Buick Century Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.23/5 Average
415 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 331 through 340 of 415.00
  • 2002 Buick Century Custom - 2002 Buick Century
    By -

    Comfortable (Im 62"), smooth, quiet, and economical(25.6mpg.for in town driving). Good ergonomics and thoughtful electronics without excessive gimmicks and gadgets. An excellent car for todays real driving experience, i.e. stuck in traffic, stop- and-go, congested conditions, and interstate travel.

  • Limited 1995 Buick Century Review - 1995 Buick Century
    By -

    At of the 3 cars I have owned within the past 2 years, this by far has been the best. It hasnt had any major problems and has always started. the only problem I have had is I ran out of gas while drving down the road. Not that big of a problem, also I have a bad ground in the engine somewhere which Ive been meaning to get fixed but it doesnt really affect the performance of the car that much. So on a scale of 1-10 I would rate this car a 9. If you are looking for affordable luxury, youll love this car.

  • comfort-finally had to break down - 2003 Buick Century
    By -

    After renting a few of these on trips I decided I had to have the comfort of a big car but not at a big price. After researching the Century I was impressed with the bang one gets for the buck. It rides like a dream and my 24 mpg in the city [combined driving] is very impressive. Yes, its not very modern looking but Im already fantisizing about a LeSabre!

  • Dannys review of an overated car - 2000 Buick Century
    By -

    Well, I have 44000 miles and my transmission I believe needs to be replaced. My power motor window is ready to poop out. I replaced a tie rod end already....My wiper blade stopped in the middle of the window so I had to have that replaced. The cars motor sounds like a coffee pot purking in the morning. Very noisy. The glove compartment has no room to speak of. The head rest is to high and restricts my view. Car is terrible over the bumps. New tired helped a lot. The radio reception is just terrible.

  • Decent - 1999 Buick Century
    By -

    Have had very few problems with the car which include a failed front pass. side wheel bearing which was about $500 to fix but other than that its been a good buy at around 7 grand. Gas mileage has been ok at about 25 highway but 13 or so around town and since i only have a 2 mile commute that kinda hurts but the car isnt even warmed up yet by the time i pull into work so i cant complain much.

  • the perfect vehicle - 1997 Buick Century
    By -

    it just feels like heaven.......sort of speak.

  • Great car!! - 2000 Buick Century
    By -

    This Buick Century is the best car I have driven in my 38 years of driving. It is excellent on long trips and gives great gas mileage, and I have not had any problems with it.

  • so far so good - 2002 Buick Century
    By -

    ITS a nice car for the price,a little plain jane on the outside,but drives well and is very quite.

  • also a good teen car - 1995 Buick Century
    By -

    this car in my opinion was the best value for my dollar, it was the best buy for only 4000, it was the newest with the less mileage of 97000, which to some may seem a lot, but i am hopeful it will last as long as my grandparents 92 did of 180000 miles, i love the acceleration, and comfort feel of it, i enjoy getting on freeways, all in all a great/excellent car

  • My Dream Car - 1995 Buick Century
    By -

    I bought this car as a used car in August of 1997 with 42000 miles on it, so they must have been mostly highway miles. It now has 85000 miles on it 5+ years later. It has been a very reliable car. I have replaced the battery, brakes, muffler, and exhaust. This car always starts quickly and has been kept in the garage during the time that I have owned it.

Buick Century Reviews By Year:
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