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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  A-bodies are terrific! - 1995 Buick Century
  By occupant1 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought this car new in mid- 1996 as a leftover 1995 model with 400 miles or so on it. The car has been all over the country with minor repairs over the last 8 years. The most annoying problem was the belt tensioner for the engine drivebelt. It broke three or four times but hasnt broken in the last 100K, so maybe its fixed right now. Drives like new, I should know, I took my license test in it at 2000 miles.

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  Could Of Been Better - 2004 Buick Century
  By Frank - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I thought this car might compare favorably with my last car: INTREPID 1998. SORRY IT DOES NOT. For the investment I will NOT buy this car again

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  Whatta Road Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By Shen-doe - December 4 - 2:00 am

  What a car for road trips. Set the climate control, stereo, cruise,then sit back and relax. A 17 gallon tank, and 30+mpg = great cruising range. Suspension is great... neither harsh, nor mushy. And youll never be tired after a day on the interstate. I LOVE this car.

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  Good vehicle - 2000 Buick Century
  By biloma - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I would buy another without a doubt. Not fancy, but comfortable and 33 to 37 MPG with air on. Great small vehicle

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  my first buick - 2003 Buick Century
  By richard meers - November 1 - 2:00 am

  had less than 200 miles on car when it broke down had it towed to dealer and the wrecker broke down with car dealer had car for 4 days was repaired dealer said it was a sensor on crank shaft i dont know about that

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  Real nice car. - 2003 Buick Century
  By rustangracer - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife but some how Ive been driving it more than her. I wasnt crazy about it at first but it was the most car we could get for the money. Its looks are just so so but what really bugs me is that I cant go to town without seeing at least three more Buicks just likt it. Maybe Ill add a strip or something. One thing that I love is that I get 27mpg around town.

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  Buick Century - 2004 Buick Century
  By Johnboy123 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. Excellent value.

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  My new 2004 Company car - 2004 Buick Century
  By trent101 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. My company pays for the gas but the car seems to get descent gas milage. Very comfortable. I also have a 2003 Mercedes C320 so I know. I would have liked to have the option to get the satalite radio installed for comercial free music while driving. Overall I am very happy with this car. Bravo Buick!

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  The Price is Right!! And So Is The Car.. - 2003 Buick Century
  By Jonathan Voye - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently had a son and wanted something practical for him and my fiance. This car gives you alot for what you pay for. With the Rebates , I Paid about 5000 less than the sticker with 500 down. Great Ride, Nice Powerful engine, and it is a great looking car. To those of you who have not looked at Buick for your families auto needs, Look again. Its everything You need , plus it rates high in all the safety ratings. Good Car, Good Price and Lots of Quality. I grew up on Buicks,its all my father bought...He was A Buick Man...And now, so am I.

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  Around Town Bargain - 2002 Buick Century
  By alphaville - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used 2003 Century for my Mom and she loves it. Ive read many reviews on this car over the years and have rented one on several occasions. I feel that no other domestic manufacturer comes close to the Century for mid-size quality, elegance, and features. As long as youre willing to consider an American alternative to the Camrys and Accords, this car is an amazing bargain. For the price of a used Civic or Corolla, you can get a used Century of comparable quality thats a lot bigger and has more features. For great looks and quality, this car leaves the Ford Taurus and Dodge Stratus in the dust.