Buick Century SE Review

Overall Rating

radio is good for drowning out road and wind noise.
otherwise the car has little redeeming features.

road noise ,wind noise, rattles, and other sounds.
road glare from dash major problem.

It is unbeliveable that America auto makers would put such a piece of trash on the road. Rattles from the dash have been a problem from the begining. Wind and road noise are constant. windshield wipers leave drivers view impaired. Dash board control knobs have broken off in my hand. The century has failed to start three times thus far. National Highway safety has noted 4 recalls thus far.
When I took the car to the dealers I was told if I was not that happy with a Buick I should not but another. My answer " DON'T WORRY I WON'T"

Members' Comments onbob.'s Review

• Mari on 13th Sep 2003

  I bought 2000 Century after driving a Regal for eight years, bad choice for me. I've had to replace the seatbelt sensor because of water damage and the wiper motor in 2002. Now the heater motor needs replaced! Needless to say this car will be replaced as soon as possible.

• pianoman on 13th Oct 2003

  I agree, especialy with the starting problems, mine has died on me three times, I'm looking for a Camry or Corolla

• ekratts on 16th Jan 2004

  I agree with everyone's assessment. I bought a 1989 Buick Century new that was a wonderful car that I kept for 9 years - comfortable, great ride, no major repairs. In 1998 I bought another Century - what a lemon! I agree with the comment about glare from the dashboard. One recall, spark plug wires shorted out taking the spark plugs with them, several other repairs. I have trouble starting the car in cold weather when making short trips. Engine light and oil light come on, car has no power. Turning car off and restarting several times corrects the problem unless it's really cold - then you're stranded. No errors recorded, doesn't fail at the garage (of course), they can't figure out what's wrong with it. Now the intake gaskets are leaking - $500+ repair. A friend of mine bought a new 2000 Century because I had liked my car so well. She has had the same problems I've had and then some, and her car is 2 years younger. She's been towed 2-3 times, multiple major repairs, her intake gaskets are leaking too. Something must be wrong with her transmission that they can't figure out how to fix. When she puts the car in reverse, it sometimes goes forward - when she puts it in forward, it sometimes goes in reverse. A thrill a minute!!

• Century 2000 on 23rd Nov 2004

  I have a Century 2000, and I have the same problems, mostly. The 4T65E is a horrible transmission. I honestly cannot believe that GM can't build transmissions. I know I'm not the only one with these problems -- I've read dozens of complaints on automotive forums. I had the PC solenoid valve replaced ($615.00) and the transmission still shifts harshly and shudders. Car broke down -- brakes and steering didn't work and I had to have it towed. It's a comfortable vehicle, but this car is reminiscent of vehicles in the 1970s -- it has tons of problems which keep recurring and GM doesn't know how to truly fix them, thus frequent trips to the dealer. For instance, this car cannot have a straight steering wheel. Despite an alignment and realignment, the dealer can't get it right, and the steering is cocked to one side. I will try and get rid of this car as quickly as possible.