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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  Who knew - 2001 Buick Century
  By Buicksrule - May 11 - 2:09 pm

  I got my Buick Century by chance. It didnt appeal to me in looks. But, in the first week I had it, it took me and a 3 yr. old grandson on a 400 mile journey that was so comfortable that I wast tired. The gas mileage is outstanding as compared to what I had been driving. After 2 years, I couldnt be happier. Buicks rule!

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  2000 Buick Century Special Edition - 2000 Buick Century
  By jr1m90 - May 3 - 7:42 pm

  I was given the Century by my Grandmother a few months after getting my drivers license, but it is obviously was not my first choice (even compared to a 2000 Taurus). However, I have been relatively pleased with the car. It is a superb cruising car, and is comfortable in the city. The 3100 V6 is powerful enough, but the transmission seems to sap power from the engine when accelerating from a standstill. It responds to spirited cornering with tons of body roll and pathetic squeals from the 15 inch tires. However, it has been a reliable car that doesnt attract any unwanted attention. Would I buy one? Probably not, but I can never fault my Grandfather for buying two of them.

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  1995 Buick Century user history - 1995 Buick Century
  By Midland, Michigan - April 26 - 9:43 pm

  Generally good experience. Car has 180,000 miles. We are the second owner. Comfortble ride, good acceleration, 30 MPG highway, power windows/seats still work. Inconveniences: service engine light on a lot, rotors warp, rust on trunk, passenger door sagged (closes hard), engine would "miss" or "bog down" under acceleration but replacing the ignition wires solved that. Developing rust around the windshield. We added after-market cruise control and a CD player improving an already comfortable riding experience. It is showing its age. But no car payment makes it tolerable when repairs do occur.

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  Mr - 1992 Buick Century
  By dwyczalek - March 6 - 8:18 pm

  Great car. Purchased when it had 45,000 miles on it drove it until it had 135,000 miles on when my 17 year old daughter totaled it when she pulled left in front of a full size pickup. Didnt get a sratch on her, the car did a lot better in the accident than I expected. Really miss it. It was a great car, great mileage, was very dependable. Had great heat and A/C. I had the 3.3 engine had the power of a V-8. The only major problem I had with it was the crankshaft sensor went out on twice, other than that just performed normal maintenance. Seats still looked new didnt show any wear. I did notice a lot of people complained of no cupholders. It folded into the armrest but broke easily at $30

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  Wonderful Commute - 2001 Buick Century
  By Tek - February 23 - 8:23 am

  I commute 1 hour each way to work 22 days a month and the ride is a pleasure! I have long legs and there is plenty of room for them and the seating is perfect for my back. I bought this car used for the price, ride and space especially for the commute and I was pleasantly surprised to get 30 MPG to boot! I have a family of 4 with 2 young kids and the the comfort is amazing. The only issue I have is the extended life coolant system which I flushed after 60000. I have never owned a Buick but this car has me looking for another one.

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  Good value and ride - 2001 Buick Century
  By none - February 15 - 11:29 am

  I bought this car used w/ 29k, Im now turning 133k. Car has been very comfortable and reliable thus far, very few items to fix. I drive 70mi each way to work, so comfort was a key, and I have not been disappointed at all. Acceleration is more than adequate for around town and on / off ramps. Sound system good. Fits all 3 kids in the back comfortably and still gets pretty good mileage.

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  Great American Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Berge - January 31 - 11:49 pm

  This is my first car and at first I was not very enthused at getting my grandmas 12 y/o car. After looking up on it and driving it I have grown to really love this thing. Its a great looking car, mine is probably in above average shape being only at 70,000 miles. Nonetheless its been a very dependable car for my grandmother, and i am yet to have a problem with it. Gas mile with the 3.1L V - 6 Could be better at about 17 mpg in city but then again thats in city. Extremely comfortable car, seats are like a couch, and driving position feels great. Radio is really good when pumped up for a stock radio. Ride quality is like a Town Car, smooth. Ride is also very quiet. I love my Buick Centrury.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Buick Century
  By none - January 15 - 5:47 pm

  I bought my Buick new. It was my first Buick but I was willing to take a risk. It is much better than the Fords I owned in the past. I have 104k miles on it now and it had no trouble. I think that I need a new battery soon though. The car handles great in the snow. When this car was a year old, I was hit by a Chrysler PT Crusier into the left rear door. I was amazed that all there was a pin scratch that was hard to even see!

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  Great car up till now - 2003 Buick Century
  By Screwed by GM - December 14 - 10:55 pm

  This is my 3rd Buick Ive owned. Always liked the comfortable ride and good gas mileage (33 mpg on highway), and ample room. However at 82,000 miles the car developed an antifreeze leak. Took to local Buick delearship and they had to replace lower intake gaskets (8 hr job) and water pump. Total cost over $1100. After searching the web, found other GM car owners with same problems, and most common culprit was the Dexcool antifreeze now used by GM and plastic gaskets that get eaten away by the Dexcool. No wonder Toyota and Honda are selling so many cars. Its called quality and reliability!

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  Great car GM - 2005 Buick Century
  By Bill - November 29 - 7:55 am

  My wife has had two, 2003 and 2005. She uses it on her mail route and after she is done she runs the kids from practice to practice, Dr. appointments. Thanks GM for engineering a great product.