Buick's smallest mid-size sedan since 1982, the Century, was long on classic (read: boxy) styling and value. As a mid-size, it competed successfully in price and features with the likes of such value-identified models as the Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord while wearing an upscale nameplate. While there was little to be excited about at first glance, Century's virtues were comfort, unobtrusive styling and a competitive price.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | Discontinued |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Special 4DR Sedan | N/A | 1996 | |||||||
N/A | Special 4DR Wagon | ||||||||
Custom 2DR Coupe | N/A | 1993 | |||||||
Custom 4DR Sedan | 2005 | ||||||||
Custom 4DR Wagon | N/A | 1993 | |||||||
Limited 4DR Sedan | N/A | Limited 4DR Sedan | 2002 | ||||||
Limited 4DR Wagon | N/A | 1992 |
1991[]
There were three models: Special (4-door sedan only), Limited (sedan and wagon), and Custom. The Special was introduced this model year.
Standard equipment on the Limited included an armrest, power antenna, bright metal wheel well trim, leather seats and one size larger tires.
1993[]
This was the last model year for the 2-door coupe. The station wagon version now became available only in the Special trim level. The Special came standard with a 120-hp 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, coupled to a simple 3-speed automatic transaxle.
1994[]
ABS and a driver's-side airbag became standard equipment. The 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine had several improvements over 1994, including roller lifters for reduced noise and friction. The transmission was modified to reduce surging during transition from closed- to open-throttle conditions.
The Custom was now propelled by a 3.1-liter 160-hp V6/4-speed automatic transmission combination that was optional on the Special and Limited.
1995[]
Little has changed for this model year, and that might well be a virtue rather than an indictment. New seats, both front and rear, as well as the instrument cluster, with easier-to-read graphics and backlighting for improved nighttime visibility, were new for 1995.
The 3.1-liter V6 engine now had a quieter belt tensioner pulley, an uprated a/c condenser and corrosion-resistant fuel rails.
1996[]
Power windows were now standard on the Special.
1998[]
After the Skylark was discontinued in 1998, the Century became Buick's new entry-level luxury sedan since then until 2005.
Retail prices[]
2DR Coupe[]
Model year(s) | List price | Effective date |
---|---|---|
1991 | $13,785 | February 10, 1991 |
1992 | $14,550 | October 13, 1991 |
4DR Sedan[]
Model year(s) | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | Custom | $13,685 | February 10, 1991 | |
1991 | Limited | $14,795 | February 10, 1991 | |
1992 | Special | $13,795 | October 13, 1991 | |
1992 | Custom | $14,755 | October 13, 1991 | |
1992 | Limited | $15,695 | October 13, 1991 | |
1994 | Special | $14,470 | $525 | January 1, 1994 |
1995 | Special | $15,160 | $535 | September 1, 1994 |
1995 | Custom | $17,965 | $535 | September 1, 1994 |
1995 | Special | $15,815 | $535 | January 1, 1995 |
1995 | Custom | $17,350 | $535 | January 1, 1995 |
1996 | Special | $16,720 | $540 | September 1, 1995 |
1996 | Custom | $18,383 | $540 | September 1, 1995 |
1997 | Custom | $17,885 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
1997 | Limited | $19,220 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
4DR Wagon[]
Model year(s) | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | Custom | $15,310 | February 10, 1991 | |
1991 | Limited | $16,230 | February 10, 1991 | |
1992 | Custom | $15,660 | October 13, 1991 | |
1992 | Limited | $16,395 | October 13, 1991 | |
1994 | Special | $15,470 | $525 | January 1, 1994 |
1995 | Special | $16,160 | $535 | September 1, 1994 |
1995 | Special | $16,500 | $535 | January 1, 1995 |
1996 | Special | $18,135 | $540 | September 1, 1995 |