Buick's mid-size sedan comes in two trims with base LS stocking GM's 3.8-liter V6 for 200 hp or sporty GS applying a supercharger boost for 240 hp. The cabin pitches twin buckets up front (and, unlike other Buick sedans, there's no option for a front bench), with space for up to three on the rear bench.

Two new optional packages come in 2004 -- the Luxury Package or a Leather and Luxury Package. The former brings 16-inch aluminum wheels, Gran Touring sport suspension tuning, radio controls mounted on the steering wheel, assist grips at passenger doors with switch-on reading lamps and color-keyed floor mats. The latter carries these items plus leather seat upholstery, twin zones for the automatic climate system and a rear seatback that slits and folds.

Regal also gets new wood trim in the cabin and fresh body paint colors like Cashmere Metallic and Steelmist Metallic.

The badge on this sedan traces back to 1936, when Buick first identified its products by easy-to-remember names rather than numbers. Now it's the entry-level Buick in the mid-size class and 2004 editions offer three new packages of appointments and gear ranked by ascending price points.

The packages are labeled with familiar Century trim names -- Standard, Custom and Limited. Century Standard with six-place seats brings a remote keyless entry, twin zones for climate control, power door locks and power windows, and an audio kit with CD deck.

Century Custom adds six-way power to the driver's seat, cruise control, deluxe lighted visor mirrors, rear grips with switch-on reading lamps, floor mats and a cargo net in the trunk. Then the Limited piles on luxury items like leather seats and radio controls on the steering wheel.

Century's enriched engine -- a 3.1-liter V6 -- registers 175 hp. It links to the GM 4T65E automatic transmission with four forward gears and electronic controls.

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