Overview & Reviews

The Buick Century is a nameplate that was produced for almost half a century. It first appeared in 1936 and ran for six years, then reappeared for four more in 1954. Both of these generations were known for having shorter bodies with V8 engines to create a performance-oriented Buick -- a descriptor that would apply to the reborn Century in 1973. As with so many cars of its time, though, fuel economy regulations and the gas shortage turned the next Buick Century into a tamer, downsized car. For the next 27 years, it would follow along this path, providing affordable, comfortable but not particularly interesting transportation for millions of Americans.

Most Recent Buick Century

The most recent Buick Century was produced from 1997-2005 in a midsize sedan body style only. Like its predecessor, it shared its platform and engine with several other General Motors vehicles, but this Century differed more in terms of styling. Its chief exterior designer said at the time of its introduction, "We purposely avoided anything that could be considered trendy" for a long shelf life. Mission accomplished, as this Century roamed the Earth for nine years in not-so-trendy anonymity.

There was only one engine offered, a 3.1-liter V6 that sent power to the front wheels. This engine initially produced 160 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, but was upgraded to 175 hp and 195 lb-ft in 2000.

For most of its life, this Century was offered in Custom and Limited trim levels. Both came standard with six-passenger capacity, keyless entry, full power accessories and dual-zone climate control. Items like cruise control, leather upholstery, a sunroof and a power driver seat were early options on both trim levels, and later became standard on the Limited in the 2000s. To commemorate the turn of the actual century, Buick offered a Special Edition package that included a monochrome exterior and special badges.

In terms of safety, items like antilock brakes, traction control, a tire-pressure monitor, front side airbags, OnStar and an integrated child safety seat switched from being standard, optional and not available at various points through the Century's nine-year run. Make sure to examine a used example carefully to be certain that it has the safety equipment you are looking for.

A used Buick Century from this generation is a comfortable car with a very good reliability record, but it has a floaty suspension, unresponsive handling and so-so brakes. In general, most other midsize sedans are a better choice. Even related GM vehicles from Oldsmobile and Pontiac provide better driving dynamics.

Past Buick Century models

The previous Buick Century was made from 1982-'96, with a significant midlife refreshening in 1989. This was an extremely successful car, selling more than 2 million units during its lifespan. It was available in sedan, wagon and coupe body styles, the latter of which was dropped after 1993. Trim levels included Custom, Limited and Special, depending on body style and year. The sedan and coupe were capable of seating six, while the wagon had optional eight-seat capacity with a rear-facing and foldable third-row bench. The wagon could also be had with a forever-classy exterior wood grain vinyl appliqué.

By the time the 1990s rolled around, the Century's standard engine was a 2.5-liter inline-4 making 110 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. Although horsepower didn't change, the base engine was replaced in 1992 with a 2.2-liter unit that actually lost 5 lb-ft of torque. It was later upgraded to 120 hp in 1994. Most Centurys had the optional V6 that made 160 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. (This engine was standard on the 1996 wagon.) A three-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a four-speed auto optional. A driver airbag and antilock brakes were added as standard equipment in 1994.

So what do we think of this generation of Buick Century? Well, pretty much the same as we did in its final year. "In many states, this design is just a decade away from antique car status. Buick's aging Century has been in production since 1982 and looks like it. Regular updates have barely kept it competitive, and the Century is definitely ready for the crusher. It's slotted smack in the middle of the average American's budget; however, we'd rather spend our money on something whose expiration date wasn't rapidly approaching." More than a decade later, that's still dead-on -- although no state has recognized the Century as an antique car. We can't be right every time.

User Reviews:

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  Thoughts on Century - 2005 Buick Century
  By George Smith - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Car is too light, and suspension system is poor, resulting in disappointing riding quality. The tires must be poor quality, because when taking curves on a road which is slightly crowned, the car feels as though it is about to roll over instead of tires, perhaps design has poor weight distribution. It is necessary to slow down significantly to feel safe, and I dont mean slowing down from 70 to 55, but rather from 45 to 30 for example.

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  Solid Car - Needs Fashion Revamp - 2002 Buick Century
  By whiz - July 6 - 2:00 am

  First-time Buick owner, a rental car purchased from used car dealer with 27000 miles. Its been reliable starting in all weather especially in winters worse. Before 36000 warranty expired, I had local Buick dealer do an overall check up. They replaced parts to correct brake problems. Brakes have squealed and continue to do so at random times when first engaged - does not affect performance.

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  Good car to own. - 1998 Buick Century
  By wmmickulas - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Buick Century is a proven, reliable car that has given me 5 years of service and is still going without any problems.

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  Comfortable car - 2004 Buick Century
  By chris34534 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i am a 21 year old and i own a 2004 BUICK CENTURY . people often ask me why i didnt get a sport car like other 21 year olds have. well i love the centurys RIDE, its so smooth, i never get tired of driving it , I like to say "once you go buick, you never go back" and thats true. my friends who have seen it love its ride and decent preformance. but believe me on the highway if you want to pass , it has enough power to pick up and go. I RECOMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A NICE SMOOTH RIDE, FOR LESS MONEY THEN OTHER HIGH-PRICED LUXURY CARS.

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  Good Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Buicklover - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Has been in the family since it was new. A good reliable 4 cylinder car. My mother loved it and my wife still does. Although it will do long trips, the 4 cylinder is a around town car. Some small repairs expectat at 120k miles, nothing major. Not comfortable for my 6 foot frame but great for my wife at 5 feet. Good gas mileage.

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  Decent Daily Commuter - 2001 Buick Century
  By Daryle - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Acquired at 1 year old and 9K miles on it. Ride quality, steering, power, and comfort have all been more than adequate and often pleasurable. Nice base features, all around a nice car. Been in twice for warranty work - rear tail light assembly and right rear power window motor. Although inconvenient, the servicing dealership was superb in every way. I am somewhat nervous as my warranty expiration is approaching. So Far - So good. No significant complaints. But I dont have any experience with these cars at 3 years plus.

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  I miss my Buick - 1994 Buick Century
  By KARed - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1997 with 55k miles on it. It was my first car. It was one of the most reliable cars Id ever had. Up until it was killed, Id only had minor repair work done that included: muffler (it had a hole), transmission lines, hoses, maf sensor, 02 sensor, alternator, battery, and fuel pump. It was killed in a vicious rear-end wreck. There were other minor problems such as one of the window motors needed replacing and the left blinker started giving me some problems, but it never gave me any major engine or tranny problems. But at over a 150k miles, some minor issues are expected. I mourn my car still.

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  Reliable, Comfortable and Economical - 2001 Buick Century
  By tomodell - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new three years ago and I am very pleased. Nothing has gone wrong. I especially enjoy the bench seats - I can seat six people in a car that is not really that big. I get 31 mpg on the highway - incredable for a mid-size car. The only improvement I would make would be a little more power. I wish it came with the 3.8 litre engine instead of the 3.1

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  Buick Century - 1999 Buick Century
  By Hallee - January 22 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems for over 3 years. Puchased new.

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  Alot of car for the money - 1998 Buick Century
  By MYBUICK - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This Buick is the most trouble free car Ive ever owned. I purchased it new in 98 and sold it Oct. 03. Not because there was any major problem because my wife wanted another car. It has a nice ride is quiet and has very good acceleration. The only problem I had was with the heater fan switch. It wouldnt work in the first position. $100 to replace The only thing I would suggest is a somewhat firmer suspension to improve the handling.