Overview & Reviews

When it comes to longevity, few models could touch the Buick LeSabre. The car was born in 1959 and, depending on the year, was offered as a coupe, convertible, sedan and wagon. But by the early 1990s, the LeSabre's lineup had been trimmed to include just a full-size sedan. This strategy was a successful one. In the years preceding its retirement in 2005, the LeSabre frequently took top honors as the most popular full-size sedan on the market.

The latter-day Buick LeSabre owed much of its success to a demographic frequently overlooked by automakers: senior citizens. The sedan was a natural fit for these buyers with its roomy, comfortable cabin, serene ride and large trunk that easily accommodated road trip luggage as well as a walker or a mobility scooter. And everyone could appreciate the LeSabre's stellar crash test scores and the outstanding fuel-efficiency of its V6.

There were a few shortcomings, such as an old-fashioned cabin fitted with some cheap plastics, and performance that could become sluggish while carrying a full load. But these negatives were likely non-issues for the older buyers who had made the LeSabre a consistent hit. If you're looking for a used car that places ride comfort and spaciousness above all else, a late-model Buick LeSabre should prove satisfactory.

Most Recent Buick LeSabre
The eighth-generation Buick LeSabre existed from model year 2000 until the sedan's demise in 2005. Though this Buick's sheet metal looked a lot like that of the previous-generation LeSabre, it was, in fact, quite different under the skin. Built at General Motors' Detroit/Hamtramck facility in Hamtramck, Michigan, it rode on a new platform. Its cabin was revised to improve ergonomics and overall aesthetics. Ride quality and steering feel saw noticeable improvement, and side airbags were added to the standard features list.

Two trims were offered. The base Custom offered standard features like keyless entry, full power features and cruise control. The Limited trim added amenities like a power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels and an electrochromatic rearview mirror. Options included a CD player, heated front seats, leather upholstery and OnStar. Both trims were powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that sent its power to the front wheels through a standard four-speed automatic transmission. With 205 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, the V6 provided adequate performance and reasonable fuel-efficiency.

Over the years, this generation of the Buick LeSabre benefited from a few tweaks. In 2001, dual-stage airbags were added, and OnStar became a standard feature on Limited models; a head-up display also became available with the Limited trim. The following year, all LeSabres got new audio systems and manual trunk release latches; the LATCH system for keeping child safety seats in place was also added. In 2003, satellite radio was added to the options list on Limited models, and side-impact airbags -- which had been standard on all LeSabres since model year 2000 -- became optional on Custom models. LeSabre Limited models were also given a new trim option to celebrate the LeSabre's 10-year run as the best-selling full-size sedan in the nation. Dubbed the Celebration Edition, these Buicks featured a new monochrome emblem, a blacked-out grille and signal mirrors. Rain-sensing wipers were added to the options list in 2004.

In reviews, our editors gave the Buick LeSabre high marks when it came to comfort and versatility. Positive qualities included cushy seats, an abundance of useful storage nooks and crannies and a mammoth 18-cubic-foot trunk. However, we were disappointed with its cabin's unattractive styling cues. If you are considering a Buick LeSabre from this generation, our suggestion is to choose one offered in model year 2002 or later, to take advantage of the upgraded audio systems (and LATCH system, if you're traveling with children) that became available that year.

Past Buick LeSabre Models
Produced from 1992-'99, the seventh-generation Buick LeSabre offered a powerful engine and a smooth ride, much like the models that followed it. Sadly, it also offered an interior that left much to be desired. Cabin design was uninspired and ergonomics were poor. Many controls were unintuitive, and seat comfort was mediocre at best. Still, the car offered notable improvements over the previous-generation model. A driver-side airbag had been added to the standard features list, and the car's 3.8-liter V6 had been given an upgrade in power to 170 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque (up from 165 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque) relative to previous models. The coupe version of the LeSabre was killed off with this generation; from 1992 onward, the car was available only as a sedan. This LeSabre was preceded by the sixth generation, which was built from 1986-'91.

User Reviews:

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  Awesome First Car - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By macy - August 27 - 11:09 pm

  PROS: -I have the titanium blue color and its so pretty. -HUGE trunk. -very roomy -pretty good gas mileage -motor hasnt failed me once -nice steering wheel -comfy seats CONS: -for some reason the parking lights wont turn off automatically, you have to press the "twilight" button twice -steering is difficult at first -very low to the ground. speed bumps are brutal -Seatbelts are a little funky -radio has said "clean player" from day one haha. still works fine though. -driver power window broke overall nice car though given its age and use

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  My 15 year old friend - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By steve white - January 12 - 9:20 am

  Over all, this car has been a good one. Its handles great in snow. Comfortable to drive (Im 6 2" its got plenty leg room in front) Ive had to replace 3 electric window motors (this is a common defect in this car) and the air condtioning. (This too is a common issue with this model.) A few of the ellectric display lights are out, but this is not a major thing for me. The car has 200k and has been driven from CT to Fla many times over the years. Still gets me from point A to B without many issues over the years.

