1990-1996 Buick Century: Full Review
Updated: 02/28/12
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1990-1996 Buick Century ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,300
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Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes (later models)
- Acceleration (V6)
- Quietness (V6)
- Visibility
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Ride
- Handling (base suspension)
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in 1982, like the related Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Chevrolet Celebrity, and Pontiac 6000, Buick's version of the front-wheel drive intermediate was a longer, plusher derivative of GM's ill-fated X-car family. Facelifted a bit in '89, the Century came in coupe, sedan, and station wagon form. The Custom series included all three body styles, while the more costly Limited skipped the coupe. Air conditioning was standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick Century Special sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Buick Century includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Buick Century and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Buick Century is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Nothing flashy here, but Century can be a sensible choice for families on a budget. Forget the 4-cylinder models and look for a livelier, quieter V6. That shouldn't be difficult, as most late Centurys were sold with the V6 engine.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick Century Special sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $555 |
| Alternator | $195 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,095 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $535 |
| Exhaust System | $450 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $825 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $350 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1996 | |||
| Century | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300* |
| 1995 | |||
| Century | $1,500-1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $200* |
| 1994 | |||
| Century | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100* | $200* |
| 1993 | |||
| Century | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000* | $200* |
| 1992 | |||
| Century | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900* | $100-200* |
| 1991 | |||
| Century | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900* | $100-200* |
| 1990 | |||
| Century | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800* | $100* |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.9 | 104.9 | 104.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.1 | 189.1 | 190.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 | 69.4 | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.7 | 54.2 | 54.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2903 | 2950 | 3118 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.2 | 16.2 | 74.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 38.6 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.3 | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 | 35.9 | 34.8 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horsepower / Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed | |
| ohv I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 110-120 / 130 | 3-speed automatic: 24/31 | 3-speed automatic: -- | |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 151 | 110 / 135 | 3-speed automatic: 22/31 | 3-speed automatic: -- | |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 160 / 185 | 4-speed automatic: 20/29 | 4-speed automatic: 22.3 | |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 204 | 160 / 185 | 3-speed automatic: 19/26 4-speed automatic: 19/30 |
3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.8 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1996 Century |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
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