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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  Iriss - 1997 Buick Century
  By Iris Flower - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been reliable. No problem starting, no stalling. Rides comfortably on rough roads. Has ABS that work well in inclement weather. Automatic lights at dark are convenient and the daylight running lights are a safety factor. Instrumentation is convenient. Trunk is roomy and has a net to hold small items.

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  Good rental car - 1996 Buick Century
  By Bill H. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as one year old prior rental, good second car with good gas mileage of 29 mpg. Above average fit and finish and overall reliability. Good basic 4- door car despite aging design. Engine 3.1L at 103k miles still not burning or leaking oil, which is saying a lot for an American make car. Transmission still smooth. Easy to change own oil. Drawback is suspension very soft, and turning radius too wide for size of car.

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  Overdrive and Cup Holders - 1992 Buick Century
  By Columbo - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car in general. Most everything works and feels right. My only knock against them(or at least the one I have) is the fact that there is absolutely no engine braking whatesoever, and if I drive it on Drive instead of Overdrive, it give a jerking motion everytime I give it gas or release the gas pedal. Overdrive really bad on winter roads And the fact that it does not come with cup holders or any options as to where one could be installed. May sound petty but is very much a nescessity Gas mileage is great, comfort is great, controls are great, mechanicly great.

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  Good Little Boring Car - 1999 Buick Century
  By BMAN - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great buy for someone who wants comfortable, cheap transportation. The amount of things you get on this car for the price is great. The 3.1L V6 is both powerful in the low rev range and gets good gas mileage. This is an old GM motor which has proven to be very reliable if a bit noisy. The styling is very boring on the outside but simple and well placed on the inside. Build quality is lacking as the body panels have big gaps and part of the ceiling has come down in the rear. The trunk and the interior are both spacious and comfy. Ride quality is pillowy soft but the tires are of very bad quality and make a lot of noise.

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  Bought new, great car! - 1998 Buick Century
  By BobO - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Very, very comfortable seats, smooth ride. Great on long trips. Only problem so far, after 4 yrs/30,000 mi. -- after two years the comfort control display began to fade - replaced under warranty. Would certainly consider buying again.

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  Can Consumer Reports Really Review ?? - 1992 Buick Century
  By v946916 - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Consumer reports would have had me buy a Ford Taurus. I recently rented a 2002 Taurus that I would not trade for my Buick with 105000 mile on it. After upgrading the tires to 75X195, the car handles very well. The transmission is smooth, comfortable ride,Much better than my a 95 Caprice Classic. I bought with 7000 miles on it in 95. It has seen over 25 trips from upstate ny to Cape Cod, and 7 years of small children in the back seat. The interior looks new, and its still a very comforable car. If you are looking at a ford taurus, check out the buick century, unless you enjoy jerking transmissions and trips to the dealer.

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  Buick Century - very good but some probl - 1999 Buick Century
  By rtibbits - May 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is generally very good. It did have a water leak in the intake manifold just before the 36000 mile warrantee. The brake pedal has to be lubricated a lot or it sqeeks. The door molding moves and causes the doors to stick, had fixed twice. If you have dew on the side windows rolling them down and up does nothing, have to wipe them.

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  Would buy again. - 1998 Buick Century
  By Fairwind - May 10 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car new and have been very pleased with it. I would consider it again. It is very comfortable for long trips and easy to drive in town. The moon roof should be standard on all Buicks, such a nice feature.

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  My Car - 1996 Buick Century
  By Yaakapo - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I like to drive the car. I sit up fairly high and do not need a cushion.

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  1998 Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By Jeff Nade - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The strong points of the car are reliability and a soft comfortable ride, which are the two reasons why I bought the car. Vehicle tends to bounce when going over bumps. Handling is soft and not precise.