Buick Century#1982

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Series 60

| image = Buick 68C 4-Dorrars Convertible Sedan 1933.jpg

| caption = 1933 Buick Series 60 Model 68C Convertible Phaeton

| model_years = 1930–1935

| assembly = Buick City, Flint, Michigan, United States

| designer = Harley Earl

| related = McLaughlin-Buick

| class = Full-size car

| body_style = 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door phaeton
4-door sedan

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

| platform = GM B platform

| engine = {{convert|331.4|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick Straight-6 engine OHV I6
{{convert|220.7|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8
{{convert|230.4|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8
{{convert|278|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8

| transmission = 3-speed synchromesh manual

| wheelbase = {{convert|114|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
{{convert|119|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
{{convert|124|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| length =

| width =

| height =

| weight =

}}

Originally, the Series 60 had the {{convert|331.4|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} OHV Buick Straight-6 engine from the Series 70, developing {{convert|99|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2,800 rpm. It had, at the beginning of the generation, a full-length running board denoting the top model for Buick at the time, shared with the short wheelbase, entry level Series 40. In 1930, GM built 38,180 cars. The bodystyles available were torpedo, sedan, coupe, and roadster convertible, using GM's "B-body" platform.{{cite book|last=Kimes|first=Beverly|title=Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942|year=1996|pages =161–193 |publisher=Krause publications|isbn=0-87341-478-0}} Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearance as a result of the "Art and Colour Section" headed by Harley J. Earl and modest yearly changes were introduced to freshen the appearance.

In 1931, the running board was reduced and the OHV {{convert|220.7|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick Straight-8 engine was introduced that developed {{convert|90|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Aesthetically, the Series 60 remained almost unchanged, and the same fact occurred also in the following year. In 1931 and 1932, a total of 55,135 were produced.

In 1933, the length of the body increased and the radiator was now concealed behind a façade with a grille. The engine power increased to {{convert|97|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, and 1933 was the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes". In 1934, the appearance was changed to a more rounded appearance, with a new OHV {{convert|278|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} eight-cylinder engine and 100 hp. In 1935, the model remained almost unchanged while the body style selections were similar to larger Buicks but more affordably priced. Six choices were available to include both 2- and 4-door convertibles using the term "phaeton" for the 4-door convertible with a listed price of US$1,675 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1675|1935}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}). Total production from 1933 to 1935 was 31,385. In 1936, the model changed its name to "Century".

File:Buick 66S Sport Coupe 1931.jpg|1931 Buick Series 60 Sport Coupe

File:1933 Buick (5870812448).jpg|1933 Buick Series 60 Sedan Model 67

File:1934 Buick 68 Victoria (42696055165).jpg|1934 Buick Series 60 Victoria Coupe Model 68

File:Buick 1935 4470cc first reg aug 1935.JPG|1935 Buick Series 60 Sedan

File:1936 Buick (35600015676).jpg|1936 Buick Series 60 Sedan

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = First generation

| image = Buick Century 4-Dorrars Sedan 1937.jpg

| caption = 1937 Buick Century Series 60 Model 64 4-Door Touring Sedan

| model_years = 1936–1942

| class = Full-size car

| body_style = 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door phaeton
4-door sedan

| layout = FR layout

| wheelbase ={{convert|122|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1936)
{{convert|126|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1937-42)

| length ={{convert|197|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1936)
{{convert|204|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1937-42)

| platform = B-body

| assembly = {{ubl | Buick City, Flint, Michigan | South Gate Assembly, South Gate, California | Linden Assembly, Linden, New Jersey }}

| engine = {{convert|320|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} Fireball I8 OHV

| transmission = 3-speed synchromesh manual
Automatic Safety Transmission (1938 only)

| related = {{ubl | Cadillac Series 60 | Cadillac Series 61 | LaSalle Series 50 | Buick Special | McLaughlin-Buick | Oldsmobile L-Series | Oldsmobile Series 70 | Pontiac Streamliner Torpedo | Pontiac Streamliner }}

}}

Buick renamed its entire model lineup for the 1936 model year to celebrate the engineering improvements and design advancements over their 1935 models, introducing a "streamlined" appearance. Buick's Series 40 model range became the Special, the Series 60 became the Century, the Series 80 became the Roadmaster, and the Series 90, Buick's longest and most luxurious vehicles, became the Limited. The terminology "Series 60" and "Series 70" were shared with Cadillac, while "Series 60", "Series 70", "Series 80" and "Series 90" were shared with Oldsmobile.

