Buick Century Wagon
21 MPG The 1996 Buick Century Wagon is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1996 run it averages 20.4 MPG, improving by 0.7 MPG over 12 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1994 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 1993 | 20.3 MPG | 17.7 | 25.3 | $3067 | 438 | 3 |
| 1992 | 20 MPG | 17.3 | 25.7 | $3117 | 445 | 3 |
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 17.3 | 25.3 | $3117 | 445 | 3 |
| 1990 | 20.3 MPG | 17.7 | 25 | $3067 | 438 | 3 |
| 1989 | 21 MPG | 18.3 | 26.3 | $2988 | 426 | 4 |
| 1988 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.3 | $2967 | 424 | 3 |
| 1987 | 19.8 MPG | 17 | 24.3 | $3163 | 451 | 4 |
| 1986 | 19.8 MPG | 17.5 | 24.8 | $3163 | 451 | 4 |
| 1985 | 20.3 MPG | 17.6 | 24.8 | $3278 | 459 | 9 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 21 midsize-large station wagons models tracked here, the Buick Century Wagon ranks 4 on current figures, against a class average of 19.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Celebrity Wagon (21.5), Dodge Aries Wagon (23.3), Plymouth Reliant Wagon (23.3).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 423 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Buick Century Wagon get?
The 1996 Buick Century Wagon is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 26 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 20.4 MPG, ranging from 17 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Buick Century Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1996 model is $2950.
Has the Buick Century Wagon become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20.3 MPG in 1985 to 21 in 1996 — an improvement of 0.7 MPG, or 3% across 12 model years.
Is the Buick Century Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 4 of 21 in the Midsize-Large Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 19.4 MPG. That is 1.6 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.