The Buick Century is a model name used by Buick, a division of General Motors, for various cars from 1936 to 1942, 1954 to 1958, and from 1973 to 2005. Initially, the Century was a full-size performance car but transitioned to a mid-size model in later years. The first Century debuted in 1936, utilizing the smaller body of the Buick Special but equipped with the larger engine from the Roadmaster and Limited series, which gave it the nickname “the banker’s hot rod” due to its performance capabilities. The name was revived in 1954 with the same formula of combining a lighter body with a powerful engine, this time a V8, and included a station wagon in its lineup.
During the 1970s, the Century name was repurposed for an intermediate-sized car, sharing its platform with other GM A-body vehicles like the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. In 1973, the Century replaced the Skylark name for sedans, coupes, and some wagons, positioning it as a smaller model alongside the new Regal coupe. Over the years, the Century was offered with various engine options, including V6 and V8 engines, adapting to changing market demands and emission regulations.
In 1982, the Century switched to front-wheel drive, aligning with the Chevrolet Celebrity, Pontiac 6000, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera on GM’s new A-body platform. This generation saw the Century offered as a coupe, sedan, and wagon, with regular updates throughout its production cycle to meet consumer preferences. By the late 1990s, the Century was refined further with a more conservative styling appealing to traditional buyers, and it was only available in a four-door sedan configuration, discontinuing the station wagon due to low sales.
The last generation of the Century, introduced in 1997, focused on comfort and reliability, appealing largely to an older demographic. It maintained a simple, elegant design with a focus on interior comfort. This generation was powered by a 3.1-liter V6 engine up until its discontinuation in 2005, when it was replaced by the Buick LaCrosse. Throughout its long history, the Century was known for its blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, adapting to the automotive trends of each era while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
Engine Oil Capacity
| Generation |
Modification (Engine) |
Start Year |
End Year |
Engine Model/Code |
Engine Displacement |
Engine Oil Capacity |
Oil Specification |
| Century Wagon |
3.1 i V6 (162 Hp) |
1994 |
1997 |
L82 |
3136 cm³ / 191.37 cu. in. |
4.2 L / 4.44 US qt |
5W-30, 10W-30 / API SH, SJ |
| Century Wagon |
2.2 i (122 Hp) |
1993 |
1997 |
LN2 |
2190 cm³ / 133.64 cu. in. |
4.2 L / 4.44 US qt |
5W-30, 10W-30 / API SH, SJ |
| Century |
2.2 (122 Hp) |
1993 |
1997 |
LN2 |
2190 cm³ / 133.64 cu. in. |
4.2 L / 4.44 US qt |
5W-30, 10W-30 / API SH, SJ |
| Century |
3.1 V6 (162 Hp) |
1994 |
1997 |
L82 |
3135 cm³ / 191.31 cu. in. |
4.2 L / 4.44 US qt |
5W-30, 10W-30 / API SH, SJ |
| Century (W) |
3.1 i V6 (162 Hp) |
1997 |
1999 |
L82 |
3136 cm³ / 191.37 cu. in. |
4.2 L / 4.44 US qt |
5W-30, 10W-30 / API SH, SJ |
| Century (W) |
3.1 i V6 (177 Hp) |
2000 |
2005 |
L82 |
3136 cm³ / 191.37 cu. in. |
3.8 L / 4.02 US qt |
5W-30 / GM6094M |
