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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  a very cool unexpensive car - 2002 Buick Century
  By cornel - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is an inexpensive car comparing with Toyota Camry, Honda Acord and it has similar performances. Drives smoothly, has power, comfort and high quality features.

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  Love my Century! - 2002 Buick Century
  By snoopygrl - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a very underrated car. After owning unreliable Fords and Pontiacs, this is by far the best car I have ever had. I dont know why everyone refers to Buick as an "old mans car," Im 30 and I think this car is way cooler than the Honda Civics that you see everyone driving.

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  My Car is Great - 1998 Buick Century
  By Female - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Century,I have had excellent service/performance from it. I would recommend the Century to anyone who wants a comfortable riding car that handles well and looks good.

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  Can Consumer Reports Really Review ?? - 1992 Buick Century
  By v946916 - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Consumer reports would have had me buy a Ford Taurus. I recently rented a 2002 Taurus that I would not trade for my Buick with 105000 mile on it. After upgrading the tires to 75X195, the car handles very well. The transmission is smooth, comfortable ride,Much better than my a 95 Caprice Classic. I bought with 7000 miles on it in 95. It has seen over 25 trips from upstate ny to Cape Cod, and 7 years of small children in the back seat. The interior looks new, and its still a very comforable car. If you are looking at a ford taurus, check out the buick century, unless you enjoy jerking transmissions and trips to the dealer.

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  Buick Century - very good but some probl - 1999 Buick Century
  By rtibbits - May 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is generally very good. It did have a water leak in the intake manifold just before the 36000 mile warrantee. The brake pedal has to be lubricated a lot or it sqeeks. The door molding moves and causes the doors to stick, had fixed twice. If you have dew on the side windows rolling them down and up does nothing, have to wipe them.

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  1998 Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By joeb - May 16 - 2:00 am

  All around excellent car - undervalued styling with good performance. Very comfortable ride.

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  Would buy again. - 1998 Buick Century
  By Fairwind - May 10 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car new and have been very pleased with it. I would consider it again. It is very comfortable for long trips and easy to drive in town. The moon roof should be standard on all Buicks, such a nice feature.

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  My Buick - 2000 Buick Century
  By John Q. Brown - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Buick, she is a bute and I love to drive her.

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  My Car - 1996 Buick Century
  By Yaakapo - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I like to drive the car. I sit up fairly high and do not need a cushion.

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  the best - 1991 Buick Century
  By mert /sewer - April 18 - 2:00 am

  low upkeep repairs at a minuim fast on the picup 3300ltr v6 the new one cant hold a candle to this one