1988 Buick Century Custom review from North America
"A perfect combination of comfort, style, performance and efficiency"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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"
Recommended reviews
| A great car... very reliable for 12 years |
|
| A good first car, but don't push it too hard |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8L V6 MFI Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 100000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Celica |
| Date of Entry | 14th June, 2002 |