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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  OK Car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By dave - November 11 - 11:10 pm

  This vehicle has bullet proof GM 3800 engine. But the accessory drive components are so so. After I fixed all problems, this vehicle runs great. I am expecting no major repair untill it reachs 200,000 miles (at least engine and transmission)

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  One owner 1997 Buick LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Christian Valin - November 1 - 6:36 pm

  The 3.8liter engine has been GMs best kept secret. Who would have known that such a large car would give such great car mileage on the highway? City mileage is average for a car this size. This Buick has been among the most reliable GM vehicles Ive ever owned. Its too bad that this old fashioned technology is going by the wayside as Buick tries to attract a younger crowd. Im in my forties but I guess my taste is more conservative and dont look for fast cornering cars but very comfortable and always it always feels like a safe car.

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  Value of Buick LeSabre - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By S P J - October 27 - 3:56 am

  This Buick LeSabre has been well cared for with regular service, new struts, lots of very clean trunk space. There are no tears or scratches to the clean well kept interior. A new radio was installed last year with a CD player, multiple AM/FM bands and stereo speakers - front and back.

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  A pleasant surprise - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By me? in a BUICK?! - October 11 - 2:21 pm

  I bought this "beast" from my bro-in- law for $1,000. It had about 82,000 miles. I figured it would be a good first car for my soon to be driving 17 yr old daughter. Little did I know I would need it for myself. Ive put 10,000 miles on it since. Its too big and mushy for my taste. I tend to drive spiritedly. You just cant zip around corners. But its got a lot going for it and a used LeSabre is a terrific value. This car was $24,000 in 92 with loads of luxo/safety items. They are generally owned by older folk who drive easier and keep up with servicing. The car is very dependable. I recently replaced the master cylinder which gave me plenty of warning ($500).

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  Solid sedan - a Detroit success story - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Jadziasman - August 21 - 9:45 pm

  Surprised was I when shopping for a used car in the $6000 area. Looked first at a Park Avenue with mucho miles and then searched for a LeSabre. While the styling of the 99 looks like a 79, the car gets me from A to B in comfort and hasnt failed me yet after 23,000 miles of highway driving. While this is not a luxury car by any means, its probably one of the best you can buy for a six year old car. Decent gas mileage about 25 to 27 MPG year round. No maintenance other than the usual stuff (oil, filters, etc.) As to handling, well the big guy is a little scary around corners - oodles of body lean and tire squeal at 45 MPH. I would have liked tighter steering.

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  Good Solid Family Sedan - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ktgister - July 10 - 11:26 pm

  Have had the car for three years with only a single problem - one of the window mechanisms broke. Other than that it has been as reliable as any Honda or Toyota I have owned. I have not had to get it tuned up, replace the tires or any other issue. I think anyone looking for a car of this size would do well purchasing a Buick LeSabre. The only real issue I have is the resale price - it seems to drop faster than I would like. Your best option could be to buy a used one about two years old.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By robert delalio - June 23 - 10:49 pm

  This car has been a total joy on long trips. It is a comfortable, safe car. The great gas mileage and low usual maintenance cost have been excllent. Dealer support has been excellent.

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  Review of 93 Buick - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By V. Liem - May 24 - 2:21 am

  The car is very good in general. I have only two problems:the remote-controlled door and ABS stopped working right after passing 36,000 mileage, the warranty was just expired. I left these problems until now because of high repair cost. The engine is still very good until now, with mileage 252,600. I drove the car across the country at least 10 times. Air conditioning system still working very well in driving through desserts. If I do not have problem with the ABS and remote doors, I would definitely buy another Buick.

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  So far, so great - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By ED - May 8 - 2:07 pm

  Bought this car Sept 2004. 8 months later, and no problems yet. Has only been in shop for routine maintenance. Roomy. Good acceleration. Nice understated looks. Decent sound system, and good handling for a big car round out a very nice package! LeSabres devalue quickly, so they make an excellent used car buy.

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  My Big Bad Buick - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Family car - March 23 - 12:53 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and have not had any trouble with it. It is my first car since having a van for many years and thought it was a great switch for a family car. The back seat is comfortable and plenty of room. It makes you feel safe and comfortable for a good price. I have had some lemon cars before, but I lucked out with this Buick (and I bought it used).