2004 Buick Century from North America - Comments

Nothing in 3-days!

Interior was very basic, reasonable workmanship.

I rented this car for 3 days, did a bit of driving in all conditions - warm and cold, as well as city and highway.

It was a typical American sedan - great ride, excellent handling and very powerful.

ABS braking came in handy on some slippery cobbled streets.

Considering the state of many roads in Quebec, this car was quiet! It had excellent suspension - not only over cobbled streets, but also over the many potholes on Quebec streets and highways.

The split bench seats were just OK - found the center armrest was a little high.

Terrific engine performance on the highway, notably in overtaking situations. Just a gentle touch on the accelerator, and you're off!

Controls were easy to use, though just a little out of reach on the center console.

Centuries are very nice sedans, but you should try out an Accord or Camry. They are much better all the way around.

I bought a 99 accord brand new and have 58,000 miles on it. It is excellent for reliability, but not a good highway car. It is underpowered and after 2 hours my and my wifes backs are hurting. I am looking at taking it for a work car and getting something for our highway driver. I am looking at the Buick Century or a Chevy Impala.

I owned a Buick Century about 15 years ago and just loved it. I have a 1997 Lumina now and just love it, but I have to replace it and they have stopped making the Lumina so I have begun the search for a decent used car. I drove a Concorde, nice ride, bad seat comfort. I drove a Sebring, nothing thrilled me with that, bad seat once again. Then I decided to try another Buick and drove a 2004 Century. Ahhhh, a very comfortable seat, nice ride, quiet, etc. I don't know why I even thought about other brands, they don't even compare to the Buick's comfort. I will probably end up with some type of Buick.

I agree with the 3rd commenter and disagree with the first commenter. I am glad that you are not one of the people who are prejudiced against gm. But where is your proof? The 2004 Buick Century got the jd power award for Highest Ranked Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality. Which means it is going to hold up better than any Honda or Toyota. I did a bit of research and found something QUITE surprising. On msn autos, experts gave the 2003 Accord a 8 out of 10 overall rating. The Century got an 8.7 out of 10 overall rating. The camry got an 8.8 out of 10 overall rating, but WITH SEVERE ENGINE PROBLEMS!!! You can read them below...

Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Intake Manifold, 2AZ-FE engine only, and the Evaporative Canister Closed Valve. Failure of the Intake Manifold can cause a rattling noise in the engine at idle or light acceleration. Failure of the Evaporative Canister Closed Valve will cause the check engine light to illuminate. The cost to replace the Intake Manifold is estimated at $377.20 for parts and $136.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Evaporative Canister Closed Valve is estimated at $44.71 for parts and $39.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

PRETTY INTENSE HUH!!! YOU DECIDE honda, toyota or BUICK!!!

I see the collision test of Buick Century is really bad (at least much worse than I expected). For a solid car like this, how come the safety is just so-so? This is my only concern to owning one.

I don't know about Buick being good cars. They're NOT good.

I have a co worker who has one. He has a number of problems with his Century! And very costly repairs at that!

I'm surprised that anyone says they are good when they're not. I'm talking about reliability - not comfort. He had to fix the intake manifold at 75k, the electronic odometer gives up. It'll cost him $600 if he wants to fix.

And a number of other annoying quality issues that land his Buick in the shop endless number of times! All that happens by 133k miles.

I will NEVER buy American. I drive 200 to 250 miles a day. Low quality cars like these are the LAST thing I need. I cannot have a car that is unreliable. I don't need a car that will do nothing but ruin my days! NOT TO MENTION tons of $$$ that should NOT need to be spent!!

My coworker drives roughly 100 miles a day. He's having more problems with his 2000s Buick Century than my 1985 Mazda 626. My 85 is all Japanese. My '85 has 160k miles and I never had any of these annoying quality issues, my Jap car just does what it supposed to do: Just run and run and run!! My 85 Mazda is actually MORE reliable than some new American cars of today!!!

I had a friend with a Century and it had over 300,000 on it and it ran just fine until some idiot in a Honda slammed into her at about 50. and I have a Neon and it has over 235,000 and still going strong. American cars rock!...

I also agree with the comment about how the Japanese used to be cheap and such and that's why people got them and to the same with Hyundai and Kia.

I also own a 2002 century with no problems at all, I priced all the other Japanese cars of that class, if you compare feature to feature, with keeping price in mind, the japanese cars are way more expensive. If I wanted a v6 camry with all the toys I would be way up in the mid 30s.The 4 cyl Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry are NOT the same car as the v6 not even close, in ride, power etc. The 4 BANGER feels like a pop can, No comparison, I will take a buick (6cyl) over any japanese (4cyl),maybe the 6cyl Japanese is sweeter, but you will pay DEARLY for it, its just not worth it.

Look..all cars no matter what name brand they are,are the same thing.. if you don't take care of your car it WILL fall apart the same as an import or whichever.. that's the main fact I believe..is maintenance!... I know people with BMW's that break down and run like crap.. and I know people with American cars that have over 200K miles and run like new.. what's the difference?

MAINTENANCE!!.. one did all the upkeep on his car and the other didn't do a darn thing... I myself drive a 2004 Buick Century with 45k miles and it's pretty good.. got it used at 43K miles.. the guy who did my brakes said "these cars can last forever..200k, 300k miles.. no problem".. then he explained how important maintenance is on ANY car.. granted.. some cars may still run smoothly with less maintenance than others.. but in the end upkeep keeps the car lasting.