The basic formula for the 1936 to 1942 Century was established by mating the shorter wheelbase Special bodies to the Roadmaster's larger displacement straight-eight engine. The Century offered four different types of 2-door body styles to include convertibles and only one 4-door Sedan, with the ratio remaining coupes over sedans until 1938 when there were three coupe and three sedan choices. The 1940 Series 50 Super combined the longer Roadmaster body with the smaller displacement Special engine.

While the Special was powered by Buick's OHV {{convert|233|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} straight-8 engine, rated {{convert|93|hp|abbr=on}} at 3200 rpm, Centurys produced between 1936 and 1942 were powered by the OHV {{convert|320|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} straight-8 producing {{convert|141|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}},{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1939_Buick/1939_Buick_Brochure/1939%20Buick-15.html |title=1939 Buick brochure |page=15 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=4 October 2020}} making them the fastest Buicks of the era and capable of sustained speeds of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, hence the name Century (100), earning the Century the nickname "the banker's hot rod". Prices listed for the 2-door Victoria Coupe started at US$1,055 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1055|1936}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) to US$1,135 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1135|1939}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) for the 2-door Convertible. By 1940 prices rose to US$1,175 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1175|1940}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) for the Sport Coupe to US$1,620 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1620|1940}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) for the 4-door Convertible Phaeton.

The Century was discontinued at the end of the abbreviated 1942 model year due to World War II, when production of passenger vehicles stopped on February 4, 1942, during which total model production only accounted for about 10% of Buick's total output.

File:BedfordBuick8Cream2.jpg|1938 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61

File:1938 Buick Century Sport Coupe.JPG|1938 Buick Century Series 60 Sport Coupe Model 665

File:Buick Century Series 61 4-Door Touring Sedan 1939.jpg|1939 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61

File:1941 Buick Century (15621405278).jpg|1941 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Second generation

| image = 1955 Buick Century Riviera (29962314092).jpg

| caption = 1955 Century Riviera

| model_years = 1954–1958

| class = Full-size car

| body_style = 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door hardtop Estate station wagon

| assembly = {{ubl | Buick City, Flint, Michigan | Arlington Assembly (Texas; 1955–1958) | Doraville Assembly (Georgia) | Fairfax Assembly (Kansas City, Kansas) | Framingham Assembly (Massachusetts) | Linden Assembly (New Jersey) | South Gate Assembly (California) | Wilmington Assembly (Delaware)

}}

| layout = FR layout

| successor = Buick Invicta

| related = Oldsmobile 88

| wheelbase = {{convert|122|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}{{cite book|last=Flory Jr.|first=J. "Kelly"|title=American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year|year=2008|publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-3229-5}}

| length = {{convert|206.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1954)
{{convert|206.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1955)
{{convert|205.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1956)
{{convert|208.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}(1957)
{{convert|211.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1958)

| width = {{convert|76|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1954–55)

| height = {{convert|60.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1954)
{{convert|59.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1956)

| engine = {{convert|322|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} Fireball V8 OHV

{{convert|364|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} Fireball V8 OHV

| transmission = 2-speed Dynaflow automatic

| platform = B-body

}}

Buick reintroduced the Century using the same formula of mating the smaller, lighter Buick Special body to its largest and most powerful {{convert|322|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} "Fireball" OHV V8 engine mated with a Dynaflow automatic transmission, with the intent of giving Buick a performance vehicle. Included in the model lineup during this period was a station wagon model, a body style that had been unavailable during the Century's first production period of 1936 until 1942. In 1953 The Buick-Berle Show introduced product placement commercials on TV, and later in 1955 The Honeymooners was one of the sponsors.

Introduced in the middle of the 1955 model year, the four-door Buick Century Riviera along with the four-door Special Riviera, the four-door Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, and four-door 88 Holiday, were the first four-door hardtops ever produced. For the first time, the Century was repositioned below the C-body Buick Super and priced lower. It continued to feature four "VentiPorts" on the front fenders like the larger Buick Roadmaster indicating its status equal to the Super, denoting it was a junior level Buick using the shorter B-body. It also introduced the "Panoramic" one-piece wrap around windshield on all GM cars for 1955.

