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Buick Century (1997–2005): a mid-sized front-wheel-drive sedan
Buick Century — a mid-sized American sedan produced from 1997 to 2005. In this article, we review this generation, its technology, and what to check when buying a used car.
Century in brief
The Century nameplate has been used by Buick for a long time, but the most common version is the 1997–2005 front-wheel-drive sedan. This is a straightforward, practical, and comfortable family car.
It's ideal for those who need a spacious and affordable car without complicated electronics. They're not commonly seen in Lithuania and are mostly found as US imports.
What makes it special
The Century offers a spacious interior, comfortable seating for five, a large boot, and a smooth ride.
The car isn't sporty — its purpose is comfort and easy driving. As a result, it was often used in company fleets and as a taxi.
Engine and transmission
The Century came with a 3.1-litre V6 petrol engine and a four-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is simple, well-known, and widely used in various GM models of that era.
Front-wheel drive. This setup is prone to issues with transmission and cooling system components, so it's important to check for leaks.
What to check when buying a used Century
Inspect the engine for oil and coolant leaks. Check if the engine hasn't been tampered with and if the cooling system isn't making noise.
Try out the automatic gearbox — it should shift smoothly, not hesitate. Check the suspension, brakes, and steering mechanism, as the car has been driven quite a bit.
For a car imported from the USA, check its history via the VIN and inspect the body for rust and previous repairs.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Century Custom
1997–2005The base, widely available trim level.
- V6 engine and automatic gearbox
- Often — electrically adjustable windows
- A simple, practical interior
Century Limited
1997–2005A higher-class trim with more comfort features.
- Often — leather upholstery
- Often — alloy wheels
- More comfort-oriented equipment
Trim level comparison
| Custom | Limited | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Everyday family car | More comfortable daily driver |
| Engine | 3.1 l V6 | 3.1 l V6 |
| Interior | Basic | Often leather upholstery and more kit |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
Most buyers can choose based on condition, not trim level: what matters most is the technical condition and history. Limited is for those who value extra comfort.
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Simple, well-known technology
- Large boot
- Low price
Cons
- Frequent issues with clutches and cooling systems
- Not particularly dynamic
- Never officially sold in Europe
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the Century have?
1997–2005 models come with a 3.1-litre V6 petrol engine.
Is the Century front-wheel drive?
Yes, the 1997–2005 Century is a front-wheel-drive car.
Is the Century worth buying?
If you need a simple, spacious and affordable car and can find a well-maintained example — yes.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
