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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  Thier LeSabre - for a reason! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ssgconway - April 1 - 10:39 am

  I live on the road - 45-50k/year. Comfort is a must. This car provides it, although the seats are not quite as comfortable as in the 94 I traded in. Fuel economy is excellent - with a high-flow air filter & synthetic oil, I have averaged 26.6 combined MPG over the last 35,000 miles. People who wouldnt buy a Buick are impressed by the ride & performance. My teenage son said it has more pickup than Moms Xterra, and there is enough room for six adult males to ride in reasonable comfort. My only significant complaints are an occasional stalling problem (goes away with higher-octaine gas) and a bit more road noise than Id like. Overall, a very solid, sensible car.

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  Buick LeSabre - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Frank - March 9 - 3:34 pm

  The gas mileage is great 30 on the road. The ride is smooth and easy to handle. We have not had any trouble the auto

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  Best car Ive owned - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By lori - March 7 - 9:00 am

  I bought my LeSabre for $3800 in 2001 after doing internet research on lasting vehicles. I have not been disappointed! It is so comfy that the first time I drove it, the kids fell asleep during the first 15 minutes and I nearly did, too! It had 96k mi. on it then, and it now has 185k. Ive only had the fuel pump and struts replaced, a couple of alignments, and a $100 electronic part replaced twice. When I was looking into getting a new car, I decided I wanted a 2002, or newer, LeSabre. But they seem to have some neg. feedback, so I keep driving mine. I guess Ill replace the headliner and keep driving it until it stops running-if ever. With 22-24 mi/gal on trips, and room for six, Im spoiled!

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  Lazy-boy on wheels - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - February 7 - 12:18 am

  I am 23 years old, and while most people my age would not consider buying a Buick, it was my only choice. I had a 94 Park Ave, and loved the comfort and safty of it. I recently bought this LeSabre used (in 06) with 23,000 miles on. I just LOVE it. It rides like a dream, and handles great. I spend a lot of time in the car, and it is so comfortable and enjoyable to drive as well as ride in. People used to always tease me about my love for full sized sedans, but once they drive the LeSabre, they change their tunes.. they love it too.

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  Excellent - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Sam - January 7 - 9:02 pm

  I can drive the 70MPH speed limit to a city 100 miles away, do some driving around in the city and return home averaging 28-29 MPG. I think this is great for a car of this size. Very comfortable ride also.

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  Smooth driving, quality car. - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Houston, Tx - December 18 - 4:38 pm

  Work, drive, and family vacation for several years. Did regular service maintenance and car responded with no disappointments and no bad surprises. Very satisfying car with excellent reliability, durability, workmanship and gas mileage.

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  Fantastic! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By drew0927 - November 16 - 2:52 pm

  Ive never been more pleased with a care in my entire life. Very smooth ride, incredibly comfortable interior, and quiet as a mouse. The mileage is phenomenal given the size of the car. I commute 60+ miles each day so really appreciate how comfortable the interior is. The suspension soaks up the potholes with just a soft "thump, thump".

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  My car - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By richard connor - November 15 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned my Buick for four years and had no problems, the reliability has been excellent

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  The Most Comfortable & Reliable Car. - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Prakash D. Salvi - November 6 - 6:34 am

  I am fifty one years old. I really liked the size of this car,and the money I invested in it,was worth it. I got this 2004 LeSabre custom in Feb 2005, with 31000 miles. It is very comfortable car and very good on long runs. It is very quiet inside and very roomy. It has a very nice, quiet & powerful engine. The push rod 3.8 liter engine is very smooth. It gives very great gas mileage. Cant beat for the size, roominess, stability, and dependability. I love my car the way it serves me. I would surely prefer driving my car rather than driving my wifes small tiny car, because I feel more safe and comfortable in my LeSabre.

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  Great Vehicle for a Tall Man - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By RED - September 16 - 10:57 am

  I own two gas hogs i.e. Ford Expedition and Z28 Camaro. Looking for a vehicle with better gas mileage and space. Looked at Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and VW Jetta. All were nice but too small for a man 62. I was tired of my head hitting the roof, the emergency brake sticking into my leg and my legs cramped. Bought LeSabre without sunroof. Great space and legroom. So far it gets better mileage than cars previously mentioned. The only problem is getting one. Now that they are heavily discounted, they go off the lot as soom as they are delivered. Its funny that when GM finally gets the price right they are terminating a hot seller.