In 1955, the California Highway Patrol placed a large fleet order for 270 Century two-door sedans, a body style unavailable to the general public. It combined the Special two-door sedan body shell with Century powertrain, of which 135 were Dynaflow automatics and 135 were manual transmissions. Broderick Crawford was shown driving a two-door Century sedan during the first season of his popular syndicated TV series Highway Patrol. These Century two-door sedans were actual police vehicles owned by the California Highway Patrol and were loaned to the TV production company, the CHP door emblems were changed to a generic highway patrol emblem. (In later seasons, he drove a four-door Century but these were not California Highway Patrol owned vehicles.) Power brakes were optional.{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1955_Buick/1955_Buick_Brochure_1/1955%20Buick-26.html |title=1955 Buick brochure |page=26 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=4 October 2020}} Tubeless tires were new.{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1955_Buick/1955_Buick_Brochure_1/1955%20Buick-24.html |title=1955 Buick brochure |page=24 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=4 October 2020}}

The Century remained Buick's performance line, with engine power rising from {{convert|200|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} (SAE gross) in 1954, to {{convert|236|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in 1955, to {{convert|255|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in 1956, and topping out at {{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} from a bored-out {{convert|364|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} engine in 1957 and 1958, the last model years for the full-sized Century line.

In 1956, the Century's base price was US$2,963 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|2963|1956}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}). Power windows were standard in the convertible. A padded safety dash became optional.{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1956_Buick/1956_Buick_Brochure_1/1956%20Buick-29.html |title=1956 Buick brochure |page=29 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=4 October 2020}}

For 1957, Buick styling was notable for its three-piece rear window design. This was a feature in all series fixed-roof body-styles, (excluding wagons and convertibles). Oldsmobile also used this 3-piece rear window design that year, marketed as the “Twin-Strutted Rear Window.”

Because the Century was considered the senior "small Buick", the model received a version of GM's hardtop station wagon, the Century Caballero Estate for the 1957 and 1958 model years and was not continued for 1959.

For 1959, Buick renamed the Century the Invicta.

File:1954 Buick Century.jpg|1954 Buick Century convertible

File:1955 Buick Century Riviera 4-Door.JPG|1955 Buick Century 4-door Riviera

File:1955 Buick Century 2-Door Riviera in Belfast Green, front left, 2024-07-15.jpg|1955 Buick Century 2-door Riviera

File:Buick Century Riviera 2-D Coupe 1956.jpg|1956 Buick Century 2-door Riviera

File:57 Buick Century (7458257756).jpg|1957 Buick Century Riviera convertible

File:1958 Buick Century Riviera (34703345021).jpg|1958 Buick Century 4-door Riviera

File:1958 Buick Century Caballero 4-door hardtop station wagon 2019 AACA Hershey 1of2.jpg|1958 Buick Century Caballero Estate hardtop station wagon

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Third generation

| image = 1973BuickCenturyGSlarge.JPG

| caption = 1973 Century Gran Sport

| model_years = 1973–1977

| assembly = Flint, Michigan, United States (Buick City)
Framingham, Massachusetts, United States (Framingham Assembly)
Fremont, California, United States (Fremont Assembly)

| engine = {{ubl | {{convert|231|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick V6 |{{convert|350|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick V8 | {{convert|455|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick V8 | {{convert|403|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Oldsmobile V8 }}

| transmission = 3-speed manual
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic

| class = Mid-size car

| body_style = 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon

| related = Oldsmobile Cutlass
Pontiac LeMans
Chevrolet Chevelle

| platform = A-body

| layout = FR layout

| wheelbase = {{convert|116|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|212.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| width =

| height =

}}

The Buick Century nameplate was revived for the 1973 model year on the rear-wheel drive intermediate A-body platform, which was redesigned for this year. The name replaced Skylark for Buick's mid-sized cars. The Century Regal coupe was added at the top of the model range and later became a separate series, dropping the Century name for 1976. It was available with two- and four-barrel versions of the Buick 350, putting out {{convert|150|and|175|hp|abbr=on}}, respectively. The {{convert|225|hp|abbr=on}} 455 was also an option. The base Century and Century 350 coupes had a fastback roof with large rear quarter glass, while the Century Luxus featured a more formal notchback roofline with narrow opera windows. The Century Estate replaced the Buick Sport Wagon.

