Vehicle Type: Four-door sedan

Base Price: $18,215 to $23,000 (ā98 prices)

Engine: 3.1- liter , 160- horsepower V6 Front Engine/ Front Drive

Transmission: automatic transmission

Safety Features: Driver and passenger side airbags; ABS anti-lock brakes are standard

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway

Austin, Texas -- I donāt know why Lockheed and Northrop have their stealth aircraft viewed with such awe. Buick has produced stealth autos for years, slipping along the roads in anonymity, only being noticed by fellow owners despite their quiet competence.

This is despite innovative marketing partnerships, such as including the Century as the official car of the opening of Test Track at Walt Disney World's EPCOT.

The Century used to occupy the spot between the compact Skylark and the full-size LeSabre. With the departure of the slow-selling small car, it is now the entry point of the Buick line. The Century name appeared first in the late '30s to celebrate the car's top speed. Buick customers are people who are looking for cars that are modern but American in character, and Buick has provided value and trusty quality for over half a century.

Century received a ground-up overhaul two years ago for the first time in fifteen years. It enters 1999 with an all-new standard traction control system, a more efficient anti-lock braking system and significant ride and handling enhancements.

This car exudes good taste in styling -- not startling or new from any angle, but well-balanced and free of trendy flairs that can make a new design look dated in a hurry. It has long, unbroken surfaces, and soft corners. The Buick grille looks better without the traditional stand-up ornament. Roof pillars are slender, affording plenty of visibility.