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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  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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  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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  Very good, reliable vehicle - 1992 Buick Century
  By cpcrawford03 - May 7 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle from an old lady, she just wanted to get rid of it because she was moving, and I got a great deal. When I purchased it I saw very little rust, but what I did see, became more prominent the longer I drove it. My family lives in Central Illinois, so the salt and other road grime eventually caused the rusting to worsen. Thats really my only flaw. I could never find any aftermarket parts designed specifically for the car, but I still loved driving it. Tell you what, that thing drove like a Cadillac, for 1/3 the price. Whenver performing routine maintenance on it, the servicer always said how much the 4cyl. engine could run forever. I loved that car.

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  A pretty good car - 1998 Buick Century
  By Val Bennett - February 28 - 8:41 pm

  This car has been a very reliable mode of transportation. The only major repair was a front wheel bearing. The cassette/radio had to be replaced. My kids call it a "grandma car", but it is comfortable.

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  Wonderful value - 1999 Buick Century
  By Todd - February 15 - 4:54 pm

  This car was bought new by my mother in law who no longer drives, with only 30k miles since new. The car is comfortable up front with average performance and fuel economy. It is good for long trips as the overdrive is a good cruising gear for 60-70 mph. It could have scored higher marks but I am 61" and when I am in the back seats there is not sufficent head room. It seems that most cars just do not take into account that there are people in the world who are larger than 58" and 150 lbs. Other than that it is a great car with no major weaknesses. Like most Buicks it does the job it is supposed to do, well but with little fanfare.

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  Century 1999 - 1999 Buick Century
  By emanuel - February 6 - 3:52 am

  Great car, good fuel economy, lots of power. The cosmetic - poor job. The plastic around the windshield is falling apart and the power window is terible. By 120,000 I already replaced 5 power window motors assembly which cost over $320 parts only.(have to buy the whole assembly) The car is fun to drive but the little things drives me crazy. Great engine and very comfortable. It could be a great car if GM motors pays more attention to detail. Power windows is a major problem for the Century.

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  Best $300 car ever - 1992 Buick Century
  By Chad - January 27 - 1:05 am

  I bought this car with 77,000 miles on it for $300 and Im pretty impressed. The outside of mine is kind of trashed and the tires are bad, but the car starts every time and is pretty confortable. Cupholders and seatbelts are annoying as usual, but its been a good car so far. I never would have bought a Buick, but I needed a temporary car and this one came along. Its no Cadillac, but it gets the job done. Whats with the awful turning radius though?

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  Century 99 - 1999 Buick Century
  By ggn_67 - January 21 - 6:30 pm

  Great value for the buck. No major problems in 6 years, plan to keep it other 3 years at least. The 6th seat is a great alternative we havent found in new cars.

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  Best Car Ive owned so far - 2002 Buick Century
  By Yvonne Nicol - January 12 - 8:28 pm

  This is by far the best automobile Ive owned so far. Had low mileage when I purchased it and I still think I got a deal! Gets great gas mileage for its size. Roomy trunk, lots of bells and whistles. Low tire light saved me from getting stuck on side of the road a couple of months ago. Always lets me know when to anticipate a problem, although there hasnt been anything major. We are very happy with it!

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  Best- value car! - 2001 Buick Century
  By pembo - January 11 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this Century two years ago and have enjoyed it as the best-value car I have had in 20 years for what I paid for. CD, ABS, and many features are standard. It rides comfortably and can sit 6 people with a large trunk. I recommend it to my friend, and he bought another one and still enjoys it!