2003 Buick Century in Chico, CA - $4,985

Building on a longstanding reputation for affordable luxury, quality and reliability, the Buick Century rolls into the 2004 model year with a simplified option package configuration which offers consumers exceptional value by combining a number of popular features into attractively priced groupings.

Manufactured at GM's Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, assembly complex, the midsize Buick sedan is built on a platform shared with the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix sedans. The Century is equipped with the 3100 3.1L V-6 engine bolted to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive.

The new equipment packages are as follows: Standard -- manual dual zone air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes, automatic power door locks, cloth split front bench seat, power windows, power steering, tilt wheel, rear window defroster, remote keyless entry, deluxe wheel covers and intermittent wipers.

Custom adds cargo net, speed control, floor mats, six-way power driver's seat, an dual illuminated vanity mirrors. Limited adds leather seating, steering wheel touch controls, rear armrest with two cup holders and chrome wheel covers. Special Edition adds automatic dual zone air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, chrome aluminum wheels, traction control and tire pressure monitor.

On the road, midrange throttle response is good with smooth shifting at speed. MacPherson struts with L-shaped lower control arm and aluminum knuckle in the front is combined with an isolated independent coil over strut tri-link design with twin-tube strut shock absorbers at all four corners.

Inside the passenger cabin, displays and controls are easy to use and operate. The dual cupholders are molded into the front of the comfortable center armrest with the rest serving as a convenient storage bin. Outward visibility is very good. Seating throughout is comfortable with plenty of leg room for rear seat passengers.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 109.0; overall length: 194.6; width: 72.7; height: 56.6 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 3.1L V-6 (LG8) -- 175 hp at 5,200 rpm and 195 lbs/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically-controlled automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 20 city/29 highway using regular unleaded gasoline.

Cargo capacity: 16.7 cubic feet.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, Passkey II theft deterrent system, four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, automatic power door locks with lockout protection, daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry and battery rundown protection.

Optional safety equipment includes OnStar communications system, traction control, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitor and driver's side-impact airbag.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2004 Buick Century sedan starts from $21,945 with the destination charges $660 additional.

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