The 1987 Buick Century is a midsize family car offered primarily as a comfortable four-door sedan (and also sold as a station wagon in many markets). It sits in Buick’s lineup as a value-oriented, easy-to-drive alternative to larger full-size sedans, with a strong focus on ride comfort, simple controls, and low-effort commuting. For 1987, the Century is part of the front-wheel-drive A-body generation introduced earlier in the 1980s, known for packaging efficiency and an emphasis on everyday usability. It’s ideal for buyers who want a classic, soft-riding American sedan with straightforward mechanicals and wide parts availability.

1) Front-wheel-drive layout and comfortable ride quality, making it predictable in bad weather and easy to maneuver compared to older rear-wheel-drive sedans. 2) Engine choices typically included a 2.5L inline-4 (often called the “Iron Duke”) for economy-focused driving and a 3.0L V6 (Buick/GM 60-degree V6) for better passing power; a 3.8L V6 was also available in some trims/markets and is often considered the most durable and desirable when properly maintained. 3) 3-speed automatic transmissions were common, and many cars were tuned for smooth, relaxed shifting rather than sporty response. 4) Practical interior packaging with a wide cabin, supportive bench or split-bench seating in many configurations, and good outward visibility—one of the reasons these cars were popular daily drivers. 5) Parts availability remains a selling point today: many maintenance and wear items are shared across GM platforms from the era, helping keep ownership approachable.

Searches for “1987 Buick Century problems,” “1987 Buick Century reliability,” and “1987 Buick Century common issues” often point to a similar set of age-related failures. Overall reliability can be solid for a well-maintained example, but neglect and deferred repairs can quickly turn into drivability headaches. 1) Cooling system leaks and overheating: Radiators, water pumps, hoses, and intake-related sealing surfaces can develop leaks with age. Owners often report temperature creep or coolant loss around 80,000–130,000 miles, especially if coolant service was ignored. Overheating can lead to more expensive engine damage, so any signs of coolant smell or wetness should be addressed quickly. 2) Ignition and fuel delivery drivability issues: Hard starts, intermittent stalling, and rough idle are common complaints as components age. Depending on engine and setup, culprits can include ignition modules/coils, worn plugs/wires, vacuum leaks, or aging sensors. These issues often show up after decades of heat cycles rather than at a precise mileage. 3) Transmission shift concerns: Some owners note delayed engagement, harsh shifts, or slipping as mileage climbs (commonly beyond 100,000 miles), especially if fluid changes were skipped. A smooth test drive from cold start to fully warmed up is important because some problems only appear when hot. 4) Electrical gremlins and accessory failures: Power window motors/regulators, blower motor resistors (fan speeds not working), and dash/interior electrical issues can crop up on higher-mileage cars. Grounds and connectors can corrode, creating intermittent faults that can be time-consuming to diagnose.