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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Selling - wont miss it a minute - 2004 Buick Century
By George - September 10 - 5:23 pmWhen I purchased this car, I thought "its a Buick - how can I go wrong?". Let me count the ways! Every time I get out of the car, I get a severe static shock. I have to touch my keys to the door frame to avoid it. My wife has gotten shocked enough times that she insists we take her car on trips. Getting out also requires a manouver similar to getting out of a bean-bag chair, because the seats are so low to the ground. Finally the car is so boring! I bought a silver car with gray interior. Everything is gray! Its like being in a black and white movie
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Our backup car - 1995 Buick Century
By unclehal - September 6 - 8:02 pmHave only 31000 on this car...but find it very valuable...especially these days. Gas prices..this car never runs out of gas...not sure of the exact mileage..but its great. Easy to drive and easy to get in and out of for my older relatives. Nothing flashy..but if you are looking for a good priced used car, I recommend this one
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My Lemon - 1996 Buick Century
By Century Special - September 2 - 11:52 amSince the day I bought the car brand new, Ive had problems with it. The dealership did nothing but blame it on my tires. It has front end shimmy so bad, I cant keep tires on it. The window motor failed. The door lock broke. The intermitent windshield wipers were just that...intermitent. They worked when the felt like it. The heater died. The brakes had to be continually replaced. I have not one good thing to say about this car. Dont buy this car.
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Great, dependable car - 1998 Buick Century
By Karen J - August 25 - 2:18 amIf you are looking for an economical, dependable, comfortable sedan, this is the one. The ride of a luxury car yet the price of an economy car.
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2003 Buick Century - 2003 Buick Century
By JT - August 16 - 3:14 amThe engine is powerful enough to provide good acceleration from a standing start and when passing or merging into traffic. Basic trim and accesories no frills. Seat adjustments make it easy to get comfortable. Stereo passable. Instrument cluster very functional. Handling OK for a large car, but on very windy roads, its work to drive. Easy in and out, both front and back.
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Outstanding Car - 2005 Buick Century
By Jeff Everman - August 13 - 10:13 pmThis vehicle is one of the very best cars that I have purchased and I highly recommend it to anyone!
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Boring - 2001 Buick Century
By MZ - August 11 - 12:58 amI have driven this car very softly and I guess it paid off for not having any problems with the car. It is now 91,000 miles on that thing. But I tell you what. it is such a boring drive, so I wanna trade it in ever single time I finish driving it. I feel the vechile is hung a little too high. but its a good car just for seating for adults.
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This is a good car - 2001 Buick Century
By Banana Soup - August 5 - 11:12 pmThis is a great car. I have 80k on it and not one problem. This car has a soft ride and comfortable interiors. I am selling this car to a family member to purchase my next card. Great used car.
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Underestimated car - 1998 Buick Century
By Maryann - August 5 - 10:24 amThis is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. The only things that have ever needed fixing were: 1) a cup holder, 2) a flat tire, 3) refrigerant added. Thats some recommendation, dont you agree?
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Very Good Car - 1998 Buick Century
By lyrical - August 4 - 1:14 pmHave not had one problem with this car. If you are long legged, this car is not for you, otherwise perfect car for ride and looks.
