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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  Best- value car! - 2001 Buick Century
  By pembo - January 11 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this Century two years ago and have enjoyed it as the best-value car I have had in 20 years for what I paid for. CD, ABS, and many features are standard. It rides comfortably and can sit 6 people with a large trunk. I recommend it to my friend, and he bought another one and still enjoys it!

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  Best used car I have ever bought. - 1996 Buick Century
  By Beatle412 - January 9 - 8:26 pm

  Works fine, had very low mileage when I purchased it and it has never left me stranded. I have had to replace a few routine things on the car, as with any car. I do notice a tendedncy for the 3.1 to have excessive noise. I was told that this is due to some of the rod lenth being off by thousandths of a second.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Buick Century
  By Vitoria Ferraro - January 9 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months short of 5 years, and Im extremely happy with it. The best vehicle Ive had ever.

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  Great Car! - 1994 Buick Century
  By MountainGal - January 7 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car as a second vehicle to get me back and forth to college each day since I am going back to school. I love the car! I find it more fun to drive than my 2002 PT Cruiser and I find it very quick! It moves when I need it to move, thats for sure. Ive left quick a few trucks and Jeeps behind which refused to let me out onto the interstate or refused to let me go over into the other lane when I needed to. Granted, it is not a road rocket but it is very quick as well as impressive for its age. I like it! I may keep it and sell the Cruiser. :)

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  Excellent Quality & Reliable Buick - 2005 Buick Century
  By laban1719 - January 7 - 2:57 pm

  I drive this car to work and feel confident in its reliability and safety. It has been an excellent value and rides smoothly with quick acceleration. Way to go GM! I recommend this car to everyone looking for a dependable and affordable used car.

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  Current Owner Review - 2001 Buick Century
  By Eugene Smothermon - December 30 - 8:50 pm

  Drives good. Has had to have above average maintence,of braking system, and service warning light system {Example: Service Engine Soon Light,Warning etc.] Some unacounted road noise, from rear of vehicle.

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  Nice Solid Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By MAZZ - November 17 - 11:57 am

  Bought this car for my son. He loves it. Nice ride, smooth, handling is great. He was lucky to get a 4 cylinder with gas prices the way there are. Great on gas. If you can find one, buy it. Safe for young and old. Solid....

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  Real Nice Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By MTHOODJOHN - October 8 - 2:01 pm

  I am really happy with my Buick Century Custom, for a mid-size luxury car, I dont think it can be beaten.

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  Wagons Rule - 1996 Buick Century
  By angela - September 30 - 5:36 pm

  Engine blew around 66k when oil gasket leaked and let a cyl go dry. 3.1L has lots of power, but a spotty reliability history, some really good, some really bad. watch out for intake manifold gaskets that will let oil and water mix to blow engine.

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  Transmission - 2001 Buick Century
  By jib - September 23 - 11:14 am

  I traded in a Buick Regal, which I had really no problems with for 100K+ miles to purchase a uses Century with 20K miles. By 26K miles it started slipping and took it in for service. Replaced some sort of pressure valve, which did nothing. Had it back in 3 more times before it finally died on my wife and had to be towed in. Overhauled the transmission…still not operating right. Took it back in for the 5th time last week and will be returning it for the 6th time next week. I imagine the transmission will eventually just need to be replaced completely as it does not appear as thought they have a clue as to what is causing the problem. On the upside, I did not purchase the extended warranty