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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  Love Buicks - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By J. Steele - August 10 - 12:41 am

  After happily owning a Buick Century since 1998, I am now the proud owner of a new LeSabre. The ride and interior comfort are incredible and the gas mileage has been extremely impressive so far. It will be difficult not to run the mileage up on this car! Almost forgot about the sleek exterior styling - I like finding my car in the parking lot.

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  Best Large Car Gas Mileage - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Dave - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  This is the second LeSabre we have owned. This one is better than the previous car.

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  Fuddy-duddy -- no way - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Groth - July 26 - 1:54 am

  I bought this car on my 50th birthday and resent the fuddy-duddy image some people put on the car. It is reliable, comfortable in all seats, and easy to drive. I now have 67,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. The mileage is fantastic at 32mpg on the highway and 20 city. Most compacts dont come close. I like the LeSabre and it handles extremely well. It is a great highway commuter.

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  Pretty satisfied - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By lciancola - July 8 - 5:44 pm

  Ive owned my LeSabre since it was brand new. I purchased one due to the fact that my mom also owned one and has been very satisified. Ive also been very happy with mine. The only complaint I have is that the ABS light comes on, and I was told the whole component in the wheel hub needs to be replaced at my Buick dealership. It cost about $517.00. I dont feel that this should have gone so soon, since that light went on a week after I got the car. I think that they need to improve their ABS system since my moms car has had the same problem from the time it was new and hers is a earlier model. Theyre great, roomy, comfortable, and for the most part very reliable, but pricey to repair.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert Dowsett - June 1 - 1:49 pm

  I have never driven a Buick LeSabre with ride and handling charasteristics to compare with my 2005 LeSabre. The handling is enhanced by the 16" chromed aluminum wheels and more stable suspension. The visibility is very good. The relationship between the accelerator and seat is such that I can find a very comfortable driving position with my torso a couple of inches further back from the airbag than in my 95 LeSabre. It is the most pleasant car to drive I have ever owned in my now 45+ years of driving. What else can I say ... "I Love Driving This Car!"

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  95 LeSabre Custom - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By M - May 31 - 2:20 am

  Wonderful car! I bought my 95 LeSabre with 41,000 miles from Buick dealer that sold it originally. I have it serviced there for everything, too. Have 91,000 miles now. 30-34 MPG highway, 22-26 MPG city. Looks and drives like brand new. Only replaced water pump and power door lock relay. Thats it! Comfortable, powerful, reliable, economical, safe, and roomy. Cant ask for anything more. The 3800 V6 is the best engine ever made.

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  I love my LeSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Deborah Ledermann - May 27 - 6:37 pm

  I love my new LeSabre limited anniversary edition. Lots of room, very comfortable leather seats. Fun to drive for a larger car. Huge trunk. Good power on the engine for the interstate and passing. Gas mileage was 29 mpg at 70 mph on the interstate on long trips. Very smooth ride. Really good A/C. I am a happy owner.

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  New retiree treats himself to a Buick - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Jim - April 21 - 6:41 pm

  I really enjoy the extra power of my LeSabre, especially on a recent road trip through the hills of West Virginia. The car is responsive and handled very well on sharp turns and the standard ABS is a handy feature. The gas mileage and ride is much better than my V6 1999 Malibu and with less engine groaning too.

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Karin F - April 6 - 10:17 pm

  This is my very first LeSabre, white with light grey interior, black dash and some woodon the inside. I feel very happy driving this car, it gives excellent mileage, handles very well, even in rainy slick weather. The A/C works great even though our summers are normally quite hot and humid. I have no complaints whatsoever and if I ever need another car it will be a Buick LeSabre for sure. It is so roomy inside and well laid-out...well, I just love my car, cant you tell? :-)

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  An excellent automobile - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Helen Holwig - April 4 - 1:38 am

  This car handles beautifully. It has Stabilitrak which gives good confidence in driving during bad weather.