakers in forward doors (and all windows up) can actually be heard quite a distance away from the car as if all windows were down. (annoying to me).

The auto door lock feature has engaged LOCK by itself after getting out of car, and I did not lock doors; very annoying. I always make sure I have my keys when I get out or else leave a window down.

Above complaints are fairly minor. Overall the car is comfortable like a glove, feels like a solidly built automobile with subtle notes of high quality, and no major problems to date. Easy to drive, smooth ride, solid performance, and lots of hidden features one must discover by reading owner's manual in the car and practicing each feature then and there.

The car IMO seats 2 large adults comfortably in front, and 2 stacked on top of each other in back (giggle). There is not much room for adults in back seat, no leg room. Six-way adjustable driver seat is great and split bench in front really not large enough for 3 people unless middle person is petite.

I've had the car for 3 years; it was a gift to me from my Dad and his wife (my step mom). They bought it for my step mom in 2002, a loaded dealer demo with 6000 miles on it. Step mom added 3000 miles over next 3 years. They gave it to me as a gift in 2005, having only 9000 miles on it and basically still like new, although stepmom no longer new or able to drive at age 90.

I don't drive it much either since then and currently the car has 27000+ miles total. My 16 year old son says the bronze-colored Buick looks like a "granny car" and since I've added a sheepskin steering wheel cover, it really looks like a granny car now.