Target Audience:
Families and commuters seeking an affordable, comfortable mid-size sedan
Segment:
Mid-size front-wheel-drive sedan
Competitive Advantage:
Strong value, proven mechanicals, and Buick's quiet-ride reputation
Key Feature:
Roomy interior with simple, durable 3.1L V6 powertrain
Powertrain:
3.1L V6 with 4-speed automatic transmission
Comfort:
Six-passenger bench-seat seating option available
Safety:
Dual front air bags, anti-lock brakes
Seats and Restraint Systems:
Seat adjustment, head restraints, safety belts, air bag system, child restraints
Features and Controls:
Keys, door locks, windows, mirrors, trunk release, tilt steering wheel
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicator lamps, controls
Climate Controls:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning operation
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, cassette, and compact disc player operation
Warning Lights and Chimes:
Fault indicator descriptions and driver actions
Driving Your Vehicle:
Starting procedures, automatic transmission operation, towing
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, flat tire changing, overheating, towing your vehicle
Service and Appearance Care:
Fluid checks, tires, bulb replacement, windshield wipers, fuses
Maintenance Schedule:
Factory-recommended service intervals and owner checks
Customer Assistance:
Warranty information and roadside assistance contacts
Reporting Safety Defects:
NHTSA and GM contact procedures
Technical Depth:
Operator-level instruction; complex repairs are deferred to a qualified service technician
Parts Information:
Fluid capacities and part specifications for owner-replaceable items
Specifications:
Engine data, tire pressure, and fluid type listings
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android โ any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical paper
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine:
3.1L V6 (VIN J), gasoline
Configuration:
90-degree V6, OHV, 12 valves
Displacement:
3.1L (189 cu in / 3,135 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 175 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Regular unleaded, 87 octane or higher
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API certified
Drive Type:
Front-wheel drive
Performance Figures:
N/A - not stated in the owner manual
Standard Transmission:
4-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle
Optional Transmission:
None - automatic only for this model
Shift Selector:
PRND321 gate shifter
Features:
Overdrive fourth gear for highway fuel economy
Fluid Type:
Dexron-III automatic transmission fluid
Transmission Service Interval:
N/A - not specified for this model; refer to maintenance schedule
Wheelbase:
Approximately 109.0 in (2,769 mm)
Overall Length:
Approximately 194.6 in (4,943 mm)
Body Style:
Four-door sedan
Seating Capacity:
Up to 6 passengers
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,320 lb (1,506 kg)
Towing Capacity:
N/A - not specified for this model; refer to GM towing guide
Air Bags:
Driver and front-passenger frontal air bags
Safety Belts:
Three-point lap/shoulder belts with emergency locking retractors
Child Restraint Provisions:
Rear-seat tether anchor provisions and safety belt lock-off guidance
Head Restraints:
Adjustable front head restraints
Anti-Lock Brakes:
Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Daytime Running Lamps:
Standard
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - not stated in the owner manual; consult NHTSA records
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional AM/FM with cassette and CD player
Antenna:
Roof-mounted antenna
Secondary Features:
Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls on some models
Driver Assistance Systems:
None - pre-modern-driver-assistance-era vehicle
Convenience Features:
Intermittent wipers, rear defogger, illuminated entry
Oil and Filter Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe) / 7,500 miles (normal duty)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Inspection:
At each oil change; replace as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles
Coolant Service:
Long-life Dex-Cool, approximately 5 years / 150,000 miles
Owner Checks:
Monthly checks of fluids, tires, lights, and belts
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API certified
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III automatic transmission fluid
Engine Coolant:
Dex-Cool extended-life coolant, 50/50 mix
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, wiper blades, tires, and belts; intake manifold gasket concerns noted on 3.1L V6 of this era
Manufacturer:
Buick, a division of General Motors
Model Introduction:
Century nameplate dates to the 1930s; revived for 1973 and produced continuously through the 1990s
Model Evolution:
The 1997-2005 W-body Century shared its platform with the Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu
1999 Model Year Updates:
Minor trim and feature refinements following the 1997 redesign
Production Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (Oshawa Car Assembly)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Segment Recognition:
Consistently a strong seller in the mid-size sedan segment during the late 1990s
Family Vehicle Recognition:
Frequently cited as a value-oriented family sedan in the era's buyer guides
Specific Awards:
N/A - no specific awards listed for the 1999 model
