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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  My Buick Century - 2004 Buick Century
  By Vidman - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I actually Bought my Buick in sept. 2000. I have put 48000 miles a year on it and I have not had a day of trouble out of it. It has a great ride nas well as a terrific Car strereo. I financed for five years and it has one year before it is free and clear mine. I have never owned a better car. It gets better gas mileage than any other 6 cylinder car I have seen....even better than the Honda and toyotas.

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  The Bet -- - Would buy another - 2004 Buick Century
  By JeffP - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Just a great little car

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  Bang for your buck! - 2003 Buick Century
  By sparkyandme - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 1998 Ford Ranger in for this Buick! Reason was i travel 178 Mi to the VA in Atlanta. I needed somthing with a more comfortable ride! And with my Century i got it! I see alot of rentals complaining about things? I guess they never intented to buy? But so far i have NO complaints! I just got the vehicle and ill keep you posted on further results...

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  Century - 2002 Buick Century
  By falconbrother - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This was my company car for a while. I put a lot of miles on her. I was very impressed with the century. I would buy one in a skinny minute.

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  1996 buick century special great car - 1996 Buick Century
  By sorrel - January 6 - 2:00 am

  very dependable car smoothest ride imaginable for the money lots of convenient options amazing gas mileage- 30 mpg hwy !!!!

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  Best value for the buck - 2004 Buick Century
  By sudzy34 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the smoothest riding vehicle Ive ever owned. Very comfortable. Some reviews knock the cars acceleration and I do not understand this. I feel the pick up is fine but Im not a speedster.

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  3rd Century owned - 2002 Buick Century
  By D Miller19713 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd Century we have purchased. 1st one new. Put 186000 on a 1986 model and 160000 on 1992 model. Other than normal maintenance no major problems. Just love this car.

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  I love my Buick Century! - 2002 Buick Century
  By David J. Biviano - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Century (car, not my age!) becaue I found it to be the most comfortable road car I had ever owned. It is the right size, efficient, a great value. I like to say, when I am on my frequent long business trips, "it drives itself!" First I buy a drivers seat, then a car around it - this is it!

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  Echoes of Midnight Blue =) - 2004 Buick Century
  By Mara - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have is that there is a vibration with the wheels. Two dealerships have checked this out and have stated there was nothing wrong. I assume it is the engine vibration exaggerated by the light (doesnt feel like heavy metal) weight of the vehicle. Otherwise, it drives like my late dads Oldsmobiles-Yep! Even the feeling that the trani is slipping lol :)

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  I love my Buick - 2002 Buick Century
  By john boy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. It has not been in the shop for anything, other than oil changes every 4000 kilometers.