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| 1995 Buick Century custom sedan. (Photo: General Motors) |
It rides fairly well and packs a lot of cargo in wagon trim, but don't expect rally car handling or dragster acceleration. Still the 6-cylinder is capable of respectable passing power and reasonably quick highway merges, all that's needed in a family car.
With ride and handling in mind there are a few options worth finding, starting with the optional Dynaride suspension - Mom's car has it. The ride is much smoother while handling is slightly improved. Even better, depending on your priorities, was the Gran Touring Suspension upgrade that almost made this plebian workhorse sporty. It sacrifices a little ride quality for less body roll.
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| The Century went through a major overhaul for the 1997 model year, so prices are naturally much higher. (Photo: General Motors) |
After a little research it seems that my Mom's 1992 car is the first year that should be considered. Previous years, 1990 and 1991 had teething problems that continued to affect their reliability well into adulthood. Model years 1992 to 1996 should be less dysfunctional.
For histories sake the 1990 through 1996 model in question only received a minor restyle from its 1982 through 1989 predecessor that saw the birth of front-wheel drive in this nameplate. Model year 1996 was the final run of the Century in this guise, redesigned for 1997.
All said the Century can be cheap and reliable transportation for the non-trendy - sorry Mom. But I suppose you've always said pragmatism and dependability are better virtues to aspire to anyway.