Buick Century: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Buick Century

The Buick Century is a model name used by General Motors’ Buick division for a line of automobiles that spanned multiple decades and market segments. Initially introduced as a full-size car from 1936 to 1942 and again from 1954 to 1958, it was later revived as a mid-size car from 1973 to 2005. The Century’s legacy is marked by its evolution, adapting to changing consumer preferences and automotive trends over six distinct generations. It was offered in various body styles, including sedans, coupes, station wagons, and convertibles, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of buyers. Its popularity can be attributed to its reputation for combining performance, comfort, and style.

Buick Century Overview

Generations and History of Buick Century

First Generation (1936–1942)

The first Buick Century debuted in 1936, positioned between the Special and Roadmaster series. Its defining characteristic was the combination of the shorter, lighter body of the Special with the powerful 320 cubic inch straight-eight engine from the Roadmaster. This potent combination earned it the nickname “the banker’s hot rod” and made it one of the fastest American cars of its era, capable of sustained speeds of 100 mph. The first-generation Century was available in various body styles, including sedans, coupes, and convertibles. Production of this generation ceased in 1942 as manufacturing shifted to support wartime efforts.

Second Generation (1954–1958)

After a 12-year hiatus, Buick resurrected the Century nameplate in 1954, following the same successful formula as its predecessor. It utilized the smaller Buick Special body and chassis but was equipped with Buick’s most powerful engine, a 322 cubic inch V8. This generation was known for its performance and stylish 1950s design, featuring plenty of chrome and smooth lines. For the first time, a station wagon body style was offered in the Century lineup. In 1955, the Century, along with other GM models, introduced the innovative four-door hardtop body style. Engine power steadily increased during this period, from 200 hp in 1954 to 300 hp by 1957. The second generation concluded in 1958, with the model being replaced by the Buick Invicta.

Third Generation (1973–1977)

The Buick Century returned in 1973 as a mid-size car, replacing the Skylark nameplate on the rear-wheel-drive A-body platform. This generation was offered in coupe, sedan, and station wagon body styles. The top-of-the-line Century Regal coupe was introduced, which eventually became its own separate model line. A notable performance option was the Gran Sport package, available with various engines, including a powerful 455 V8. The third generation saw the introduction of more formal notchback rooflines on some models, in addition to the standard fastback designs.

Fourth Generation (1978–1981)

For the 1978 model year, the Century was downsized, becoming lighter and more fuel-efficient in response to changing market demands. It was initially available in fastback “aeroback” two- and four-door sedan styles, along with a traditional station wagon. The fastback styling proved unpopular, and a notchback sedan was introduced in 1980. This generation offered a range of V6 and V8 engines, including a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 in the Century Turbo Coupe, which provided V8-like performance with better fuel economy.

Fifth Generation (1982–1996)

A significant change occurred in 1982 when the Century transitioned to a front-wheel-drive platform. Initially offered as a coupe and sedan, a station wagon was added to the lineup in 1984. This generation was known for its modern design and improved interior space. It underwent several facelifts, with notable cosmetic changes in 1986, 1989, and 1991. The fifth-generation Century was available with a variety of engines, including four-cylinder, V6, and even a diesel V6 option.

Sixth Generation (1997–2005)

The final generation of the Buick Century was introduced for the 1997 model year, offered exclusively as a four-door sedan. It shared its platform with the Buick Regal but was positioned as a more affordable, entry-level model. The sixth-generation Century was powered by a 3.1-liter V6 engine and was known for its smooth, comfortable ride and quiet interior. It became a popular choice for families and buyers seeking a reliable and practical sedan. Production of the Buick Century ceased in 2005, and it was succeeded by the Buick LaCrosse.

Buick Century Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Buick Century Variants and Features

Throughout its long history, the Buick Century was offered in a multitude of variants and trim levels to cater to diverse customer needs. Early generations featured upscale appointments and powerful engines, solidifying the Century’s reputation as a performance-oriented vehicle. The third generation introduced the luxurious “Luxus” and later “Custom” trims, alongside the performance-focused “Gran Sport” package. The fifth generation saw the introduction of the sporty “T-Type” variant. The final generation simplified the lineup, primarily offering “Custom” and “Limited” trim levels, which were later consolidated into a single standard model. Interior features evolved significantly over the years, from basic amenities in the early models to features like air conditioning, power windows, and advanced sound systems in later generations. Safety features also improved, with the introduction of padded dashboards in the 1950s and airbags in the 1990s.

Buick Century Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Buick Century’s performance was a key aspect of its appeal throughout its production run. The first and second generations were known for their powerful straight-eight and V8 engines, which provided impressive acceleration and high-speed cruising capabilities for their time. The third generation continued this tradition with available big-block V8 engines that delivered substantial power and torque. Later generations saw a shift towards more fuel-efficient V6 engines, although performance-oriented options like the turbocharged V6 in the fourth generation were also offered. The driving experience of the Century was generally characterized by a comfortable and smooth ride, with a focus on passenger comfort. The suspension was typically tuned for a soft, compliant ride, making it an ideal car for long-distance travel.

