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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  1993 Buick Century - 1993 Buick Century
  By Beegee - December 4 - 7:26 pm

  This car was great for the first 50,000 miles but after that, it seemed to require a great deal of expensive repairs. Too bad, as its a comfortable, heavy-duty vehicle.

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  salesman - 2005 Buick Century
  By romo)69 - November 13 - 2:24 pm

  Best car around for the money, you cant find a better value at this price. The car will outlast its competitors.

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  Hints for improvement - 2005 Buick Century
  By QRM - November 13 - 11:05 am

  I like the car in general. I most specifically do not like the lights- on/lights-off games, however. I am not senile. I want to turn the headlights on when I want them on, and off when I want them off. I want the interior lights on if and only if I open a door, or if I turn them on. At least, let these features be programmable.

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  Lots of car for the price bought 03/05 - 2005 Buick Century
  By baveux - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my commuting car. 95% of highway miles. Very comfortable, quiet, good on gas and very reliable.

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  Good Quality - 2005 Buick Century
  By peepska - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Not the most fun, nor most exciting, nor hottest, but a very good all-around vehicle. Dependable.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2005 Buick Century
  By Alan1 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Well, I had reserved a compact car to drive to Yellowstone from Saltlake city, but they ran out and gave me this Buick to my big innitial disappointment. I wanted a small gas efficient car for my trip. My best friend got a Ford Focus at the same time. Well, we took out the cars and hit the road at night, inside the Buick looked almost exactly like my Dads old 1984 Cutlas Supreme. The ride was cushy, very quiet and the car felt somewhat underpowered. We drove 150 miles, and the next morning we pulled up to a gas station. To my utter surprise, the Century needed 2 dollars less than the Focus to refill the tank.

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  98 Buick Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By Jeanette5241 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my second Buick Century and have enjoyed a very easy to drive, comfortable (Mny folks ask "what kind of car is this"after theyve been riding in it awhile because they notice how comfortable it is to ride in.) My Dad drives this as the "errands" care and my 15 year old neice has just started to learn on it -- she prefers it over our mini-van for ease of driving. Very solid and dependable.

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  Overall satisfied - 2005 Buick Century
  By Thm. - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Great all around vehicle, not happy about city gas mileage.

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  great car - 2001 Buick Century
  By vferraro - August 30 - 2:00 am

  No problems with vehicle whatsoever. I drive mostly on surface streets, which tends to be harder on any vehicle, and this car has been outstanding. Would not think twice about buying another.

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  review - 1990 Buick Century
  By dd013943 - August 24 - 2:00 am

  great car that i have had for a while. rust was a factor--but the seats were comfortable.