By replacing the Skylark, the Century inherited the Gran Sport performance option. The package was available with any engine and included upgraded suspension, additional instrumentation, and unique appearance treatment. Dual exhaust increased output of the four-barrel 350 to {{convert|190|hp|abbr=on}}. While the Stage I 455 was somewhat diminished from its performance heyday due to emission controls, output was competitive for the era at {{convert|270|hp||0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|390|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. A Saginaw three-speed manual was standard with either 350 engine. A Muncie M-21 four-speed was available with either 350 or with the regular 455, while the Stage I required a Turbo-Hydramatic 400.{{cite magazine |last=Fitzgerald |first=Craig |date=June 2004 |title=1973-1974 Buick Gran Sport |url= https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2004/06/1973-1974-Buick-Gran-Sport/1728622.html |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |publisher=American City Business Journals}}

File:1973 Buick Century Gran Sport Stage I, rear left (Greenwich 2018).jpg

The 1974 Buick Century and Regal were introduced with HEI (High-Energy Ignition systems) instead of points and ignition coil. The 1974 Buick Century Gran Sport was still, "Available only as a Hardtop Colonnade Coupe, it carries the Rallye ride and handling suspension with stabilizer bars, front and rear. Plus a specialized blacked-out grille and head lamp doors, an accent stripe on the rear deck, special tail lamps and Gran Sport grille ornamentation. And if you go for the Gran Sport, you can add the Stage 1, the high performance engine."[http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/buick/74cenca/bilder/7.jpg Gran Sport. Standard features]

For 1975, the Luxus was renamed Century Custom. The new {{convert|110|hp|abbr=on}} 231 V6 was installed as standard equipment along with a three-speed manual transmission on coupes and sedans, and the big-block 455 was no longer available. The four-barrel 350 V8 became standard on station wagons. A new landau top became available for fastback coupes that partially covered the rear quarter glass, giving an appearance similar to the formal-roof Century Custom. A Century Special coupe was added to the lineup, using the fastback roofline. The Special was marketed as an economy variant of the Century and was only available with the V6 engine.

In 1975, the US government legalized rectangular headlights and Buick added them to the Century for the 1976 model year, positioned side-by-side on coupes, and stacked vertically on sedans. Sedans received a taller, more-formal grille, while coupes got an angled, body-colored front end along with new bodyside sheet metal that lacked the traditional "sweepspear". The Gran Sport option was discontinued with the 455 engines and only 231 V6 or 350 V8 were available on the last 1,288 made vehicles merely with appearance and suspension option package.

File:1975 Buick Century (36226165402).jpg File:1976 Buick Century Indianapolis 500 Pace Car (48431958841).jpg

Buick Centuries were used in the 1975 and 1976 Indianapolis Motor Speedway as pace cars. Buick introduced a 1975 Buick Century "Free Spirit" edition replica based on the Indy Pace Car for the public with patriotic graphic decals and the Buick Hawk on the hood. This 1975 vehicle had a transmission shifter on the floor with bucket seats and "Hurst Hatch" T-tops installed. The white exterior and blue/white interior were based on the 1975 two-door sheet metal. The engine was a 350 V8, as opposed to the 455 V8 used on the actual Indy 500 Pace Car. Alternatively, in 1976, Buick introduced the "Free Spirit" edition of the Indy Pace Car; it was downsized to the 1976 Special facelift sheet metal with a 231 V6. The original Indy Pace Car had the turbocharged 231 V6. The replica featured a silver, black, and red paint with a black interior. The vehicle included a positive-traction differential.

File:Classic Days 2019, Berlin (CDB90018).jpg

To commemorate the Bicentennial of the United States, the standard colors available on all Buicks were Judicial Black, Liberty White, Pewter Gray, Potomac Blue, Continental Blue, Concord Green, Constitution Green, Mount Vernon Cream, Buckskin Tan, Musket Brown, Boston Red and Independence Red, with specially available colors on select models Congressional Cream, Revere Red, Colonial Yellow and Firecracker Orange.{{cite book|last=Flammang|first=James M.|title=Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999|pages=43–134|edition=3rd|year=1999|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=0-87341-755-0}}

In 1977, the V6 engine was revised to be even-firing, and a {{convert|403|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Oldsmobile V8 was added as an option for station wagons.

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Production Figures:

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Fourth generation

| image = '70s Buick Century.jpg

| model_years = 1978–1981

| class = Mid-size car

| body_style = 2-door fastback coupe
4-door fastback sedan
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon

| related = {{ubl | Buick Regal | Oldsmobile Cutlass | Pontiac Bonneville | Pontiac Grand Am | Pontiac Grand Prix | Pontiac Lemans | Chevrolet El Camino | Chevrolet Malibu | Chevrolet Monte Carlo | GMC Caballero }}

| assembly = Flint, Michigan, United States (Buick City)
Framingham, Massachusetts, United States (Framingham Assembly)
Fremont, California, United States (Fremont Assembly)

| platform = A-body

| layout = FR layout

| engine = {{convert|196|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick V6
{{convert|231|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Buick V6
{{convert|265|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Pontiac V8
{{convert|301|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Pontiac V8
{{convert|350|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Oldsmobile diesel V8

| transmission = 3-speed THM200, 250, 350 automatic
3-speed manual
4-speed Saginaw manual

| wheelbase = {{convert|108.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|196|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| weight = 3130-3425 lb

