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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  Can,t let it go! - 1990 Buick Century
  By bob - July 26 - 8:14 pm

  I purchased this in 2005 with 63000 miles for $1500( It had barely been out of the garage, old folks car ). I have put a total of $1000 into the car and it now has 142,000 miles. It gets 30mpg all the time and still doesnt burn a drop of oil. I go for 5,000 miles between oil changes. I have another good deal in the waiting but I am hesitant because I think this car has a lot of miles left on it( by the way it is a Buick ). This thing is the fantasy of why we buy new cars, that they will last forever. The car has the 3300 engine and if it sounds like a cant shut up then you are reading this message. I would recommend a Buick in a minute just for the engine reliability.

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  1998 Buick Century Custom 4 Door Sedan - 1998 Buick Century
  By mg - July 18 - 2:19 pm

  Bought this car used its Canadian made. Has alot of things that go wrong for no reason and could have easily been remedied if addressed correctly during manufacturing processes. Replaced the fan blower because its mounted upside down under passenger side it wore the spacer so it would hang up squeel and stop. Head Gasket is blown for no reason other than bad mixture of parts componants engine to Head cover two different metals that destroys the Gasket.Caused the coolant to mix with the oil.

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  Nice ride - 2004 Buick Century
  By Martin - July 17 - 9:14 am

  My buick century is a old person car. When passing another car, you have to floor it because it rarely down shifts. the seats are very comfortable and the ride is very quiet and the car "floats" when on a hilly road.

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  great car - 2001 Buick Century
  By r bell - July 16 - 10:27 am

  The car is very dependable. Ive had no problems with it. The odometer is at 165,000. Handles well in winter weather--starts easily during those sub-zero mornings.

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  Great "Grandma Cruiser" - 1992 Buick Century
  By biopledgiance - July 16 - 3:22 am

  I received this car a year ago for free at 109k miles. I now have 121k. I use it around town as a daily driver to work and school. This cars engine is very impressive and has quite a bit of go. The only mechanical problems Ive had were the harmonic balancer ($35)and an ignition coil ($30). The interior is spacious, and very comfortable as a driver and side passenger. The back seat itself is very soft, comfy, and great for kids, however taller (> 510")folks will have to spread their legs. The trunk is massive! I have no issue fitting anything there! Mileage is decent and as much as I race it about it still does great. Handling and suspension are that of a small boat, but better than most.

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  Multiple problems - 2000 Buick Century
  By GT - July 3 - 3:09 pm

  The Buick is a very comfortable car that provides a nice drive. However, it is much like driving a land yacht with slow turn response. We had a large number of stupid problems that were expensive to repair -- glove compartment fell off in my hand the second year ($500 to repair, not covered by warranty) three windows have fallen off their tracks so that they cannot be rolled up ($600 each to repair), multiple problems with trunk (keeps falling on our heads despite two repairs) transmission, A/C compressor, etc etc.

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  One of the good ones - 1999 Buick Century
  By Mike - June 26 - 10:05 pm

  I have had to repair wear and tear items, brakes, shocks, sway bar lingage and brake lines and that stuff isnt cheap, but it always starts no matter how cold whatever the weather, never stalls and runs exellent. If you maintain and take care of it (with exceptions)the Century should rarely let you down.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2003 Buick Century
  By Grateful Son-in-law - June 13 - 7:30 am

  I was given this car by my father-in-law, when he was no longer able to drive. Driving the "B" as my wife calls it, has been a pleasant surprise. Dad had put only 33,000 miles on it, maintained it by the book. I use it as a commuter car, primarily suburban to city driving, lots of traffic lights, little highway. MPG is great, 22-23 city, 33 highway, on a 600 mile round trip. Comfortable after getting acclimated to a "rolling sofa." Plenty of trunk space, easy to service by local mechanic. I would not have even looked at this car, let alone bought one, as I feel it is designed for the more senior driver. Still, I now have a low mileage ride which competes with our 2 VWs in MPG!

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  Second Buick Century and still counting - 2003 Buick Century
  By jausten - May 27 - 5:49 pm

  I bought a 1996 Buick 3 years ago with over 100,000 on it and had zero problems with it. A few people even came up to me and asked me how I liked the car because they knew it was reliable. That sold me and the car grew on me. My son is going to college and needs a car so I searched long and hard for the same Buick, but newer model for me. Just found it, 2003 $5900 for a 35,000 Limited and felt it was a steal. After having trouble prone Fords, Subarus, Chevrolets, Hundais I know this car is the one for me.

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  So many still on the rooad - 1996 Buick Century
  By Been Around - May 25 - 6:35 pm

  I bought this car in Florida, drove it around the country, through snow, rain, sleet, desert... It has always been reliable. Recntly I parked in a parking lot in our SMALL town and there were five Buick Centuries, from !980s through 2000 models. Little things like power window failures go, I replaced struts, but with regular maintenance, these cars seem to run forever, get good gas mileage, and my giant dog can spread out in the backseat!