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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2002 > Buick > CENTURY

2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used BUICK.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 3 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 3 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 3 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   A
Structure/Safety Cage   A
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   A
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   A
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Century and Regal were redesigned for the 1997 model year, and the Oldsmobile Intrigue was introduced in the 1998 model year.</p> <p>The Intrigue was dropped after the 2002 model year, the Regal after the 2004 model year, and the Century after the 2005 model year. The Grand Prix was redesigned for the 2004 model year.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door and its head hit the B-pillar. Measures taken from the neck, chest, and left leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the dummy's head that occurred when the head moved forward into the airbag indicate that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 4-door 3466 none 110 196 73 3.8 L V6 19 30

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM . The crashworthiness data for this 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 60 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 64 Substantially better than average
Theft Index 28 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued no safety recalls for this 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM.


This 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 2.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 2.5 of 5
  Style Rating 2.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Occasional problems on this vehicle are the Transmission Valve Body and the 2 - 3 Shift Solenoid. Removing and cleaning the Transmission Valve Body along with replacement of the 2 - 3 Shift Solenoid will correct this condition. The estimated cost to repair this condition is $95.79 for parts and $455.00 for labor. All prices for labor are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes An occasional problem on this vehicle is the Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) that is part of the Antilock Brake System (ABS). When this part fails, the ABS lamp may illuminate. The cost to replace the WSS is estimated at $330.00 for parts and $78.00 for labor. All prices for labor are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Occasional problems on this vehicle are the Wiper Motor Crank Arm and the Power Window Motors. The problem with the Wiper Motor Crank Arm can cause the wipers to park in the up position. The problem with the Power Window Motor can cause the window to move slowly or become inoperative. The cost to repair the Wiper Motor Crank Arm is $65.00 for labor and no charge for parts. The cost to replace the Power Window Motor is $168.52 for parts and $65.00 for labor. Labor costs are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2002 BUICK CENTURY reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2002 - 2006):
Category:    Century Custom 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $12,215
Financing $4,402
Insurance $5,400
State Fees $398
Fuel $4,133
Maintenance $2,024
Repairs $670
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $29,242

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Alignment and wheel balancing are considered maintenance after 7,500 miles. Basic warranty includes surface corrosion, batteries, adjustments, alternate transportation, roadside assistance, and tires. Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years 36,000 miles.  

This 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Traditional sedan with roomy interior, responsive V6.
By Ted West, NewCarTestDrive.com

Buick Century is modest-looking yet generously equipped. As a utilitarian four-door sedan, it was designed to provide long, workmanlike service for those who appreciate the traditional Buick values, that is, a premium vehicle at an affordable price.

The Century's engine is very satisfying, and there is ample interior space to please traditional Buick buyers. Its soft ride should also feel familiar to longtime Buick owners, who are extremely loyal to the brand.

But the price of that soft ride is a somewhat old-fashioned personality on the road. In this way, the Century looks backward to the big American sedans of years gone by, not forward to a more international vision of an agile and balanced family car. For now, Century is still finding buyers whose values are rooted in that past, while Buick offers other models that look enthusiastically to the future.

Overview:

Buick Century is a car you can count on, day after day, mile after mile. It's practical and comfortable, with a smooth ride, good performance, and predictable handling. It even offers a fair amount of luxury for a very practical price. As Buick's best-selling model, Century has established a large and satisfied following.

The Century provides the comfort of a traditional American sedan. The ride quality is soft and its V6 engine is strong but frugal. The interior design is straightforward. Everything is exactly where you think it should be, and everything works exactly how you expect it should work. Its broad bench seats provide plenty stretch-out room, but bucket seats are available.

Read the complete 2002 Buick Century review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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The BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM did receive a J.D. Power and Associates Award in 2002. View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.


J.D. Power and Associates Award - 2002 Best Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality:

This award is based on the results of the Initial Quality Study , which is based on feedback collected from new vehicle owners regarding problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership.
View other awardees.


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