1999 Buick Century...Continued

Fancy trim is kept to a minimum, with only small wood panels in the doors holding power-window switches. Instruments are clear, though there are only three. The Century's intended customers are unlikely to care for much more information than speed, fuel level and engine water temperature. Warning lights and chimes provide warning of any problems. It shares many components with Regal, but is tuned and equipped quite differently. Century is the value machine while Regal aims at performance and verve.

The 4-door sedan is available in two trims: Custom and Limited. Standard features on both trims include air conditioning, power door locks and windows, a rear-window defroster, and an AM/FM stereo. The Limited upgrades with automated dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and a body-side accent stripe. Leather seats, alloy wheels, and an upgraded stereo are options.

Additional carryover standard equipment includes: remote keyless entry, folding power outside rear-view mirrors, front-seat center storage armrest with dual cup holders, power windows, map pockets on front and rear doors, and Convenience Plus features such as the PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system and lockout protection which prevents the driver from being locked outside when the key is in the ignition.

Also returning as standard equipment are power door locks with five-second delay after the last door is closed, starter grind protection which disables the starter when the engine is running, and an air filtration system that automatically reduces dust and most pollen before it can be circulated inside the car.

Century continues to feature optional power for front seats; a large-capacity battery with rundown protection; and fluid monitors and indicator lights for low fuel, windshield washer fluid, oil and coolant levels, door ajar and trunk ajar. A sliding glass sunroof returns as optional equipment.

Buick has a real winner with the 3.1-liter 3100 V6, a 60-degree engine that develops 160 horsepower yet delivers 20 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway in the Century. Mated to a 4T60-E four-speed automatic transmission with an electronically-controlled capacity clutch and computer-controlled torque converter, upshifts and downshifts are nearly imperceptible.