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:

• 

  ONE GOOD BUICK - 2002 Buick Century
  By billyboykeyser - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NOW OWNED THIS CAR FOR ONE YEAR AND STILL LOVE IT LIKE THE DAY I GOT IT... THE CAR DRIVES SO WELL AND LOOKS LIKE NEW... I LOVE THIS CAR AND WILL STAY WITH BUICK FOR MANY YEARS TO COME..

• 

  Been fine with me - 2003 Buick Century
  By Burke1 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Century from same dealer. smoothness and trans noise improved from my 98. Actually I like one model with option custom or limited to select from. Seat lumbar improved since I have a lower back problem. Price is Ok will do it again.

• 

  good solid car - 1994 Buick Century
  By meandyoumom - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 1994 century and i love it.

• 

  1994 Buick Century Wagon - 1994 Buick Century
  By deville70 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this wagon at 75,000 miles, now has 104,000. Recently replaced alternator ($300) and fuel pump/fuel pump relay and related fuel supply items ($500). No other major problems. Quiet smooth ride. 3.1 V6 is healthy but not powerful. Power windows, locks, tilt steering, w/fold up seat in rear can seat 5 adults and 3 kids. Who needs van/SUV. 18/26 mpg

• 

  Nice car for the price - 2002 Buick Century
  By to44199 - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Quite and smooth ride. Acceleration and mileage are a good tradeoff. Turning and handling not as good as BMW or Audi but for half the price I can live with that.

• 

  bad transmission - 2001 Buick Century
  By mike schmidt - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went bad at 43000 miles called dealer and told them and told me "tough luck, I should of bought the extended warranty. Now coasting me 2000 dollars for new transmission. I take very good care of the car. Will never buy GM product again or buy from GEIS motors in peekskill

• 

  Why you should buy a boring Buick... - 2001 Buick Century
  By MLW - June 4 - 2:00 am

  You may think this car is just for old folks. Well, its not. Im in my early 30s and was sold on this car after driving many different brands as rentals. For the price (under $20K) I got a great sedan with lots of standard features. It is the most comfortable car Ive driven for long hauls (500+ miles w/no leg soreness or neck stiffness at all). It is family friendly, very reliable, and looks good, too. Give it a chance... for the $ it is well worth it.

• 

  95 Buick Century - 1995 Buick Century
  By axthetax - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Well built interior, roomy, comfortable. Very UNreliable mechanically, transmission problems, compressor problems, blown head gasket, all at 75,000 miles. BEWARE.

• 

  Reliable car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Jack39 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car used with about 61,000 miles on it after searching for a vehicle that would have sufficient cargo room while driving like a car. We believe we got an excellent deal as it has been rock solid. Other than routine maintenance, our only repair costs were for a new muffler and alternator. The car has plenty of cargo room and a nice balance between power and gas mileage. Its increasingly difficult to find a mid-size wagon other than in the luxury range, so we plan to keep this one for 2-3 more years, at least as a second car.

• 

  good - 1997 Buick Century
  By Deborah Clarke - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Car is in excellent shape drives good dependable, and luxary. I would buy another buick, as a matter of fact Im thinking of the regal this time.