2003 Buick Century
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Key Specs
of the 2003 Buick Century. Base trim shown.
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Body Type:Sedan See similar vehicles
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Combined MPG:24 Combined MPG
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Engine:175-hp, 3.1-liter V-6 (regular gas)
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Drivetrain:Front-wheel Drive
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Transmission:4-speed automatic w/OD
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2003 Buick Century Overview
Vehicle Overview
Last reworked for the 1997 model year, Buick’s mainstay midsize front-wheel-drive sedan has been the company’s most popular model. Older buyers, in particular, tend to like the Century’s front bench seat, which offers space for three occupants.
Antilock brakes are no longer standard for the 2003 model year. The Century’s body gets a fresh look with a new graphite/chrome grille, chrome door-header openings, and new body-colored fascias and side molding. Additional interior trim padding aims to improve head-impact protection. New wood-grain switch plate covers are installed, and two new body colors will be offered.
Constructed from the same basic design as the sportier Regal, the four-door Century is more conservative in appearance, which helps account for its appeal to older buyers. Beneath the hood is a 3.1-liter V-6 engine, which differs from the Regal’s 3.8-liter power plant.
The Century has been a long-time rival of the full-size Buick LeSabre in the race to be the most popular Buick model. In its regular form, the Century’s front bench seat provides six-passenger capacity, which is offered on only a handful of midsize models.
Exterior
Although its styling is related to that of the jauntier Regal, the Century has a different grille, rear styling features, body trim and wheels. That makes it relatively easy to tell the two apart at a glance. Both Buick sedans are 72.7 inches wide, stand 56.6 inches tall and ride ...
Vehicle Overview
Last reworked for the 1997 model year, Buick’s mainstay midsize front-wheel-drive sedan has been the company’s most popular model. Older buyers, in particular, tend to like the Century’s front bench seat, which offers space for three occupants.
Antilock brakes are no longer standard for the 2003 model year. The Century’s body gets a fresh look with a new graphite/chrome grille, chrome door-header openings, and new body-colored fascias and side molding. Additional interior trim padding aims to improve head-impact protection. New wood-grain switch plate covers are installed, and two new body colors will be offered.
Constructed from the same basic design as the sportier Regal, the four-door Century is more conservative in appearance, which helps account for its appeal to older buyers. Beneath the hood is a 3.1-liter V-6 engine, which differs from the Regal’s 3.8-liter power plant.
The Century has been a long-time rival of the full-size Buick LeSabre in the race to be the most popular Buick model. In its regular form, the Century’s front bench seat provides six-passenger capacity, which is offered on only a handful of midsize models.
Exterior
Although its styling is related to that of the jauntier Regal, the Century has a different grille, rear styling features, body trim and wheels. That makes it relatively easy to tell the two apart at a glance. Both Buick sedans are 72.7 inches wide, stand 56.6 inches tall and ride a 109-inch wheelbase, but at 194.6 inches long overall, the Century is a little shorter than the Regal.
Interior
Other than the Century’s bench seating — vs. the Regal’s sportier front bucket seats — these cars’ interiors are very similar. The Century comes in a single trim level, but Custom and Limited option groups are available. All versions of the Century have a three-place front bench seat with a folding center armrest that includes storage space. Trunk capacity totals 16.7 cubic feet.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM radio, and power windows and door locks. The Custom package adds folding power mirrors, cruise control, a cassette stereo and a six-way power driver’s seat. The Limited sedan features leather-surfaced seat trim and chrome wheel covers. GM’s OnStar communication system is a factory-installed option.
Under the Hood
A 3.1-liter V-6 engine produces 175 horsepower and drives a four-speed-automatic transmission. The higher-performing Regal, by comparison, holds a 3.8-liter V-6.
Safety
Antilock brakes with traction control are optional. A side-impact airbag for the driver’s seat is optional with a leather-trimmed interior.
Latest 2003 Century Stories
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How Cars Have Changed in 20 Years: Cars.com ‘Employee No. 1’ Reflects
As the Editorial department's original member and resident fossil who worked to launch the site in 1998, I've been asked to comment on how vehicles have changed over Cars.... Read more
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The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view
With so many historic Buicks at Das Awkscht Fescht, you could get a hankering to try a new one. Well, you're in luck: The most popular model is also Buick's least ... Read more
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TheMercuryNews.com's view
This is the tale of two Buicks. I drove a rental Century in Las Vegas recently. It was what I've come to expect from a rental car -- white, of course, and almost completely ... Read more
Consumer Reviews
What Drivers Are Saying
Has Had a GM "Doctor" its whole Life
This vehicle is perfect for someone who needs reliable comfortable transportation that should last for many many years.. With only 94,500 after 15 years the car is just "broke in".. It is powerful---... Read full review
Cared For By GM Mechanic & Garage Kept
A well cared for vehicle---new tires, brakes, battery---cared for all it's lie by the same GM mechanic. Only 94,400 miles for a 15 yr old car---no performance, body issues. Sunroof is a nice feature ... Read full review
Safety & Recalls
Recalls
The 2003 Buick Century currently has 2 recalls