}}

GM downsized its intermediate line, reducing wheelbase by {{convert|4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} and curb weight by nearly half a ton. The Century was initially offered as an "aeroback" fastback two-door coupe and a fastback four-door sedan along with a station wagon model (sharing bodies with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon). The car was over a foot shorter, several inches narrower, and several hundred pounds lighter than its predecessor. Big-block engines were discontinued and the new base powerplant was Buick's new {{convert|196|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V6 introduced specifically for the Century and Regal. The {{convert|231|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V6 and the Chevrolet 305 V8 were options. The Pontiac {{convert|265|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|301|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} replaced the Chevrolet engine for 1979.

One of the more rare models of this time was the 1979 to 1980 Century Turbo Coupe, powered by a turbocharged version of the 3.8 L V6, which offered V8-like performance with more reasonable fuel consumption and reduced emissions. The Turbo Coupe was not nearly as popular as the similar Regal Turbo Sport Coupe of the time, and total production is estimated to be less than 2,500.

The two fastback models (along with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon) proved unpopular. For 1980, the fastback four-door sedan was dropped in favor of a conventional notchback four-door sedan. After 1980, the Century fastback coupe was discontinued. With the introduction of the new front-wheel drive Century in 1982, the existing notchback sedan and wagon models were transferred to the Regal line.

Production Figures:

File:1980 Buick Century four-door sedan, rear right.jpg|1980 Buick Century four-door sedan, rear view

File:1980 Buick Century Estate (14680574096).jpg|1980 Buick Century Estate Wagon

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Fifth generation

| image = 1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan in Silver, Front Right, 10-26-2022.jpg

| caption = 1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan

| aka = Chevrolet Century (Venezuela)
Buick Regal (Japan)
GM Century Limited (México)

| model_years = {{ubl | 1982–1996 | 1984–1996 (Mexico) }}

| engine = {{ubl | 2.2 L LN2 I4 | 2.5 L Tech IV I4 | 2.8 L LE2/LB6 V6 | 3.0 L Buick V6 | 3.1 L L82 V6 | 3.3 L LG7 V6 | 3.8 L LG3 V6 | 4.3 L LT7 diesel V6 }}

| transmission = {{ubl | GM TH-125C 3-speed automatic | GM 440-T4 4-speed automatic | GM 4T60-E 4-speed automatic }}

| class = Mid-size car

| body_style = {{ubl | 2-door coupe (1982–1993) | 4-door sedan (1982–1996) | 4-door station wagon (1984–1996){{cite web |title=1984 Buick Century Custom 4 Door Station Wagon Prices, Values & Century Custom 4 Door Station Wagon Price Specs |url=https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1984/Buick/Century-Custom/4-Door-Station-Wagon/Values |website=NADAguides |access-date=24 October 2020}} }}

| wheelbase = {{ubl | {{convert|104.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1982–1990) | {{convert|104.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1991–96) }}

| length = {{ubl | {{convert|189.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan & coupe) | {{convert|190.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} }}(wagon)

| width = {{convert|69.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| height = {{ubl | {{convert|53.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan & coupe) | {{convert|54.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (wagon) }}

| assembly = {{ubl | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States (1982–1996) | Doraville, Georgia, United States (1982–1987)| Framingham, Massachusetts, United States (1989) | North Tarrytown, New York, United States (1985–1989) | Ramos Arizpe, Mexico (1989–1994) | Valencia, Venezuela }}

| related = {{ubl | Chevrolet Celebrity | Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera | Pontiac 6000 }}

| platform = A-body

| layout = Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive

}}

File:82-88 Buick Century Estate Wagon.jpg

In January 1982, GM debuted the downsized fifth generation Century, using the front-wheel drive A platform, in coupe and sedan forms.{{cite news |last=Holusha |first=John |title=New Cars Coming Gradually |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1981/09/14/business/new-cars-coming-gradually.html |work=The New York Times |date=14 September 1981 |access-date=17 October 2020}}

The fifth generation Century shared the front-wheel drive A platform with the Cutlass Ciera, Pontiac 6000 and Chevrolet Celebrity, and together the A-bodies became enormously popular — as well as synonymous with GM's most transparent examples of badge engineering, highlighted almost indistinguishably on the August 22, 1983 cover of Fortune magazine as examples of genericized uniformity, embarrassing the company and ultimately prompting GM to recommit to design leadership.