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  Great work car or student car 2000 - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By B burke - November 4 - 4:24 pm

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  Great - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Nany - October 24 - 12:52 pm

  I got this as my first car when I turned 18 (which was 4 years ago) and at over 207,000 miles its still going strong. Ive never had any problems, Ive never been left stranded. The only thing Ive had to repair is the gas pump and minor details. The car is not the best looking but for the year it was made this car is great

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  First Try! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Harlean Nutt - October 23 - 10:12 am

  Reliable. Worth considering.

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  I finally had to let her go.... - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By PJ DAY - October 5 - 10:45 pm

  I bought this 2005 LeSabre in Oct. 2013 from a dealer in Blue Ridge, GA. She was a 1 owner who was no longer able to drive so her husband traded the car in. I named her Betty Buick. She had just under 92,000 miles on her and was in absolutely pristine condition. Had always been garaged and I thought & was told, well maintained. Literally driven by a "little ole lady". I paid just over $8,500 for her and was glad to find her. Back in 2013 these 05 LeSabre model cars were at a premium and hard to find. Us baby boomers wanted the wide front seat instead of cramped buckets and the ride and weight of a hearse. This Buick provided that and more. Talk about a hwy driving car, this baby was built to take long trips ! However, my husband passed away and trips never happened. She was not driven too much. I had to replace the battery and then the problems with the transmission began....Just a little slip here and there and then it was any time she was asked to climb a slight incline...skip, skip, skip and it was getting worse. The engine was terrific and gas mileage out of this world but the tranny must not have been well maintained and it was going out....I also began to suspect the crankcase filter issue that is well documented on this model was a possible problem for erratic stalls that fell into no particular driving pattern. She would eventually crank back up but she could stall out at 65 mps....total loss of power....I began not to trust her even for short trips into town. So even though she looked just like she came straight off the show room floor, she needed to find a good home and I had to let her go. She only brought $3,000 on trade with 94,500 miles in on a 2014 GMC Terrain. I will miss her ride. Smooth as silk and quiet, quiet, quiet ! They do not make em like this any more unfortunately. Id have replaced the crank case filter but the transmission was just too expensive. All things being equal a fabulous car !

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  1994 Buick LeSabre Expert - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Babe - September 10 - 7:42 pm

  This may sound bold however, I consider myself an expert on the 1994 Buick LeSabre, please let me explain. I purchased my 1994 LeSabre Custom, BRAND NEW, back in October, 1994. I live in a suburb of Chicago and this is where my LeSabre has resided, its entire life. The car has always been adult driven, never abused and kept in the garage for the first 10 years of its life. It is September of 2015 and the car currently has 160,000 miles. Engine: The 3.8L (or 3800) is arguably the best engine that G.M. has every produced. As far as my Buick is concerned, the engine was trouble free up to 126,000 miles until it developed a few issues. These included, several things failing at approximately the same time including: Crack Position Sensor failing, brake lines rusting away, alternator malfunction and lower intake manifold gasket failure. Being a pretty good backyard mechanic, I was able to repair all of these by myself. Transmission: Absolutely trouble free. However, I did have the transmission fluid changed every 25k miles. Interior: My cars seats are still in excellent condition. The center consoles lock broke and the hinge failed. I did not fix this. The headliners glue failed and it sagged badly. To fix this I purchased a replacement headliner on eBay for $40 and two cans of spray adhesive for $20. The headliner looks brand new again. The carpeting is still in fairly good condition with me cleaning it regularly. Body: This is the where the problems exist. The rocker panels rusted out. I purchased new rocker panels on eBay for $25/ea., removed the old, rusted one and welded on the new ones. They once again look like new. The subframe is prone to failure. I base this comment on much research on the internet. My car was Ziebarted and I believe this saved my cars subframe. However, my subframe bolts were still impacted with them rusting and one snapping off in the unibody. Bis PITA to get it out! After I did get the broken bolt out, I replaced all of the bushings and bolts. Suspension: I recently replaced the front tie rods, the rear toe links, the front and rear ball joints, the front sway bar links and the bellows boots (which protect the inner tie rods and steering rack). Finally, despite this car having a few issues over the years, I still think this is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I recently gave it to my son, who drove it to college, where it is now.

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  very good - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By lon Wolfe - September 5 - 3:36 pm

  Good all around car had rust removed

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  Reliable, Comfy, Good on Gas - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By cmccausland - November 19 - 6:08 am

  I have owned a Gen III, Olds 88 with 205 HP V6, and that had 170k miles on it, sold it to my brother who needed a reliable car, good on gas. His friend totaled it, hit 2 deer on the interstate. Since then I have kept my eye out, and found this low mileage (66K Original!!!) one that a co-worker had from grandparents. Not quite as good on gas or as much power as the Olds, but very good car. I see about 22 combined mileage with Lucas Fuel Treatment. I paid $500 for it, my mechanic son-in-law put on new front brake pads/rotors, tune-up, brake lines, new trans filter/fluid, vacuum lines repaired/repainted top (vinyl top came off on highway!) All for $620 parts/labor, toatal of about $1200!

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  Immortal engine - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By jjtoob - September 14 - 2:13 am

  I bought mine from a friend when it had 180k miles, but sadly, it already had a lot of wear, so I cant be sure, but I think it was just driven really hard. Ive had to replace many parts, including the radiator and transmission, but the engine just keeps on going. Unfortunately, it still has a few different leak problems that I dont feel like spending money to fix, so Im driving it to the ground and getting another car.