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 decent car - 1999 Buick Century
  By good car - November 21 - 9:32 pm

  I really did like this car for the quality of driving, but I had serious problems with the electric windows. I replaced 3 of them within a year and my brother is now having to replace all of them again since buying the car from me. A very comfortable car. I would reccomend it to anyone. Just dont use the windows

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  Watch out for the transmission! - 2001 Buick Century
  By Asterion - November 3 - 8:17 pm

  The car has had a catastrophic transmission failure at 33,000 miles. We had a 1997 Model that was totaled in a wreck with no problems during the time we owned it. We bought this one because of that reason, big mistake. There are problems with this 4T65E model transmission used in many GMC models. They include pressure problems internally, noise, and bearing failures. These failures are often on low mileage, well maintained vehicles. Buyes of used vehicles watch out.

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  Great Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Buickman - October 10 - 9:36 pm

  Sold the car to my parents with 96,000 miles on it. They drove it for a while,and gave it to me with 113,000 on it. I have owned for 3 years and it has 163,000 on it and drives great. Other than fuel pump around 150,000, it has been a reliable and bulletproof car. Mine has the V6 and gets 29 mpg interstate, and 24 city. Everything still works and it does not have any leaks. Very good quality car.

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  Doesnt Get Much Better - 2003 Buick Century
  By jimbo - September 9 - 11:43 pm

  38 mpg hwy, 22mpg city, and I can pack a ton of stuff into the trunk. I used it when I moved and put more things inside of it than could fit into an SUV. I cant say enough about this car. Oh, and by the way,I can get rubber with it if I dont watch what Im doing when I take off from a light. Now hows that for performance?

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  Bessie the Buick - 2002 Buick Century
  By Tim - August 8 - 9:27 pm

  I bought this car from Enterprise rent a car sales in 2003. Ive been reading all these reviews in looking for a new car, and I chose to submit a review on this car for those who may be looking for a great used car. This has been a great car over the last 60,000 miles that Ive owned it. I put new tires on it when I got it - still look good. Oil changes and a set of brakes - thats all its ever needed (and Im really picky). I get 30 mpg on the highway all the time, and about 20 in the city. Its not flashy, but it runs great and is fairly comfortable until you hit the 3 hour mark on a drive. I highly recommend this model to those who are looking for dependable cheap transportation.

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  Smart Buy - 2005 Buick Century
  By mackelvaney - August 1 - 6:16 pm

  This is the best car for the money Ive ever purchased. Its the best "regular car" I could find, and I am quite pleased with the performace, mileage, and comfort. I drive 100 mi. a day round trip for work and I love driving "Miss Daisy". (Yes I name my vehicles)

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  I love the luxury feel and performance! - 2000 Buick Century
  By wuzo15 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Buick Limited for 5 years. I bought it used. The only problem Ive had was the automatic window on the drivers side stopped working and had to be repaired for about $250.00...otherwise, just the normal wear and tear, tires, brakes, the usual.

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  Buick Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By Quinton - June 20 - 8:34 pm

  I have owned the car for over 4 years now, and it hasent let me down yet. I have had some problems ( i.e. leak in rack and pinion, wheel bearings and abs sensors) but nothing to worry about. The car gives a good ride, excellent fuel economy, however it could use a little more power.

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  Great overall family car - 2003 Buick Century
  By papawronnie - June 3 - 7:43 am

  I love this car. It is very reliable, and it gets 34 miles to the gallon of gas which is a big plus the way gas prices are going these days. It handles very well in all kinds of driving conditions. Nice interior ,comfy.

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  I Love my Buick - 2003 Buick Century
  By Joe Evans - June 2 - 4:11 pm

  This has been one of the best cars I have ever had and I have had many cars. I honestly get 30 mpg at highway speeds and I am a big man and this car is very comfortable for me.