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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  Satisfied - 2003 Buick Century
  By Instructor - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I like the car and it has pretty good gas mileage. Nothing fancy but good reliability.

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  Why didnt I buy one years ago? - 2000 Buick Century
  By Omguada - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first GM product, and I have been driving for over 25 years. I wish I would have known about the Buick years ago. This reliable, solid vehicle has very good gas mileage for a luxury-feeling sedan. There is ample leg room in front, although it could use a little more legroom in the back. For the money, I dont think there is a company out there that can beat this vehicle.

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  Great Buick Century - 1991 Buick Century
  By jimbos54 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1996 with 51000 miles on it. During the 7 years that I have owned this car there has been very few problems with it. The only major problem was the AC compressor went out at about 85,000 miles. There have been only minor things like the fan motor and has the power steering pump replaced at 90,000 miles. However, outside of that there has been only routine upkeep and maintaince done. This car still has great power when needed from the 3.3L 6 cylinder even after 113,000 miles.

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  never had a buick - 1990 Buick Century
  By mark11112 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  hey i just pick up for 2 grand. it has the 3.3 motor in, boy buick did a good job, plus i bought off and old guy, the paint still good plus the car only has 69000. even the a\c work, the only thing i did was put new tires on it. see you on the highway( if u can keep up!!

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  a great deal - 1999 Buick Century
  By metsfan - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car almost a year and had no problems. Very comfortable on long trips. Doesnt handle like a sports car, but thats okay. Added bonus: insurance is cheap because this is one of the least stolen cars.

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  Nice vehicle - 2003 Buick Century
  By lngtherapy - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 dealers demo for $13,000, and it had 11,000 miles on the odometer. You cant get a Toyota Corrolla for that deal, not to mention its allot less of a car than the Buick. I know I owned one. The ride and the comfort speak for themselves, I would by another one in a heartbeat.

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  2003 buick centruy - 2003 Buick Century
  By Jan Spidle - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We like the vehicle it has been a long time since we drove a sedan so have had a little trouble getting use to it. We would purchase it again. It rides nice and so far no trouble with it. We only have 4,000 miles on it.

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  good solid car - 1994 Buick Century
  By meandyoumom - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 1994 century and i love it.

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  1994 Buick Century Wagon - 1994 Buick Century
  By deville70 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this wagon at 75,000 miles, now has 104,000. Recently replaced alternator ($300) and fuel pump/fuel pump relay and related fuel supply items ($500). No other major problems. Quiet smooth ride. 3.1 V6 is healthy but not powerful. Power windows, locks, tilt steering, w/fold up seat in rear can seat 5 adults and 3 kids. Who needs van/SUV. 18/26 mpg

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  good - 1997 Buick Century
  By Deborah Clarke - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Car is in excellent shape drives good dependable, and luxary. I would buy another buick, as a matter of fact Im thinking of the regal this time.