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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  AWESOME - 2002 Buick Century
  By PALOS VERDES - September 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR!THIS IS WHAT I CALL AFFORDABLE LUXYRY!

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  Bought Car at 8,000 miles - 1995 Buick Century
  By Dave Lavender - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We have had a 1990 Buick Century and looked for this 1995 five years ago. It has disappointed us in noise. The engine is noisy, much more than our 1990 model. Wind noise is really bad on the highway. Radiator had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. It is difficult to park due to not being able to see the front fenders well enough. The turning radius is very poor. This will be our last Buick after the disappointing things we have had. Local Buick dealer has not been honest and this is one factor I wontolerate.

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  Not a Bad Car For $1800 CDN - 1990 Buick Century
  By Eekem - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good shape, considering its 13 years old. Still has a smooth ride, but the exterior is getting shabby. The paint is faded and peeling, mostly cosmetic flaws in the body. All in all, its a good car for $1800.

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  Great Car - 1997 Buick Century
  By tpalya - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Quiet and comfortable, we bought this car used and have been happy ever since. Replacing factory tires with Goodyear Regatta-2 improved handling and ride beyond belief. Great family car, reliable and inexpensive to operate.

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  nice - 2003 Buick Century
  By thomas - August 24 - 2:00 am

  very good car for the money nice firm ride very happy so far

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  Buick Century Review - 2000 Buick Century
  By Cars4me89 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and great performance.

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  Buick Century Review - 2000 Buick Century
  By Mewithcars - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and great performance.

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  Adequate but not compelled to buy - 2002 Buick Century
  By tanman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Our family of four rented one during our two week stay in Colorado. The 12 years old constantly complained about the lack of room compared to Dads Passat! Overall the engine/tranny are well optimized but still felt light on power. Handling and comfort - well its a Buick - but the seats were exceptionally poor. I still have a lingering back ache from the lack of support. Ive driven Fords (actually own one!) and Chryslers and think the General really has the domestic competitors beat. But he better start benchmarking German cars before Ill buy one.

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  Adequate but not compelled to buy - 2003 Buick Century
  By tanman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We-a traditional family of four-spent two weeks traveling up and down the mountains of Colorado. The 12 year old complained constantly about the lack of room (compared to dads Passat). Fuel economy was remarkable (26-28 mpg) but car felt underpowered. Seats had absolutely no support. Trunk roomy but poorly shaped. Passat wins here,too. This car is probably better than most of its American competitors. The General definitely has the transmission/engine combo well tuned. But if you want a real car, invest elsewhere.

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  Ride your living room couch! - 1997 Buick Century
  By ddouglas2 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It has all the bells and whistles and has been very reliable. The only problems weve had have been from zero maintenance the first 75000 miles before we bought it. After a transmission rebuild its been flawless.