Against 446 other V6 cars rated 2003–2005, the Century beats their 18.9 mpg average by 2.1 mpg, about $203 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1984–1985), does 26 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.3L 6-cyl (1990–1993), 20.5: $396 a year apart.
Every Buick Century engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 22 / 31.5 | 1984–1985 | $1,477 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21.3 / 28.3 | 1993–1996 | $1,620 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 19.9 / 28.6 | 1984–1992 | $1,662 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1986–1989 | $1,846 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 17.7 / 26.3 | 1994–2005 | $1,846 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 26.5 | 1990–1993 | $1,873 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Cadillac STS gets 18.3 mpg, the Acura RL 18.7 mpg and the Lincoln LS 19 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2005 Century. The Century is the cheapest of them to run: $269 a year less than the Cadillac STS.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2003–2005 | −$203 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,882 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Buick Century gives up 9 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 18 in the city, $711 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Century changed over the years
The Century peaked in 1985 at 25.5 mpg (22 city, 30.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1995 at 20 — 5.5 mpg apart, or $414 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1993 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1992 | 18 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1991 | 18 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1989 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1988 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1987 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1986 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1985 | 22 / 30.5 | 2 | $1,506 | |
| 1984 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 34 EPA ratings of the Buick Century — 6 engines across 1984–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,882. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Buick Century get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Century has averaged 21.9 mpg.
Is the 2005 Century more efficient than the 2004?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which Century year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 25.5 mpg combined (22 city, 30.5 highway).
Does the Century get better gas mileage than the Cadillac STS?
Yes: 21 mpg for the 2005 Century against 18.3 for the 2006 Cadillac STS, about $269 a year less to run.
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