1999 Buick Century Review
1999 Buick Century Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Plenty of features for the price, solid reputation.
Cons
- Mushy seats, powertrain lacks quiet smoothness of a luxury car.
What’s new
The year 1999 brings a host of safety improvements, many of them standard. Additionally, the suspension has been retuned for less body roll, the sound systems have been upgraded and one new paint color, called Auburn Nightmist, has been added.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$216/mo for Century Custom
Century Custom
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Buick moved more than 2 million A-body Centurys between 1982 and 1996, which means that more than one out of every 150 Americans brought one of these no-nonsense sedans home during the past 15 years. It also means we shouldn't underestimate the market power of America's senior citizens, rental car companies or business-class road travelers.
Back in 1997, Buick trotted out its all-new Century sedan that put the 1996 model to shame. More room inside, more trunk volume, a more ergonomic interior and a solid structure were the core improvements to the revamped version, but it also came wrapped in smooth, flowing sheetmetal. Wayne Kady, chief exterior designer of the '97 model, had said he was looking for a shape that would have a long shelf life. "We purposely avoided anything that could be considered trendy," he explained. To that end he succeeded, for while traditional Buick buyers might describe this car as clean or classic looking, younger buyers will likely find it as bland as baby food.
The '99 does nothing to change any of that, so if you happen to like the look, you're in luck. Ditto for the interior design, which is certainly contemporary, thanks to large and legible gauges and controls facing a cabin roomy enough to carry six comfortably. Rear seating remains elevated theater-style, lending an overall airy feel to the interior.Century still comes in two flavors, the well-equipped Custom and the positively pampering Limited model, which includes features such as Dual ComforTemp climate controls (with standard Air Conditioning) and Magnetic variable-effort (speed-sensitive) steering, along with several comfort and convenience upgrades. Power comes from GM's 3.1-liter V6, good for 160 horses.
The big news this year is that Buick has addressed a couple of our previous dislikes. First, Century's seafaring four-wheel independent DynaRide suspension has been revised with increased shock valving and larger front and rear stabilizer bars. That should reduce the floating ride sensation and overly soft body roll. Also, a traction control system, not available on any '98 Century at any cost, is now standard on both models.
Buick also says that improved electronics have allowed for upgrades to Century's cooling fan monitor, standard four-wheel antilock braking system and audio speakers, with an optional eight-speaker Concert Sound III system now available. You can even opt for electrochromic outside rearview mirrors that automatically dim when bright lights approach from behind.
On the safety side, a tire inflation monitor is now standard, an integrated child seat is optional and side-impact protection exceeds federal guidelines. Again this year, your dealer will install an OnStar Mobile Communications system if desired, which allows occupants of the Century to call a 24-hour hotline for roadside help, directions to that fancy buffet restaurant, or guidance from Tampa Bay to West Palm Beach.Buick has a sound sedan with the Century. However, GM stablemates Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac have similar vehicles that differ mainly in terms of styling and content. The Chevy Malibu LS is an amazing value. Ditto the Euro-flavored Oldsmobile Cutlass. The new Olds Intrigue is simply gorgeous, and Pontiac's Grand Prix is one of our favorite sedans of any stripe.
Nonetheless, a good safety record and solid build quality makes the Buick Century an enduring favorite, while gaining "top buy'' type acclaim from more than a few consumer publications and rating organizations. If this is what you're looking for in a mid-sized domestic sedan, step right up.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Buick Century.
5 star(39%)
4 star(53%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
My First Car
rachel152, 06/18/2013
1999 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
I have to say, driving a Buick Century for my 16th birthday wasn't the most stylish thing, but I loved it! This car has about 150,000 miles on it and has had no problems. (just a few minor things) The gas mileage is pretty decent in this car. The seats are unbelievably comfortable. The stereo works incredibly well and is loud. Drives wonderfully on the highway, and surprisingly does good … in snow, etc. Back seats are comfortable and offer tons of room. I would actually recommend this car over the car I drive now (Jeep Liberty). This was my first car and I still loved it, and I'm sure I would buy one again if I had the choice.
3.38 out of 5 stars
Way better than expected
paul2002, 02/07/2012
1999 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
Purchased this in 2007 when I had a vehicle emergency. Needed a car, and this was going for $3500 with only 89K miles. I figured I'd drive it until I found the car I was looking for. Now 5 years and 100K miles later I'm still driving it. It's going on 200K miles, and I still haven't had to replace anything! The miles I've put on it have been all highway, but it just won't die. Oil … changes every 6000 miles, and one set of tires. I've done nothing else.
Reliable and cheap if you are picking one up used, but a word of caution...don't purchase this car if you are around 40 years old. You are almost guaranteeing early onset of a mid-life crisis, which might result in your purchasing a Corvette.
4.25 out of 5 stars
my first real car
hallnutz1, 12/04/2014
1999 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
bought it at 126,000 miles from an old dude here where i live in north east montana. all highway miles. thing was so quite that it was running and the only way i knew it was on was to pop the hood and see that the belt was spinning! im 20 and i love this car.
the engine isnt a brute. but the car isnt that heavy either. its got enough power to do everything you need it to do. pull … onto the interstate, get on it, and before you exit the ramp your up to 75.
brakes are great. starts in -40 weather, seats you can fall asleep in (quite nice for the girlfriend also ;) haha)
its a great car. you just gotta know how cars work and keep up on the matience and it will last forever.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great Car for the Value - Still Driving
Charles, 05/29/2010
1999 Buick Century Custom 4dr Sedan
Great Car for the Value - Still Driving with 170,000 miles. Great comfortable highway auto. Just oil changes, tires and brakes. New transmission at 75,000 miles, and going ever since. Low maintenance. Good Stereo. Seats are comfortable. More support would be better in back portion.Only problem was the cup holders that broke at 110,000 miles.
1999 Century Highlights
Custom
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $216/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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