{{cite web

|title = How a single magazine cover photo changed the course of auto design at GM in the Eighties

|publisher = Hemmings

|author = Daniel Strohl

|date = February 3, 2021

|url = https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2021/02/03/how-a-single-magazine-cover-photo-changed-the-course-of-auto-design-at-gm-in-the-eighties}}{{cite web

|title = Can't tell the Pontiacs from the Buicks? That's the problem

|publisher = Automotive News

|author = Amy Wilson

|date = September 14, 2008

|url = https://www.autonews.com/article/20080914/OEM02/309149940/can-t-tell-the-pontiacs-from-the-buicks-that-s-a-problem}}

{{cite web

|title = 1983 Fortune: Will Success Spoil General Motors?

|publisher = Curbside Classics

|author = Paul Niedermeyer

|date = November 17, 2012

|url = https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/1983-fortune-will-success-spoil-general-motors/}}

In October 1983, a station wagon was added to the lineup to replace the discontinued Regal wagon.{{cite web |title=1984 Buick Century Estate Wagon 2.5L offered since October 1983 for North America U.S. |url= https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1984/314555/buick_century_estate_wagon_2_5l.html |website=automobile-catalog.com |access-date=17 October 2020}}{{cite journal| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=h9QDAAAAMBAJ&q=buick+century+wagon+%22october+1983&pg=PA110 |first=Gary |last=Witzenburg |title=Detroit '84 - General Motors Lays on the Luxury |journal=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1983 |page=111 |volume=160 |issue=4 |access-date=17 October 2020}} The 1984 model year also had an Olympic version of the Buick Century, commemorating the 1984 games in Los Angeles, California. In 1985, all 1986 versions were "freshened" with a new, more angular front fascia. Wheelbase was {{convert|104.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, with {{convert|189|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} overall length. Both four-cylinder gasoline units and diesel V6 engines were offered in this generation, although neither became popular. Performance versions of several Buick models, including the Century coupe, were marketed in the mid-1980s under the T-Type name. With Buick's 181 cu in (3.0 L) V6 producing {{convert|110|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, the Century T-Type's performance was modest, but the Buick 3.8 V6 SFI engine, producing {{convert|140-150|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, offered performance in this comparatively lightweight vehicle.

For 1985 and 1986, Hess & Eisenhardt/Car Craft of Lima, Ohio converted 124 finished Buick Century coupes into coachbuilt convertibles. Although these convertibles were sold as new cars through Buick dealerships, these conversions were not factory authorized. In 1986, the engine distributor was replaced by a coil-pack ignition system that proved to be far more reliable than the system that it replaced. The "Chevrolet Century" were sold in South America and the Caribbean. In Mexico, it was sold as the Century Limited (with no brand, although it wears the Buick logos). Introduced for 1984, it was the top model for General Motors Mexico, and it survived the import car wave from 1991 (previously new car importations were forbidden in Mexico) and continued in production until the 1996 model year. In Japan it was sold as the Buick Regal because of the Toyota Century limousine.

The Century received a facelift in late 1988 for the 1989 model year,{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/hutchinson-news-oct-14-1988-p-61/|title = Hutchinson News Newspaper Archives, Oct 14, 1988, p. 61|date = 14 October 1988}} gaining a new more-rounded roofline, but continuing on the A-body platform. Black plastic inserts with the Buick tri-shield emblem replaced the rear quarter windows. The front end received flush headlamps and a rounded grille, and the stand-up hood ornament was now standard. All sedan models were easily distinguished by their full-width taillights that followed a Buick tradition of big taillights. The 3300 was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the 3800 cc engine, offering an increase of 10 horsepower, but a loss of 15 lb-ft of torque. The smaller engine featured multiport fuel injection, waste spark distributor-less ignition controlled by the ECM after startup, but had no balance shaft. An interior refresh came in 1989 for 1990 models.{{cite journal |last=Koblenz |first=Jay |title=1990 Auto Guide |journal=Black Enterprise |date=November 1989 |page=102 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=214EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22november+1989&pg=PA102 |access-date=17 October 2020}}

The 1989 model had seatbelts mounted on the b-pillar, for 1990-1996 the seatbelts were mounted on the door. From 1989 to 1992, the Century had a black bumper and side trim, and from 1993 to 1996 the Century had a bodycolored trim.

