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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  Avoid this car - 1994 Buick Century
  By slittle - June 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was in the shop a lot. In the time we owned it, we spent $2,400 on repairs. We replaced the starter, the alternator, the radiator, and the list goes on and on. It only had 76,577 miles on it when we bought it. It fell apart soon after.

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  great mid-size sedan for young family - 1997 Buick Century
  By Mike U - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Been great, despite perception of "old mans car". Havent had any mechanical/electrical problems at all. Comfortable ride & front seating. Back seating (knee room) can be tight for adults/larger teenagers (it is a mid- size, not full-size, sedan). Good in snow. Handling is fine for everyday driving. Test drove Nissan Altima same day and there was a big difference going around curves in favor of the Nissan. Century had more rear headroom, softer seats.

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  Great all around car - 2001 Buick Century
  By billk - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great all around car. Fuel economy 20 - 22 in town, 30 - 34 on trips. Adequate power. Runs at high speeds effortlessly. A lot of interior room and trunk space. Good ride and handling, good visability. No problems to date, absolutely reliable We bought it new for just under $ 20,000, very well equiped. A really good car for the money.

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  Good car to own. - 1998 Buick Century
  By wmmickulas - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Buick Century is a proven, reliable car that has given me 5 years of service and is still going without any problems.

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick Century
  By Westphal - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2004 Century only recently, but like it a lot. It continues my great experience with Buicks. This 2004 Century replace a 1992 Century which I also enjoyed a lot. I also own a 2002 Buick LeSabre which replaced a 1990 Buick LeSabre, which had replaced a 1980 Buick Regal. Buicks have very good quality, few problems and last long.

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  A Real Trooper - 1990 Buick Century
  By Davis - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I now have 256,000+ miles on my Century. It still has the original engine/transmission. This car is very solid and dependable.The last trip I made I got 30.2 MPG. I get about 20-22 around town. Change the oil regularly too. A Buick dealer could not believe the mileage on the car and that this was the original engine. I told him that that is exactly what is wrong with the American attitude- as he was shocked that the car could last so long, and be in the shape that it is.Would he be shocked if it was a Honda, BMW, etc? Probably not.It looks like a fairly old car, but the body integrity is solid, with no dings, dents. All in all a wonderful car.

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  Hail to the Buick - 2004 Buick Century
  By mandus - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever seen for sitting comfort and a smooth bump free ride.

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  Upshur County - 2004 Buick Century
  By Aldaddy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in April 2004. Drive 280 miles a day 3 days a week plus weekend short trips here and there. Gas mileage thus far has been excellent with 30 to 31 mpg on the highway which is most of my driving time. Comfortable, peppy when needed 3.1, 6cyl. Quiet and smooth ride. Easy to read and maneuver controls and dials.

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  Comfortable car - 2004 Buick Century
  By chris34534 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i am a 21 year old and i own a 2004 BUICK CENTURY . people often ask me why i didnt get a sport car like other 21 year olds have. well i love the centurys RIDE, its so smooth, i never get tired of driving it , I like to say "once you go buick, you never go back" and thats true. my friends who have seen it love its ride and decent preformance. but believe me on the highway if you want to pass , it has enough power to pick up and go. I RECOMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A NICE SMOOTH RIDE, FOR LESS MONEY THEN OTHER HIGH-PRICED LUXURY CARS.

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  Good Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Buicklover - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Has been in the family since it was new. A good reliable 4 cylinder car. My mother loved it and my wife still does. Although it will do long trips, the 4 cylinder is a around town car. Some small repairs expectat at 120k miles, nothing major. Not comfortable for my 6 foot frame but great for my wife at 5 feet. Good gas mileage.