Buick Century

In 1997, what would become the last Century made, still a front wheel drive V6-powered configuration. The platform switched from the aging A-body to the W-body. Only a four-door sedan was offered, the coupe and wagon variants having vanished. In this generation, the Century and Regal were exactly the same car, distinguished only by trim and engine differences. Since the Century was lower-priced than the Regal, it was also the lower-powered and plainer of the two. Nevertheless, the design was well-proportioned and the car retained its reputation for quality. After the 1998 discontinuation of the Skylark, the Century for the first time became Buick's entry-level car. Buick tried to position the Century as a lower-priced alternative to Japanese family sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Many late-model Buicks are difficult to distinguish from one another. The Century features a traditional Buick look with some chrome, while the Regal had a body-colored grille. This Century also looked very similar to the larger LeSabre. Visual cues include the Century's rounder headlights and more angular grille.

Engines

1996–1999 3.1 3.1 L (191 in³) V6 160 hp, 185 ft·lbf
2000–2005 3.1 3.1 L (191 in³) V6 175 hp, 195 ft·lbf

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