Originally for 1990, the Century, as with the rest of the A-body range, was intended to be phased out in favor of the more modern W-body line of midsized cars. However, the Century, as well as its sister the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, continued to remain popular nearing the end of their initial runs. Thus, it was decided that the older Century and Cutlass Ciera would instead continue production alongside their proposed replacements, the Regal and Cutlass Supreme respectively, as lower priced alternatives.

For the 1991 model year,{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-herald-journal-sep-24-1991-p-111/|title = Syracuse Herald Journal Archives, Sep 24, 1991, p. 111|date = 24 September 1991}} the Century received another slight facelift featuring a bigger radiator grille and different headlamps. The interior featured new door panels with the window switches and door lock switches relocated to a more convenient configuration found on more modern cars, where the switch location corresponds with the window location in the car body. This feature never appeared on its sibling the Oldsmobile Ciera, which retained the inline switch bank mounted flush with the door panel, the rear switch being the driver's door window. The Century windows switches were not backlit, but illuminated by a small bulb in the door panel trim above the switch bank. Other interior changes included new seat covers, and relocating the front outboard seat belts from the A-pillar into the door, functioning as "automatic" seat belts so that the belts could be buckled and the door opened and closed while still buckled. The driver and front passenger could enter and exit the vehicle while the seat belt was still fastened.

For 1993, the 2.5 L I4 was replaced with a new 115 hp 2.2 I4. For 1994, the slow-selling coupe model was dropped (603 sold for 1993, or 0.5% of overall Century sales{{cite book |title= Standard Catalog of Buick, 1903–2004 |edition=Third |first=John |last=Gunnell |publisher=Krause Publications |page=279 |year=2004 |isbn=0873497600 }}), and all models received a standard driver's-side airbag. Also in 1993, the {{convert|160|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 3.3 L Buick V6 was replaced with a 3.1 L V6 with the same power rating, and power on the 2.2 L I4 was up to {{convert|120|hp|abbr=on}} with the introduction of MFI. Midway through the 1994 model year, a round speedometer replaced the wide rectangular one, but the car still carried on with the original dash.

Despite its dated design, the Century and its sibling the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera still sold well during the 1990s and proved both reliable and profitable to GM since their tooling costs had been monetized.

File:1982 Buick Century sedan.jpg|1982 Buick Century sedan

File:1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan in Silver, Rear Right, 10-26-2022.jpg|1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan, rear view

File:Buick Century Limited -- 03-24-2011 2.jpg|1985 Buick Century coupe

File:86-88 Buick Century sedan.jpg|1986–1988 Buick Century sedan

File:1989-1990 Buick Century sedan.jpg|1989–1990 Buick Century sedan

File:'91-'93 Buick Century Sedan.jpg|1991–1993 Buick Century sedan

File:1994 Buick Century Special wagon, front right (ISWC meet, July 15, 2023).jpg|1994 Buick Century Special wagon

File:Buick Century wagon 001.JPG|Japanese market 1994–1996 Buick Regal wagon (Toyota was already using the Century marque)

Production

• - Buick Centuries sold in Canadian market had 2.8 litre LE2 V6 available from 1982-1986.

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{{See also|Buick Regal#Fourth generation (1997)|l1=Buick Regal (fourth generation)}}

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Sixth generation

| image = 2003 Buick Century Limited Package in Sterling Silver Metallic, Front Left, 05-02-2023.jpg

| aka = Buick New Century (China)

| model_years = 1997–2005

| production = {{ubl | 1996–October 2004 | 1998–2000 (China) }}

| engine = {{ubl

| China

| 2.0 L L34 I4

| 2.5 L LB8 V6

| 3.0 L LW9 V6

| North America

| 3.1 L L82/LG8 V6

}}

| transmission = {{ubl | 5-speed manual (2.0 L only) | 4-speed 4T60-E automatic | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic }}

| class = Mid-size car

| body_style = 4-door sedan

| related = {{Unbulleted list|Buick Regal|Oldsmobile Intrigue|Pontiac Grand Prix|Chevrolet Impala|Chevrolet Monte Carlo}}

| platform = W-body 2nd Gen

| layout = Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive

| wheelbase = {{convert|109.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|194.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|72.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| assembly = {{unbulleted list|Canada: Oshawa, Ontario (GM Canada Oshawa Car Assembly)|China: Shanghai, Shanghai GM}}

| height = {{convert|56.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| designer = Wayne Cherry (chief: 1993)
Wayne Kady (1993){{cite web |last1=Childs |first1=Charles |title=Cherry: GM Design Plan is Driven by Customers |url= http://www.autonews.com/article/19960923/ANA/609230719/cherry:gm-design-plan-is-driven-by-customers |publisher=Automotive News |access-date=24 February 2021 |date=23 September 1996}}

| caption = 2003 Buick Century Limited

}}

File:2000 Buick Century Custom, front left, 10-28-2023.jpg

File:2003 Buick Century Limited Package in Sterling Silver Metallic, Rear Left, 05-02-2023.jpg

