2003 Buick Century Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.21/5 Average
52 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The deletion of the Century Limited trim level from the 2003 model lineup leaves us with a lone Century this year, and it offers only a short list of updates. Most important to note is that antilock brakes, OnStar and the driver side-impact airbag are now optional, instead of standard equipment. Other standard features moved to the optional equipment list include the rear glass antenna, front bucket seats and accompanying center console, cassette player, split-folding rear seat, sunroof, heated exterior mirrors and the 15-inch aluminum wheels. Other changes remain largely aesthetic; a new exterior appearance package adds revised fascias, updated door moldings and a graphite color grille. Inside, the Century benefits only from new wood switch plates. There's also a new starter for improved cold weather cranking and an impact-absorbing headliner that exceeds new federal requirements.

Pros:
  • Roomy, clean styling, low base price.
Cons:
  • Stodgy image, mushy seats, engine lacks quiet smoothness of competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 52.00
  • A Fine Ride - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    I always enjoyed driving my mother-in-laws Buick, so when the opportunity to purchase one came up I grabbed it. It has a very smooth and powerful ride. This was made very evident when renting other cars. The Buicks ride and comfort puts most other cars to shame.

  • Pleasant Surprise - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    I was given this car by my father-in-law, when he was no longer able to drive. Driving the "B" as my wife calls it, has been a pleasant surprise. Dad had put only 33,000 miles on it, maintained it by the book. I use it as a commuter car, primarily suburban to city driving, lots of traffic lights, little highway. MPG is great, 22-23 city, 33 highway, on a 600 mile round trip. Comfortable after getting acclimated to a "rolling sofa." Plenty of trunk space, easy to service by local mechanic. I would not have even looked at this car, let alone bought one, as I feel it is designed for the more senior driver. Still, I now have a low mileage ride which competes with our 2 VWs in MPG!

  • Second Buick Century and still counting - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    I bought a 1996 Buick 3 years ago with over 100,000 on it and had zero problems with it. A few people even came up to me and asked me how I liked the car because they knew it was reliable. That sold me and the car grew on me. My son is going to college and needs a car so I searched long and hard for the same Buick, but newer model for me. Just found it, 2003 $5900 for a 35,000 Limited and felt it was a steal. After having trouble prone Fords, Subarus, Chevrolets, Hundais I know this car is the one for me.

  • Good Used car buy - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    I bought my Century used with just over 100K on the clock. It is reliable, and has a smooth, floaty ride. Surprisingly, it handles really well for having a soft suspension. Fuel economy is stellar, I regularly see 26-28 combined. ( 60 percent highway commute) I paid $2100 for it and you can usually find good, low mileage examples because typically the people who buy Buicks are older. The interior is comfortable, but the plastics are low-quality and rattle over bumps. The transmission on mine has had some problems, it tends to shift hard in stop and go traffic, but it is not getting hot. if I turn the car off for 30 seconds it goes away. Other than this, the car has no major problems and looks and runs like new. Overall, good value for the money.

  • Extremely reliable car - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    Im a young college student who got my 2003 Buick Century as a graduation gift. I fell in love with the cars simplicity and the effortless way it drives. The butter knife smooth transmission and quiet engine make for one incredible ride. I now have over 100,000 miles on my Century and aside from having to replace a fuel injector,it has given me no problems whatsoever. I am very disappointed that general motors stopped making this car in 2005. I now have my eyes set on purchasing a Buick Lacrosse which I hope proves to be as good of a car as the Buick Century. Overall the Century offers premium luxury at an affordable price. I would buy a Buick over a Lexus or Mercedes any day.

  • Love This Car - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    I agree with some comments about the air vents. I hate how they only rotate on one axis. I had my Buick for almost 3 years now, and I havent done anything to it except changing the tires, brakes, and oil. This car has never let me down! Id recommend it to anyone.

  • Solid, dependable car - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    I traded in my 1999 Buick Century custom for this 2003 in 2004 ( 22000 miles on this one ...lease car ). Had to replace the rack and pinion in 06. A bit disappointing, but I love this car. Gives a great ride, plus good gas mileage.

  • Great car - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    Excellent mileage, excellent ride. I have had no problems with this car. Oil has been changed at 3000 mile intervals

  • Great car up till now - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    This is my 3rd Buick Ive owned. Always liked the comfortable ride and good gas mileage (33 mpg on highway), and ample room. However at 82,000 miles the car developed an antifreeze leak. Took to local Buick delearship and they had to replace lower intake gaskets (8 hr job) and water pump. Total cost over $1100. After searching the web, found other GM car owners with same problems, and most common culprit was the Dexcool antifreeze now used by GM and plastic gaskets that get eaten away by the Dexcool. No wonder Toyota and Honda are selling so many cars. Its called quality and reliability!

  • Doesnt Get Much Better - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    38 mpg hwy, 22mpg city, and I can pack a ton of stuff into the trunk. I used it when I moved and put more things inside of it than could fit into an SUV. I cant say enough about this car. Oh, and by the way,I can get rubber with it if I dont watch what Im doing when I take off from a light. Now hows that for performance?

Buick Century Reviews By Year:
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