Buick Century Pricing and Mileage

The pricing of the Buick Century varied significantly across its different generations and trim levels. In its early years, it was positioned as a premium offering, with prices reflecting its performance and features. As it transitioned to a mid-size car, it became a more mainstream and affordable option for families. Fuel efficiency also evolved over time. Early V8-powered models were not known for their fuel economy, a common trait for cars of that era. However, with the introduction of smaller, more efficient engines in later generations, the Century’s mileage improved considerably. The final generation, equipped with the 3.1-liter V6, offered respectable fuel economy, with ratings of up to 29-30 miles per gallon on the highway. Maintenance costs for the Buick Century are generally considered to be average, with an estimated annual cost of around $334.

Buick Century Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Buick Century’s design underwent a dramatic transformation over its six generations, reflecting the changing automotive styles of each era. The pre-war models featured classic 1930s and 1940s styling, with flowing lines and prominent grilles. The second generation embraced the flamboyant design language of the 1950s, with extensive chrome trim and tailfins. The third generation adopted the “Colonnade” styling popular in the 1970s, with its distinctive rooflines. Later generations featured more aerodynamic and contemporary designs. The dimensions of the Century also varied significantly, starting as a large, full-size car and later becoming a more practical mid-size vehicle. A wide array of color options were available for each generation, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles.

Buick Century Safety Features

• Airbags (Driver-side and later dual front airbags in later generations)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (Available on later models)
• Padded Dashboard (Optional in the 1950s)
• Hydraulic Brakes (Introduced in 1936)
• All-Steel Body Construction (“Turret Top”) (Beginning in 1936)

Buick Century Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment and connectivity features of the Buick Century evolved in line with technological advancements. Early models were equipped with basic AM radios. Over the decades, features such as FM radio, cassette players, and CD players were introduced. The final generation of the Century offered a standard AM/FM stereo with a CD player, and some models could be equipped with a premium sound system. Connectivity options were limited by the technology of the time, with features like Bluetooth and navigation systems not being available during the Century’s production run.

Buick Century Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the later generations of the Buick Century are generally positive, with many praising the car’s reliability, comfort, and smooth ride. The V6 engines in the fifth and sixth generations are often cited as being dependable and long-lasting. Common complaints from owners of later models sometimes include issues with intake manifold gaskets and power window motors. Despite some minor issues, the Century is often regarded as a good value for the money, particularly as a used car.

Buick Century Comparison with Similar Cars

Throughout its history, the Buick Century competed with a range of vehicles from other American and later, international automakers. In its early days as a full-size car, it competed with models from Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chrysler. As a mid-size car, its primary competitors included the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Pontiac 6000, and later, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Century was often seen as a more traditional and comfortable alternative to its competitors, with a focus on a smooth ride and spacious interior. While it may not have always been the sportiest or most technologically advanced option in its class, it held its own by offering a solid combination of value, comfort, and reliability.

Buick Century Awards and Recognition

• Information not publicly available

Interesting Facts about Buick Century

• The name “Century” was chosen because the car was capable of reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour.
• The California Highway Patrol ordered a fleet of two-door sedan versions of the second-generation Century in 1955, a body style not available to the general public.
• A special “Free Spirit” edition of the Century was created to pace the 1976 Indianapolis 500.
• In China, a version of the sixth-generation Century was produced with a four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.

Buick Century Legacy and Influence

The Buick Century played a significant role in the history of the Buick brand. For many years, it served as a cornerstone of their lineup, offering a blend of performance, style, and comfort that appealed to a broad range of buyers. The early generations helped establish Buick’s reputation for building powerful and prestigious automobiles. The later mid-size models contributed to Buick’s success in the family sedan market. The Century’s long production run and its ability to adapt to changing times are a testament to its enduring appeal and its importance to the Buick legacy.

Buick Century Global Availability

The Buick Century was primarily manufactured and sold in North America. However, the sixth-generation model was also produced and sold in China under the name “New Century.” These models were built in China and offered different engine options than their North American counterparts. The vast majority of Buick Century models were produced in a left-hand drive configuration.

Buick Century Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The maintenance and ownership costs for a Buick Century are generally considered to be reasonable. The average annual repair cost is estimated to be around $334 to $608, which is in line with the average for many vehicles in its class. Common maintenance items include oil changes, brake service, and tire rotations. Some of the more common reported repairs on later models include replacing intake manifold gaskets and power window switches. The availability of spare parts is generally good, especially for the later, more common generations, due to the widespread use of GM components.

Final Words about Buick Century

The Buick Century holds a unique place in automotive history, with a nameplate that graced vehicles for the better part of a century. From its origins as a powerful “banker’s hot rod” to its final iteration as a comfortable and reliable family sedan, the Century consistently offered a compelling blend of Buick’s core values. It successfully navigated shifting market trends and consumer demands for decades, a feat that speaks to its versatile and well-rounded nature. While it is no longer in production, the Buick Century is remembered as a significant and enduring model in the long and storied history of General Motors.