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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  5 1/2 years since last review - 2002 Buick Century
  By pbm - May 9 - 2:27 pm

  I reviewed my Century in Oct.03 and very little has changed. The car now has 107K and has been the most reliable car Ive owned. Its great in the snow with Tractional Control and FWD. The AC is still ice cold and has never needed to be recharged. I replaced the original battery before last winter even though it still started the car fine (I changed it at 7yrs/100K because I didnt want it to fail on a cold day). Except for routine maintenence the only work Ive done was a replacement intake manifold gasket and bolts. I did this as a precaution (not because I was losing coolant) because the 3.1 is known for eventually leaking. I still get great mpg. This car will do another 100-150K easily.

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  Good Used car buy - 2003 Buick Century
  By Josh Nixon - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Century used with just over 100K on the clock. It is reliable, and has a smooth, floaty ride. Surprisingly, it handles really well for having a soft suspension. Fuel economy is stellar, I regularly see 26-28 combined. ( 60 percent highway commute) I paid $2100 for it and you can usually find good, low mileage examples because typically the people who buy Buicks are older. The interior is comfortable, but the plastics are low-quality and rattle over bumps. The transmission on mine has had some problems, it tends to shift hard in stop and go traffic, but it is not getting hot. if I turn the car off for 30 seconds it goes away. Other than this, the car has no major problems and looks and runs like new. Overall, good value for the money.

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  quiet and competent - 1999 Buick Century
  By ruzz - April 20 - 8:46 pm

  My first car, my parents got it for me. As usual, not the choice I would have made, but Dad made the right one I must now admit. Shes almost at the 100,000 mile mark and the only problem Ive had was the breaks went on me, but even then it performed admirably and got me home safe. Pretty good handling and very forgiving, but it will also move when you tell it to. The overall exterior is designed more for a conservative buyer, but the unremarkable looks actually works to your benefit if you pass an officer of the law a little too much on the expeditious side, as opposed to doing so in a more aggressively styled car. Just do the routine maintenance and you should have no problems.

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  Built like a tank - 1999 Buick Century
  By ryan - April 2 - 5:31 pm

  Bought this car used with 68k mi on it, owned for now 3 years with no problems other than a blown battery (and thats aint the cars fault). Gas milage decent for a roomy car like this. Interior styling is boring at best though- features are there but you have to look hard to find them. To spice these models up- you must get them in sante fe red! Covers bumps in road like ship with lots of suspension float (this may have been less noticable in earlier days) but it mostly handles like an old rolls royce. Numb but easy steering feel, not a sports car but has a "silent but powerful" engine. Best on long highway trips or daily commutes. Bad to park in cities.

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  Great car - 2000 Buick Century
  By Rich - March 21 - 2:44 pm

  i have had this car for over 6 years got it with 1100 miles on it it now has 153,000 only thing i have changed was the abs battery 2 times which was under warrenty and about 10,000 miles ago my odometer goes out and i have to tap the dash to make come back on this car was build in canada which is diferent from usa so for having 150,000 miles and still running strong is a plus well worth the 8000 that i paid for it!!!

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  MY econo buick - 2001 Buick Century
  By rob - March 19 - 12:22 pm

  Very good on fuel if you get to speed and hold it steady ive hit 36mpg with many 35 miles per gallon. THe car rewards easy driving with cash back.

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  Built in America - 1997 Buick Century
  By M Scoville - February 18 - 5:33 pm

  Needed a car in a pinch and bought my Century not because a mechanic said it was OK but because it was a Buick. Times were bad and I bought it at one of those "We tote the Note" places. I havent had one bit of trouble. At times on the highway I can get 38mpg but typically I get 22 in the city and 30 hwy. My car has 148,000 miles and starts in the cold of Iowa. This has a 3.1 engine-I was scared because it wasnt the 3.8 I found no difference at all.I want a new car so bad but this car is as good when I bought it. I even thought about looking for another 1997. This car had the same rating as the 1997 Lexus 400 and the maintenence is less expensive. I simply now say my car is a 97 LexusBuick. If you want more bling move up the Buick ladder. Safe for your children too.

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  Great Commuter - 1995 Buick Century
  By Finch (male) - February 9 - 3:35 pm

  2nd owner, at 96K replaced muffler, at 102K had vacuum leak and lug bolts. Other than that great reliability, and seats are still comfortable. Good for commuter or teen car! I average 22-23 MPG combined driving.

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  Just keeps going - 1990 Buick Century
  By jjf - February 7 - 9:47 pm

  I was given this car 2 years ago as a full-time student. It looks like a broken down rust bucket, but keeps on driving. At 174,000 miles, I have no complaints about this vehicle. It breaks the stereotype of of poorly built GM cars. The engine is an unstoppable workhorse. Lots of rust, I have seen others around with the same faded beige and same rust spots. Fuel efficiency is not as good as the 29 mpg highway when it was new. Poor turn radius sometimes difficult to park If this car doesnt rust away, I might get another 100,000 miles out of the engine. I would consider another Buick (even though its an old mans car.)

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  Great car - 1998 Buick Century
  By proendesign - February 6 - 9:20 pm

  Ive had this car for 9 years now- its been great. No major issues,a few flaws, but 1998 was the first year of the new model. I have about 210,000 km (divide that by 1.6 for miles) and I just did regular maintenance. Very confortable and quiet. As it is getting older, I consider replacing it with an Audi A8 or BMW 760i but in all honesty I have no reason other than getting a new and fancy toy. I highly recommend it (check the J.D. Power reports on Buick, both Century and Regal).