1976 Buick Century Custom Wagon 5.7L V8 from North America

Summary:

It's a huge, fun, classy station wagon that's full of character and couldn't be cooler to own.

Faults:

The left rear seat belt would not retract, which I fixed with a box knife in five minutes.

The engine stalls right after start-up when it's cold outside.

The turn signal stalk does not retract for left turns, but it does for right turns.

The front passenger bucket seat vinyl is damaged.

The brake rotors in front are warped.

The wheels need to be balanced, as the car vibrates excessively above 65mph.

General Comments:

The Buick is very solid and feels very safe.

Gas mileage isn't great, but that's expected in a car this big, even though it's a "mid-size."

Lots of room for people and cargo, especially with the under floor storage I have in place of the optional 3rd seat.

The car handles well for being so big.

It's very comfortable for the driver and each passenger, even the one sitting in the middle in back.

I like the looks of the car. It's very distinctive and classic. The station wagon rear end looks very bubbly and aerodynamic.

The car is quite glassy, which makes for great sight lines, despite the fact that it only has a left side door mirror.

Except for a couple of dash cracks and a torn passenger seat, the interior looks brand new.

I've taken it on more than a few road trips, and it's never had a problem.

The Buick has plenty of power, though up-shifts on the transmission are slow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2003

2nd Aug 2007, 16:59

You don't see very many of the GM's Colonnade vehicles around anymore, which is really a shame, cause I think the GM's Colonnade vehicles are some of the most underrated vehicles ever made. I wish they still made cars like that today.

1976 Buick Century sedan 350 V8 from North America

Summary:

THE BEST OF 1970"S Buicks

Faults:

1. The seats started wearing out at 180,000 2.Carburetor need rebuilt at 175,000 3.Starter wore out at 167,000 and 260,000 4.Ignition module failed at 188,000 5.Had to change radiator at 280,000 6.Exhaust pipes rusted through in 1988 and I had to change them again in 1996. 7.I change all the wheel bearings at 290,000. 8.Rebuilt tansmission at 290,000 9.Air conditioning condenser ha to be replaced at 312,000 10.I had to change plugs, wires, distributer cap, brakes, hoses and belts from time to time over the years.

General Comments:

The car rides and handles very well and it does reasonably well on its gas mileage-13 in town 18 on the highway. This car is well built I was hit by a 1992 Japanese car in the rear end end and I had no damage at all. There car was smashed in and had major damage. I like the style of the car with its flair fenders and doors, it has some of the body lines from cars of the 1950"s.The car has quite a bit of power as with most mid 1970"s model its actual power was under rated. Driving the car makes me see how poorly built the new cars are today, they really lack all most everything that makes a car a pleasant experience to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th August, 2002

6th Sep 2002, 19:24

Wow 350,000 MILES!!!. On a 350 that's insane. You must really take care of the old beast. Keep up the good work.

14th Oct 2002, 06:33

That's right no import car can even hold a candle to a real American car. SMASH SMASH them imports!!!

2nd Apr 2003, 22:43

I agree fully on the Buick. I have one also. It rides like a dream. I've taken it to Arkansas and went up mountains in it, and the 350 doesn't even mind. It is a spectacular car, except for the body rust and the old vinyl top.

30th Jun 2003, 18:00

My 1976 is still running strong I have put another 20,000 on my Century since posting my car on the survey and no repairs.

15th Feb 2005, 11:31

My parents have had a 1975 Buick Century Centennial. It is white, with T tops and the special pace car decals. In this year, every Buick dealership only got one of these cars, so I hope it is rare. I have not herd much of this car, some may think it is big and ugly, but I think it is coolly unique with the "fins" along the side of the car. I'm not sure how many of these Century's came stock with the decals and T tops, for I know nothing of this car, but I love it!

5th Aug 2007, 14:47

I also own a 76 Buick Century Sedan with 180, 000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I love this car, if anyone knows where to find replacement doors or body panels, please let me know.

30th Jul 2008, 22:40

In 1984 I bought my first car it was a Jet Black 1976 Buick Century two door Colonnade Coupe. It had removal T-Top sun roof, which leaked a lot. It was the best large car I ever owned. If anyone knows where I can get one at a reasonable price let me know even if it does not run. fsjchezz@yahoo.com.