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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  So Far so Good - 1999 Buick Century
  By GO EAGLES - January 21 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this car with only 58,000 original miles (obviously from an older couple who never drove) and paid a reasonable $4000. I have already driven it 8,000 miles in about 5 months and have had no issues to speak of. The intake manifold gasket was replaced before I bought it (apparetnly this is a common problem with this V6) and Im hoping I will only have to do oil changes for a while. The car is not fast or good looking or anything to brag about, but it is comfortable, reliable, and gets decent gas mileage. Right now I am getting about 32 highway and 25 city. I have driven this car as far north as Boston and as far south as Washington DC and many places in between with nothing bad to say.

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  Perfect for all my needs. Great car! - 2000 Buick Century
  By buick century 2000 - January 4 - 4:43 pm

  Ive put so many miles on this car, after buying it over 100K, with only routine maintenance needed and a couple of larger repairs. Its roomy enough for friends or luggage, but is small enough that I dont feel like Im driving a whale. So much room in the trunk! Its been such a great car. The body isnt the most appealing to younger generations (kind of granny-ish) but the quality and usefulness is unmatched. Quiet, smooth ride. Great acceleration uphill. I love my car.

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  She deserves a good review! - 1992 Buick Century
  By Chris Parker - December 28 - 10:50 am

  I love this car! I bought it 8 years ago with 95K on it. Now it has about 145K. I hated the faux wood paneling from the get-go but how can you not love these cars. They are so reliable and costs so little to maintain. Other than the usual brakes and exhaust work that is always needed, this car has asked for nothing and has always been there for me. She has always been a 2nd car, but when I bought the 1995 Mercury Sable because it looked nicer (moon roof and all)it was "Woody" who came to my rescue when the Sable was continually in the shop. (That was a total piece of junk!) I would keep the Buick till she dies if it were not for the electric windows finally stopping.

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  5 years later - 2002 Buick Century
  By pbm - December 5 - 8:52 pm

  Its been over 5 years (and about 75K) since I last rated this car and Im still very happy with it. I now have 101K and shes running strong. Except for maintenance items the only things needed were new struts at 80K (driving in NYC can be tough). I also replaced the lower intake manifold gasket at 80K as a precaution (an $800 job) because the 3.1 is known to leak coolant into the oil eventually. I just replaced the original battery at 100K because I didnt want to chance getting stuck this winter. This car feels like 300K is doable. Mileage is still averaging about 25 mpg with over 30 on long trips. It has never let me down. A/C is still ice cold without ever being recharged.

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  One Good Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By chuckledwith - December 1 - 3:13 pm

  4th Buick,1st Century. I have no major problems with any of the Buicks I have owned. Just little things that normally go wrong. Looks are OK, but it has gotten me cross country from Seattle to Connecticut twice and with unsurpassed fuel mileage, 23 mpg plus and still above 21 mpg. Car has been paid off for over 8 years now and I am amazed that car makers cant come up with anything better. Guess they dont get it.

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  Buick Century 02 - 2002 Buick Century
  By amac - October 26 - 11:26 pm

  We have had our Century for 4.5 years and for the most part we have been very happy. I am considering selling it now (almost 100k) and my wife does not want to sell it. We have had a warranty since we bought it and have gotten our money our of it. Mainly electric seat and power window. There was also gaskets, something with rear brake, and catalatic converter. The confort and ease of driving is definitely something that we will miss. It is nice that you can for a short distance fit 7 people (well mostly children). We have averaged about 27 mpg and I do not consider that bad for that car.

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  My First Car! - 1999 Buick Century
  By ryan - October 14 - 11:50 pm

  I have enjoyed my Century very much. I love the power seats in it. They are so comfortable and easy to adjust. The ride is excellent, as any Buick would be, and it is mostly quiet. The engine is very refined and responds with plenty of power when I need it. The transmission is a little unrefined, but I cant complain. I drive super slow so I can get the best fuel economy possible, and I am getting 22mpg consistently with about 80% hwy/20% city driving. The back seat is plenty big to carry passengers in comfort. The trunk is also ginormous! The interior is functional, but a little cheap. Theres a lot of hard plastics that dont really fit together well. Overall, for my first car, I love it!

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  600K+ miles still going strong - 1997 Buick Century
  By Buickbuildquality - October 13 - 4:05 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle its whole life, and I can only say that when my Lexus wouldnt start, when my Porsche wasnt big enough, and when my Escalade just wasnt efficient enough my little Buick pulled through with flying colours. This car has gone everywhere and never let me down. I can afford any car under the sun but I refuse to give this one up do to the remarkable reliability and appreciation I have for it. You heard it here folks 600K+ miles and going very strong: just replaced original the AC Delco batt. last year, get 31mpg going 85, has decent pep, lovely ride, sure its not the most handsome car or most expensive but it has never-ever given me a days worth of trouble, I love it!

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  This car has been good to me. - 1992 Buick Century
  By Spectaman - October 12 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car used in 2003 for about 2200. I had to do a few repairs at first but after that this car has been very reliable. It does what it is supposed to do, get you to your destination. My only beef which might just be this car is that the heat isnt good when its cold, the air is great when warm.

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  Just my luck - 2002 Buick Century
  By gerald bolduc - September 18 - 11:25 am

  I bought this car used from an Olds dealership and within the first 2 months Ive had the battery changed and the head gasket replaced. Before I forget I too have paint chips under the wheelwells and I am waiting for my air conditiong to stop working. Overall a nice looking and very nice driving car but I guess I got stuck with one of those lemons that happened to come off the assembly line.