After almost seven years after introducing the fifth generation of the Century, Buick refreshed it and brought it to slightly modern standards, keeping the car on the showrooms' floors for a few more years before facelifting it again.
When Buick launched the refreshed version of the Century in 1988 for the 1989 model year, sales for the entire lineup (including the coupe and the station wagon) jumped by almost 50%. As expected, the biggest credit went to the sedan, which was highly appreciated by families. With a few updates on styling, interior, and engine, it looked young again, although it wasn't. And its three-speed auto proved that.
With its flush-mounted headlights and integrated, corner-mounted turn signals, the Century said goodbye to the old-fashioned squared lamps. In addition, the chromed grille with its thin vertical slats and the standard badge on the hood made a good impression on customers. Moreover, the greenhouse sported shaved edges, so it didn't look that early-80s anymore. But one of the most appreciated features of the vehicle was the full-length taillights.
Inside, the Century kept its vast interior with velour upholstery for most trim levels. Strangely, some versions were fitted with cranked windows even though the AC was standard. Since the carmaker kept the same dashboard, it featured a squared instrument cluster and a linear speedometer marked to 85 mph (137 kph), and a few other gauges that told drivers if the car needed oil, gas, or a pause to let the engine cool down.
One of the most significant changes happened under the hood, where the former 3.8-liter V6 was replaced by a smaller 3.3-liter unit. Thanks to the fuel-injection system, this new mill produced the same power as the one that it replaced but provided a lower torque. As on any other A-body vehicle built by GM, the Century was offered exclusively as a front-wheel drive affair.