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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Great Car for the $ - 2003 Buick Century
By J Jones - September 22 - 2:00 amI was skeptical about going back to an American car,but I am very pleased with the Century. The quality of this car is excellent.
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Around Town Bargain - 2002 Buick Century
By alphaville - September 19 - 2:00 amI purchased a used 2003 Century for my Mom and she loves it. Ive read many reviews on this car over the years and have rented one on several occasions. I feel that no other domestic manufacturer comes close to the Century for mid-size quality, elegance, and features. As long as youre willing to consider an American alternative to the Camrys and Accords, this car is an amazing bargain. For the price of a used Civic or Corolla, you can get a used Century of comparable quality thats a lot bigger and has more features. For great looks and quality, this car leaves the Ford Taurus and Dodge Stratus in the dust.
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Transmission bad at 69,000 miles - 2001 Buick Century
By LeValley Buyer - September 15 - 2:00 amTransmission had to be replaced at 69,000 miles. Buick does not stand behind their product. I will never purchase or suggest anyone else purchase a Buick and it used to be the car of my dreams!
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Excellent car for the money! - 2003 Buick Century
By michelemejia - September 13 - 2:00 amWe wanted a car that drove like a Lincoln, but didnt cost a ton of money and this car is a dream to drive. Plenty of leg room. Love the passenger/driver comfort controls. Car has been excellent on gas mileage and is driven over 200 miles per day. I would purchase another one in the future.
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Satisfied - 2003 Buick Century
By Instructor - September 11 - 2:00 amI like the car and it has pretty good gas mileage. Nothing fancy but good reliability.
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Im in love with with the deal of the CENTURY - 2003 Buick Century
By Mary Stout - September 6 - 7:43 amIn 2015 I was in desperate need of a car for my 2 teenage daughters I found 2003 Buick century for $1500 some how it became my work car....this car has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned and Im a expert on USED cars in the time Ive owed this car the only maintenance Ive done is the normal oil changes and new tires thats it it gets the best gas mileage ever at 37 mpg.and I would definitely buy another Buick Century
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bad ride --bad suspention - 2003 Buick Century
By William Sharp - September 6 - 2:00 amI will never buy a Centry again.The rough ride is the worst part.The dealership replaced the struts and gave me a new set of tires to see if this would help the ride.This did not help at all.Dont wast your money on a Centry,it dont ride like the other Buicks.
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real cherry - 1990 Buick Century
By greek - September 4 - 2:00 ambought this from original owner to make an upgrade on 2000 dodge caravan without spending much to boot.
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Why didnt I buy one years ago? - 2000 Buick Century
By Omguada - September 4 - 2:00 amThis is my first GM product, and I have been driving for over 25 years. I wish I would have known about the Buick years ago. This reliable, solid vehicle has very good gas mileage for a luxury-feeling sedan. There is ample leg room in front, although it could use a little more legroom in the back. For the money, I dont think there is a company out there that can beat this vehicle.
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good value - 2002 Buick Century
By Willem - September 3 - 2:00 amIm 32 and I dont have to prove anybody anything so this car drives as a limo, nice handeling love the steering light but direct, perfect American suspension, big trunk but a little to small in the rear bench. great vehicle
