2003 Buick Century - An Elegant Midsize Alternative
You have to wonder if Buick executives in 1936 ever thought their new model would actually be around as long as its name implied. The Century is hardly 100 years old but 67 isn't exactly a spring chicken. That said will it last another 33 years?
Of course it's hard enough to speculate five years into the future let alone thirty. I suppose it will come down to a few general factors. Will buyers still exist in 2036 who will want elegant yet conservatively styled, well equipped and adequately performing transportation for a reasonable price? My guess is yes, but I couldn't even begin to imagine what the future car might look like.
The 2003 Century right in front of me on the other hand looks very attractive. Buick has done a good job lately incorporating trademark styling cues, the ovoid front grille being the most prominent. The Century's version has been updated this year with a graphite center, while new body-color inserts grace the front fascia, new Regal-like body-side moldings span across both doors and a new rear appliqué sports the scripted Century nameplate. Buick's midsize offering doesn't go so far as to include fender-side portholes, new this year on the full-size Park Avenue. Still the stately Century manages to appear more substantial in size than it really is - in actual fact just slightly larger than the Toyota Camry.