2002 Buick Century from North America - Comments

Your marriage depends on the quality of an American automobile?

Hope you know a good divorce lawyer.

So I take it had she bought any Japanese car their marriage will last until they die. and if a toyota or honda, not only in heaven, but in any reincarnation. for sure. no doubt. if only people bought a toyota or a honda so we would have world peace and an utopia. I think they only drive camrys and accords in Shangra La.

Very old people drive Buick's!

Furthermore, I cannot seem to understand the reasoning since they are so low to the ground.

One has a difficult time trying to determine where an older person obtain's the strength to lower themself in the vehicle, not to mention the work involved in trying to get out...

My frist Buick was a 1956 model. A 140000 was a lot of miles at that time. I hated to see that one go. Now I drive a 1988 Buick. I've have taken care of it and it has taken care of me for 200000 miles. I've have driven the other cars in its class and I have done my home work. Today I will trade an old friend for a Buick Century.

In May of 2006 I purchased a 2002 Buick Century with 7,800 miles on it (no I did not forget a zero). It had been garaged its entire life and only drive to store/doctor/church.

It has been very good so far, mileage is 27-32, good smooth ride. Even though it looks like a 'Old Person's Car' no one complains when they ride in it.

My only complaint which I will figure out eventually is a weird popping sound just before I stop and then again when I accelerate. Doesn't always do it, but intermittently.

So far I love it.

I have 2002 Century and very happy with this car. It has 66000 miles on it and no problems so far. The only thing is I changed the wheels to 215/70/15 instead of 205/70/15- the difference is there!It handles much better on road.

The only thing I cannot understand is why everybody consider this car as old looking. What exactly describes old looking car? What is the difference between Camry and Century look?

I have owned many cars and trucks over the past 34 years, and almost all of them since the mid 90's have been Japanese. I sold Honda and Nissan vehicles for a few years and am a big fan of most of the inventory of both companies.

Recently, I traded my 1996 Nissan Sentra (I shoud have just sold it) in for a 2002 Buick Century.

I won't lie - I did it for price. For the money I spent on the Century, I'd have been lucky to get a 2 year older Accord with 40,000 more miles - very lucky.

That being said - I really like the Century and am fully aware of the "old people" reputation for Buicks. Hell, it's true - older folks do like them.

I like the car too! Gets decent mileage, it's quiet, looks like new, and everything works.

Dislikes? A bit boatlike (soft suspention). Of course, that is also one of my likes. It's smooth.

The car is so quiet compared to my old Nissan - and even my old Honda - that I can hear squeaks inside the car from somewhere in the dash. But they are minor. Low road noise, wind noise, etc. Really, the quietest car I have ever owned. Not an enthusiasts car by any means, but a very nice car for the price and a very good ride.

I'll keep you posted.

I was the one who started this thread with my comment on the car. This response is to let you know that I still have the car. Currently I have about 66k miles on it. Each mile was as comfortable as the next one. I stopped caring about how people see me when I drive past them :) The car is reliable and performs well. One thing. I had to change my tiers and splurged on a set of really good ones. They made the car drive quietly and make it handle much better.

Recently, I purchased an Audi and the quality of interior compared to that of my Buick... well lets just say that Americans could learn one or more things from the Germans. However, even though that Audi is nice and slick I would still chose the ``exacto knife'' Buick for a highway ride that is longer than three hours :)

BTW, no mechanical problems until now (knock on wood). In the winter I use synthetic oil and a good oil filter. I am due for a service when I plan to have my transmission oil changed.

Hopefully see you in another 66k miles ;)

Regarding those who were unhappy with the automatic headlamps:

A simple pull on the light control knob, releasing it to the 2nd position (2 clicks) turns the headlamps on, while the 1st position (1 click) is the parking lamps only. The headlamps are only automatic if the knob is pushed in all the way. Don't confuse pulling the knob with twisting it, twisting the knob controls the brightness of the dash lights, and a full twist to the right, passed the spot where it clicks, turns on the interior lights (the ceiling flood lamp, reading lamps on the underside of the mirror, and the foot well lamps).

I am 18, and currently own a 2002 Buick Century, with 90,000 miles. It is my second car (after a 1986 Buick Century) and have driven it nearly 30,000 miles in a year. It has proved to be the most reliable vehicle in my friend group, and because it has the most comfortable seats and smooth ride, it is the one chosen for road trips.

Perhaps the best quality of the car to younger people is the awesome stereo and speakers. While the OEM head unit does not have the best clarity, I made an upgrade to a Premier unit. That combined with the excellent Concert Sound II speaker set up has created superb sounding system, and has plenty of bass, eliminating my need for subs.

As for performance, the 3.1 V6 increased in power in 2001, and provides good response, although the transmission gets jerky under a heavy foot. It was fast enough for me to earn a very expensive speeding ticket too... Handling does leave something to be desired, but with a soft suspension it was nothing unexpected. The only downside is the brakes. While effective, they could be stronger, and having rear drum brakes doesn't help.

As an all around good car with great reliability, I highly recommend the Buick Century.

My friend owns a 2002 Buick Century and since the day he drove it off the lot he has had problems. I find it hard to believe that the majority of Century owners have little to no problems with this vehicle. The car rides smoothly, when it is working.

The Century isn't' just for old folks!! I'm 30 and I LOVE my Buick.. It is so comfortablke, and gets great mileage! I wish they still made it, my next will be a la cross..

I am only 22 and I love Buicks too. I currently own a 1999 Park Avenue and hope to trade it soon for one of the last 2005's. My 87 year-old great grandma has a 2003 Century that I would like to buy as a second vehicle when she is unable to drive it any longer. Buicks are some of the best buys for quality, comfort, and good looks. Who cares if they are made for old folks, young people can appreciate them too! I would really rather have a Buick over a Toyota or Honda any day.

This was an interesting set of comments to read. So I might add my own.

I buy a car not to support any particular country's economy. I buy it to meet my driving needs, and maybe my driving desires.

Since things are getting more automated people forget, or never learn, the manual operations. Many will not be able to drive a stick shift, even though it will give better gas mileage. Now people are not able to turn the headlights on or off. Why use a switch if you can pluck a fuse? 2+2=? where is my calculator!

There is no better test for a marriage than the choice of a vehicle. "You shall remain together until the Buick does you apart!"

It's for old people. So why is it built this low to the ground? Why, its for small old people, like little ladies with three blue hairs on top of their heads! Oh,I am sorry that's not right, they drive Avalons nowadays.

Thanks guys, it was entertaining and informative.

My friend took over an '03 Century with 60.000 miles and I wanted to see what he might incur. The previous users did nothing nice to the car. They let the steering go dry killing the pump and rack and pinion. The tranny fluid looks brown and dirty. However, I think he will be doing just fine once he has the tranny serviced.

Good luck to everyone!

2002 Buick owner, many problems with 60,000 miles on car, intake manifold gaskets leaking, both front wheel bearings, windows work when they want to, engine lights come and go, rides rough etc.

I have a 2001 Buick Century. It's a money pit. Intake gasket, Transmission, EGR valve, front Bearings, rear stabilizer bar, oh don't let me forget a gas cap. Its only got 107,000 on her. I have done all the work except for the transmission. Approx $ 3500 doing the work myself. Dealer over $5000 dollars. Getting rid of it this spring, before I put any more money or time into her.