Buick Century (6th generation)
A dependable, soft-riding American staple of the turn of the millennium.
- Power
- 175 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.4 s
- Top speed
- 108 mph
- Est. value
- $2k–$6k
About the Buick Century
The sixth-generation Buick Century was designed as a traditional American family sedan, prioritising comfort and utility over performance. Sharing the GM W-body platform with the more powerful Buick Regal, the Century was distinguished by its bench seating and column-mounted shifter, allowing it to accommodate six passengers. The 3.1-litre 3100 V6 engine provided adequate power for cruising, paired with a soft suspension setup that excelled at absorbing road imperfections. While not a collector's performance car, it remains noted for its longevity and as one of the final iterations of the classic Buick 'living room on wheels' philosophy.
Buick Century specs
The Buick Century produces 175 bhp (130 kW) and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.4 seconds and has a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h).
| Make | Buick |
|---|---|
| Model | Century |
| Generation | Sixth Generation (6th generation) |
| Trim | 3.1 |
| Years | 1997–2005 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $20,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.1-litre V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,135 cc (3.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 175 bhp (130 kW) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.4 s |
| Top speed | 108 mph (174 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,528 kg (3,369 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 115 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Buick Century worth?
A typical Buick Century is estimated to be worth $1,500 – $6,000 (about £1,100 – £4,500).
Its original price when new was about $20,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Buick Century rarity in CarSpot
The Buick Century is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Buick Century fun facts
- The 2001 model year saw the 3.1L V6 receive a slight power bump to 175 hp, up from the 160 hp found in earlier versions of this generation.
- Despite being an entry-level luxury sedan, the Century was often praised for having one of the quietest cabins in its price bracket due to extensive sound-deadening material.
- The Century was the first Buick model to be produced in China through the SAIC-GM joint venture, starting in 1998.
