1999 Buick Century

Sedan

FWD

Regular Gasoline

Horsepower

–

MPG Combined

21 mpg

MSRP

–

Torque

–

Reliability Score

97/ 100Excellent

Based on 287 NHTSA complaints

Should You Buy a 1999 Buick Century?

The 1999 Buick Century is a front-wheel-drive sedan that offers a comfortable ride with a 3.1L V6 engine producing 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. With a combined fuel efficiency of 21 MPG, it strikes a balance between power and economy, making it suitable for daily commuting and family use. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has received a total of 287 complaints to the NHTSA, particularly regarding engine and engine cooling issues, which often arise between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. Despite these concerns, the Buick Century boasts a solid reliability score of 96.7 out of 100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle overall.

Ideal For

The 1999 Buick Century is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or families seeking a reliable and comfortable daily driver with a focus on practicality rather than performance.

Strengths

+High reliability score of 96.7/100
+Comfortable ride quality for daily commuting
+Decent fuel economy at 21 MPG combined
+Spacious interior for a sedan
+Affordable maintenance costs

Weaknesses

-Common engine issues reported between 40,000-60,000 miles
-Limited power compared to competitors in the same class
-Aging design may not appeal to younger buyers
-Potential electrical issues with power windows and headlights
-Lower resale value due to age and complaints

Known Issues (NHTSA Data)

The 1999 Buick Century has reported several issues, primarily related to the engine and engine cooling, as well as exterior lighting and power window controls. While there have been 20 crash incidents and 5 fire incidents, there have been no recorded deaths. The most frequent complaints involve components that may affect safety and functionality, making it essential for prospective buyers to conduct thorough inspections and consider any necessary repairs. No significant NHTSA complaints on record.

Complaint Patterns by Mileage

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

40000-60000 mi

7 reports

Top Complaint Areas

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6% of complaints

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS5% of complaints

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS5% of complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER5% of complaints

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP5% of complaints

Performance

Horsepower: –
Torque: –
Engine: 3.1 L
Cylinders: V6
Transmission: Automatic 4-spd
Drive Type: FWD

Efficiency

MPG Combined: 21
Fuel Type: Regular Gasoline

Dimensions

Length: 194.5 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 56.7 in
Wheelbase: 109.1 in
Curb Weight: 3,342 lbs
Ground Clearance: –

Capacity

Doors: 4
Seating: –
Cargo: –
Max Cargo: –
Max Towing: –
Max Payload: –

Estimated Value

Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Estimated Annual Cost

$4,625

Per Mile

$0.39

5-Year Total

$23,125

Fuel

$2,000/yr

Maintenance

$600/yr

Insurance

$2,025/yr

Based on industry-standard estimates for this vehicle class. Fuel cost assumes 12,000 mi/yr at national average gas prices. Maintenance uses class-based intervals, not manufacturer-specific schedules. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.