For the 1997 model year, Buick released the sixth-generation Century (in December 1996, nearly 15 years after its last redesign). {{Cite web |date=11 August 1996 |title=Cutlass, Century More Functional in New Duds |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-08-11-9608110276-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune}} Joining the newly redesigned Regal on the W-body chassis, the Century continued its image of traditional entry-level luxury. While sharing a chassis and nearly identical bodywork with its counterpart (with the exception of its standard steel wheels, the Century was styled with a more upright grille than the Regal), the Century featured less powerful engines and softer suspension tuning. In further contrast to the Regal, the Century was fitted with a full-width bench seat and a column shifter (bucket seats and a console were optional); in place of full instrumentation, the dashboard lacked a tachometer.

Offered solely as a four-door sedan (the Century Estate station wagon was discontinued), the Century carried over the standard "Custom" and upgraded "Limited" trims from the previous generation. Following the retirement of the Skylark, the Century became the entry-level line for the entire Buick brand for 1999.

For 2003, the Century underwent some revision, as both trim lines were consolidated into an unnamed model. A slight de-contenting of the model line began, with many Limited-trim features (antilock brakes, OnStar, side airbags, rear window antenna, cassette player) became optional, with the "Century" nameplate on the doors deleted (remaining only on the taillamps).

For 2005, a Special Edition option package included dual-zone automatic climate control, 16-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels, touring tires, anti-lock brakes, a chrome grille with revised tri-shield and a rear Special Edition emblem. Only four exterior colors were offered with the Special Edition option package, Sterling Silver Metallic, Cashmere Metallic, Cardinal Red Metallic and Glacier Blue Metallic.

For 2005, the Buick LaCrosse was introduced to replace both the Century and the Regal on the W-body platform. After outliving the Regal by a model year, the final Buick Century was assembled at Oshawa Car Assembly on October 25, 2004.

File:Buick "New Century" China 2012-06-02.jpg

The Buick Century was produced in China as the New Century from 1998 to 2000. The engine was the 3.0 liter LW9 V6 engine which was also used in the first-generation Buick GL8. A four-cylinder model was also available paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Century was replaced by the Buick Regal due to poor sales.{{cite web|url= https://carnewschina.com/2012/06/13/spotted-in-china-buick-new-century/ |title=Spotted in China: Buick New Century |first=Tycho |last=de Feijter |website=carnewschina.com |date=October 22, 2019 |accessdate=February 24, 2021}}

After the discontinuation of the model in 2000, the New Century name was used as a trim level of the Buick Regal, sold until at least 2005.{{cite web|url= https://www.coolcarsinchina.com/2018/06/12/the-buick-new-century-is-a-piece-of-chinas-automotive-history/|title=The Buick New Century Is A Piece Of China's Automotive History |date=June 12, 2018 |website=carnewschina.com |accessdate=February 24, 2021}}

{{cvt|2986|cc|CID|3}}

• 1997–1999 L82 {{convert|191|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} "3100" V6 {{cvt|160|hp|kW|0}}, {{cvt|185|lbft|Nm|0}}
• 2000–2005 LG8 {{convert|191|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} "3100" V6 {{convert|175|hp||0|abbr=on}}, {{cvt|195|lbft|Nm|0}}
• 1998–2000 L34 2.0 L (121 cu in) "E-TEC II" I4 {{cvt|120|hp|kW|0}}, {{cvt|126|lbft|Nm|0}} – Chinese market only
• 1998–2000 LW9 {{convert|182|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} "3000" V6 {{cvt|170|hp|kW|0}}, {{cvt|185|lbft|Nm|0}} – Chinese market only

{{Clear}}

{{main|Buick GL8}}

File:BUICK GL8 CENTURY (BUICK GL8 FOURTH GENENRATION) China.jpg

In China, the fourth generation Buick GL8 minivan was marketed as the Buick Century.

{{Clear}}

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