Buick Century History

The Century name debuted in 1936 on a car that paired Buick's big engine with a smaller, lighter body — capable of 100 mph, earning it the 'banker's hot rod' reputation. It ran in this fast-mid-size role through 1958.

Revived in 1973 as a mid-size, the Century moved to GM's front-wheel-drive A-body for 1982, where it became one of Buick's best-selling and most enduring models — a comfortable, conservative family sedan and wagon that ran with few major changes through 2005.