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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  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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  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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  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.

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  My Daughters Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By Bob Bruggeman - February 27 - 4:52 pm

  My dad gave this car to my daughter when she got her drivers license a few months ago. When she received it, it only had 10,000 miles on it. Overall, it is a great car. Good visibility and a very comfortable, quiet ride. The car has somewhat of a conservative look, which I like. Plenty of trunk space. Fuel economy is very good. The dashboard layout is conservative but functionable. The 3.1 litre V6 engine has done GM proud over the years. The only problem we have had with the car is an occasional brake pad rubbing sound in the left rear wheel. The car was taken to the local dealer, but they could not find a problem with it. This car should give my daughter many years of good service.

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  Better than my LaCrosse - 2005 Buick Century
  By David Cowan - January 18 - 4:07 pm

  I also have a LaCrosse and the Century has a smoother ride and more comfortable seats, plus much better gas mileage in the city. Do not listen to the auto experts that believe a harsh ride, stiff seats and a run through the cones is what the real world of driving is. I have 9,000 on the Century and test drove both Camry and Accord prior to purchase, both rode stiffer and were not as powerful. Plus the quality with the Buick is just as good. The six is fine and getting on ramps and passing is no problem.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Buick Century
  By Vitoria Ferraro - January 9 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months short of 5 years, and Im extremely happy with it. The best vehicle Ive had ever.

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  Excellent Quality & Reliable Buick - 2005 Buick Century
  By laban1719 - January 7 - 2:57 pm

  I drive this car to work and feel confident in its reliability and safety. It has been an excellent value and rides smoothly with quick acceleration. Way to go GM! I recommend this car to everyone looking for a dependable and affordable used car.

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  Real Nice Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By MTHOODJOHN - October 8 - 2:01 pm

  I am really happy with my Buick Century Custom, for a mid-size luxury car, I dont think it can be beaten.

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  Our backup car - 1995 Buick Century
  By unclehal - September 6 - 8:02 pm

  Have only 31000 on this car...but find it very valuable...especially these days. Gas prices..this car never runs out of gas...not sure of the exact mileage..but its great. Easy to drive and easy to get in and out of for my older relatives. Nothing flashy..but if you are looking for a good priced used car, I recommend this one