Buick Century Wagon 3.1 i V6 (162 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Buick Century:

Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.
The first Buick Century debuted as the Series 60 then renamed in 1936 as a shorter and lighter model featuring the same engine as the bigger Roadmaster and Limited series giving it more performance while using the shorter wheelbase body of the Buick Special. During the 1930s and 1940s it was Buick's companion to the top level Roadmaster and was offered as a 2-door and 4-door sedan and convertible. The Century name was used on six generations of cars of varying sizes as well as performance and trim levels. In 1969, Buick developed a concept car known as the Century Cruiser. In the 1970s, the Century Regal became a separate model and market positioning between the two products changed from year to year depending on sales. The Century was updated to front wheel drive in 1982 and was Buick's 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon, with regular updates and feature upgrades as customer preferences changed over time....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Wagon Overview:

Buick Century (Wagon). With 251 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1419 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Buick Century Wagon was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP, which began its testing program in 1997. Safety features for its era included standard ABS.

3.1 i V6 (162 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising, with a decent torque output for its class. Not sporty, but capable.

Fuel Economy

Combined fuel economy of 9.5 l/100 km is reasonable for a V6 engine in a mid-90s wagon, though not class-leading.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving / Highway cruising

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and comfortable interior, especially for long trips.
  • • Soft, compliant ride quality typical of Buick.
  • • Generally reliable V6 engine (3.1L).
  • • Large cargo capacity with folding rear seats.
  • • Affordable on the used car market.

Cons:

  • • Outdated interior design and materials.
  • • Modest handling and steering feel.
  • • 2.2L engine can feel underpowered for a wagon.
  • • Fuel economy is average for the era, not exceptional.
  • • Some common issues with electrical components and interior plastics over time.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Century: 1993 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Buick
Model:Century
Generation:Wagon
Modification (Engine):3.1 i V6 (162 Hp)
Start of production:1994
End of production:1997
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:162 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:51.7 Hp/l [48mm more]
Torque:251 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L82 More details about the engine L82
Engine displacement:3136
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.2 l
Coolant:11 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.5 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 114.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.7 kg/Nm, 176.9 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1419
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2106 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:1179 l
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4851 mm mm [48mm more]
Width:1762 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1377 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2664 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1492 mm
Rear (Back) track:1442 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/75 R14 S
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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