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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  its not my fathers car anymore - 2003 Buick Century
  By golfnut - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Century I have purchased..I got the 1997 Limited and enjoyed it so much, I just got a 2003. Hands down, you get your moneys worth out of the vehicle. It is not the same Buick my father had in the 60s. This car if for every age. If you want to "sport it up" get the Regal. Large trunk, great visiability, great power for a small v-6. I drive 100 mile round trip to work and you cant ask for a better American Made Car.

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  Buick Century - 1993 Buick Century
  By tool879 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This has been a solid and reliable car for the past 2 years. No major problems. I broke the Turn Signal switch once and that was a pain to get repaired. I also just recently had the O2 sensor become disconnected which caused me to get it towed. I didnt know what was wrong, but took my mechanic less than a minute to fix. Other than that its just been the usual maint. with the car.

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  inherited from wife - 2000 Buick Century
  By arrjr - May 11 - 2:00 am

  i inherited this car from my wife when i bought her a new trailblazer. she bought this car in 10/2000, and put about 28000 miles a year on it. the car is still comfortable and reliable. agree with the stodgey image comments, but its a lot newer than what i was driving (1978 GMC Caballero)

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  Why bother to replace it? - 1998 Buick Century
  By Brooklyn teacher - May 10 - 2:00 am

  First new car that I, not my husband, have purchased. Best car our family has ever owned: worry free, GREAT mileage, great acceleration for a non- sports car. Only now, after five years have we needed to repair/replace anything: tires, serpentine belt. Since you cant easily tell a 98 from a 2003, why would anyone want/need to buy a newer version. Kudos to GM.

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  O.K. Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Pat069 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my grandmother and it was okay at first, a basic, bland Hertz Rent-A-car. But Im glad i got rid of it at the 100,000 mile mark cuz the tranny was going

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  Great Buy - 2003 Buick Century
  By rickk - April 16 - 2:00 am

  In a few short weks I have found my return to American made cars to be a pleasure. I find it more comfortable than my Accord or Maxima. The test drive was equivalent to the Camry I was considering. Pound for pound the Century is thebuy of the century.

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  GOOD CAR - 1992 Buick Century
  By SLACKER - April 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR, JUST PASSED 177,000 AND STILL GOIN STRONG. IT HAS ONLY BROKE DOWN TWICE, COOLING FAN AND A SENSER, IT IS MY BACK UP CAR AND IT GETS THE JOB DONE

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  No I wouldnt really rather have a Buick - 1991 Buick Century
  By Donna6263 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought this car brand new in 91. While still under warranty(thank goodntess) they had to have 2or3 of the fuel injectors replaced and a fuel pump replaced twice.Sold bought it from my parents @68,000. Have had to replace 2 more fuel injectors, computer(twice), several sensors, TCC selenoid,(car will still stall or start bucking at low speeds for no reason)water pump(3 times).This car has always been serviced by the dealer it was bought from, maybe we just got the lemon!!

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  not a good first car - 1996 Buick Century
  By vash gulan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  as a teen you hate it. all your friends have nice cars while you are stuck with a 1996 buick century. it is like something your grandma should be driving. i did not like it i got bad gas mileage for a poor teenager. it had no pick up. had to upgrade everything.

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  Not too shabby - 1992 Buick Century
  By Jaya - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle, and its very comfortable. The problem is that I keep closing the door on the seatbelt which is attached to the doors. There is also no cupholders. Overall, its a great car. It drives smoothly, theres powerseat, and everything else is just fine. The car is roomy, and the trunk is very big.