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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  Great Ride! - 2001 Buick Century
  By Great Ride - March 11 - 2:42 pm

  Bought this car to take long trips across country & back. About to make the fourth long trip! Also use for commute each day. Its very comfortable, roomy, smooth on highways, safe in snow. Have replaced tires, brakes, from normal wear & tear. Light bulbs in headlamps & tail lamps seem to go out frequently compared to other cars weve had. Teenager needs a car & they will get the new one-I will keep driving the Buick!

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  Still Rolling - 2001 Buick Century
  By Mart - March 5 - 2:09 pm

  Purchased used in 2003 with 38K. Previous life was a rental. Now with over 150K all types of things have gone wrong in the past 12 months. Intake manifold leaking, cruise control out & gas gauge undependable. However I have not had any brake, exhaust, or tranny problems, and the car always started! No rust on body either. Time to trade in or give to charity, but it was a very good investment.

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  Surprise - 2002 Buick Century
  By Alan Roberson - February 21 - 11:42 am

  Purchased this car new in 2002 for my wife, and as our primary vehicle for out of town trips. From the beginning the brakes squealed. A knock in the front end developed within the first year...EXACTLY like the previous 1999 Century we had. GM tried but never fixed it completely. Gotta be a design flaw for it to happen on both cars that we owned. Last week while my wife was driving to work a valve spring broke...major engine repair costs. This car has been babied and the oil religiously changed every 3000 miles. We are very disappointed as we thought wed have this car many more miles. Will keep as second car and buy a good Honda for primary.

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  Im Amazed at all the good reviews - 2003 Buick Century
  By Steve - January 25 - 10:32 pm

  My Buick Century has issues that no automobile should have at 80,000 miles. Driver side automatic window does not work. The dash lights do not work (this is not a fuse issue). The tail lights do not work (again - not a fuse). Whole assemblies will need to be purchased for both of the previous problems. The trunks hinges are no longer holding up the trunk lid when opened. Both knobs for climate control broke (the part that slides over the stem simply disintegrated). And whats with these folks who have up to 38mpg gas mileage? I have never had more than 27mpg Highway and 21mpg city. This is a prime example to why GM went bankrupt. I will never buy a domestic made car again.

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  The engine Buick Century Custom stinks! - 2002 Buick Century
  By Sixinc - January 23 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this car from a deal in June 2007 at 52000 miles. I am now in the process of flusing out oil from the radiator that came from the engine. There is at least 1/2 pint oil in the coolant reservior. Service Engine soon ligh comes on all the time, tire low light is always on, check coolant light never goes off. The tires, coolant and engine have all been serviced. My mechanic discovered that the engine oil leaked into the coolant. The engine will freeze soon if I dont replace it soon.

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  Buicks foever - 1994 Buick Century
  By buick lover - January 15 - 10:12 am

  Inherititsed this car in 06 with 28000. Always garaged and well maintained. Presently has 69000. Other than a little overnight sitting starting problem.this car is a gem. Having its 60000 tune up this weekend. Its a V6 gets 28mpg highway. I will give this to a nephew or garaged it forever.This puff is staying in the family.Keep up the good work. Interested in the new lacross

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  Excellent car - 1999 Buick Century
  By Rob - January 9 - 8:10 am

  Got this as my first car and had it not been totaled in a highway accident, would have driven it for years to come. While its average looking, its the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. The seats have the perfect amount of cushioning and when driving on the highway youd think you were sitting still its so quiet and smooth. I felt absolutely no bumps ever, which I suppose is expected of a Buick (its famous for floating down the roads). The interior is basic, but if youre looking for a stylish car you shouldnt be going toward a 99 Buick anyway. The controls are easy to get to and understandable, and you feel like theres plenty of room in the front seat. Very recommended.

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  Cheap Always Means "Cheap"! - 2002 Buick Century
  By Roborob - December 11 - 9:00 am

  Weve tried to drive this car for two years, but Ive already spent almost $1,000 in brake work, and now the famous intake gasket is screwing me out of decent trade-in value by leaking water out the tail pipe. This is a hidden leak that some drivers may not be aware of. Check all your fluids regularly. The 3.1 engine is nothing like the two previous Pontiacs weve owned, which gave no trouble at all. It does get the same excellent 27 mpg, though. Save your gas money and buy an import that will last. GM should go out of business.

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  Still loving it - 2003 Buick Century
  By MB - November 13 - 2:52 pm

  I bought this car new in 12/02 and it has been great. A few bumps in the beginning repairwise but it was covered under warranty. I have not had any problem in the past 5 years. I drive 100 miles RT for work and it is a great ride. Good gas mileage (33 mph hwy) and dependable.

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  Comfortable and smooth and 11 years old - 1998 Buick Century
  By Tiarella - October 25 - 7:12 pm

  This car has large comfortable seats, smooth ride, and a huge trunk. Nice for travel. If you need a trunk to hold 4 golf bags, this is the car for you. The only problems Ive had are two windows quit working, the ABS needed repair, and the cup holders broke off. Had its first tune up at over 100,000 miles. If you use the door button to lock the doors when you get out, there is a delay after you shut the door before the car locks (in case you forgot keys or something). If you dont want the delay, you just hit the button twice, or you can use the key fob to lock it instantly.