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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  also a good teen car - 1995 Buick Century
  By teen_buick_driver - January 26 - 2:00 am

  this car in my opinion was the best value for my dollar, it was the best buy for only 4000, it was the newest with the less mileage of 97000, which to some may seem a lot, but i am hopeful it will last as long as my grandparents 92 did of 180000 miles, i love the acceleration, and comfort feel of it, i enjoy getting on freeways, all in all a great/excellent car

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  My Dream Car - 1995 Buick Century
  By lynda - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a used car in August of 1997 with 42000 miles on it, so they must have been mostly highway miles. It now has 85000 miles on it 5+ years later. It has been a very reliable car. I have replaced the battery, brakes, muffler, and exhaust. This car always starts quickly and has been kept in the garage during the time that I have owned it.

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  FOUR +YEARS OF USE - 1999 Buick Century
  By betty lou becker - January 10 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE AND SMOOTH RIDE VERY GOOD GAS MILAGE AS HIGH AS 33MPG ON THE HIGHWAY AND AS LOW AS 24MPG MIXED DRIVING CONDITIONS.CHOOSEN FOR ABILITY TO ACCOMDATE 6 PASSENGERS IN WHEN NEEDED THE CAR IS QUITE AND RESPONSIVE WHEN NEEDING EXTRA POWER

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  Best American-made Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By Centuryforlife - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I rented the Century for a multistate trip and found it to be excellent in every regard. The power was great, handling was adequate and the features were well appointed. Ive never driven in such a comfortable and smooth-riding car in my life! I recommended it highly to anyone considering a car purchase!

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  97 Lesabre - 1997 Buick Century
  By Bill - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable car. I have had no expence other than normal maintenance, gas, oil changes, tires. It gives a very comfortable ride, It keeps its appearance well. I plan to keep this car several more years. Power and performance is every good. Nice car for family or mature person. Probably would not appeal to teens.

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  BUICKS ARE THE BEST - 1998 Buick Century
  By AMERICAN MADE - December 4 - 2:00 am

  BUICK IS AN EXCELLENT MANUFACTURER OF AUTOMOBILES. I AM GLAD BUICK BUILT THE RENDEVOUS BECAUSE I WANT TO BUY AN SUV NEXT. I WILL ALWAYS BUY BUICK. THE RELIABILITY IS SECOND TO NONE. AND THE COST OF A BUICK IS LESS THAN ANY OTHER AUTOMOBILE IN COMPETITION. FOREIGN CARS ARE GOOD, BUICKS ARE BETTER!!!

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  Evaluation of the Buick Century 2002 - 2000 Buick Century
  By Ray Pinto - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is quiet and smooth. The seats are roomy and very comfortable. The seat adjustments are very good so you can drive comfortably. I find the heating system to be a little slow in warming up. I like the radio controls on the steering wheel so you dont have to take your eyes off the road. We took it on a 2000 mile trip and enjoyed the ride very much.

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  Great Car - 2003 Buick Century
  By Frank T. - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a realy nice car! I feel like I got my monies worth. I bought a 2002 limited edition. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The leather seats are comfortable. The car seems like it costs a few grand more than I paid for it. If Buick really tried to market this car to all ages, theyd do well.

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  Best vehicle I could ask for - 1995 Buick Century
  By originalgangsta - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This was my grandmothers car, then my mom took it from her, it became mine in 2000, Im the hardest driver on it but Ive put a few miles on already (55,000 25,000 mine). Keeps on going, only problems were due to my stupidity (125 for 8 miles bad for tranny). Price was right at free but I would buy same car if I totalled this one tomorrow. We were so impressed my mom bought a new rendevious cxl, another nice car.

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  Century Hits the Spot - 2003 Buick Century
  By KSGofGA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I rented an 02 Century while traveling. As I drove, I thought to myself that I could really get used to a vehicle like this. I traded in a 98 Grand Marquis and havent had a days regret. My Century is comfortable, quiet, smart. It handles predictably and surely. Theres plenty of room and support for big guys like me and plenty of trunk space too. Whatever the Buick people did to get this buggy going they ought to do again and again and again. We love this car. Occasionally, it even gets whistles from appreciative onlookers in spite of its generally non-sporty appearance. Its a terrific family sedan.