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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  That car that wont die - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Jedirye - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car with 172,000 miles for only $950. Aside from peeling pant, bad radio, old AC charge and a few interior defects from a smoker being previous owner, the engine and transmission has been the one of the best I have driven. I am at 182,000 miles now. When my dad and I looked at it and tested the oil and transmission fluids, it was almost like new. And this "granny mobile" with the 3.8 v6 will haul the mail! I have driven other 3.8s an a 4.2v8 and only the Caddy with the V8 will beat this car off the line. I suspect this car will go (with a few repairs and refurbs of detail work) until I literally drive it into something.

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  Comfortable Car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By l - March 9 - 4:08 am

  The Buick LeSabre is a very roomy, smooth riding, and comfortable car. It will not necessarily turn heads, but it has lots of interior room and plenty of V6 power. The suspension has a floatly feel on rough roads, but is well mannered on city streets and highways. After owning one for a few months now, I fully understand why my parents liked them. Good value for the money and comfort.

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  Happy with the car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Donald - February 16 - 12:29 pm

  This is a very good vehicle. It is built with good quality and attention to detail. I would like better handling, perhaps with stiffer springs and struts and larger tires and wheels. It does look old.

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  Buick is underrated - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Roger - February 12 - 2:53 pm

  3rd new Buick since 1978, a few Hondas in between. Never have had a problem, mileage is 25MPG , I drive the freeway about 90% of the time. Feels safe, rides great.

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  A pleasant old-school sedan - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By dtm2005 - January 30 - 1:53 pm

  I bought the LeSabre because its fairly comfortable and reliable for a much more affordable price that used foreign-brand models. So far Ive been pretty happy. The acceleration is adequate (tho probably not as good as more recent models). The cloth seats are soft but fairly supportive, though the interior design is a bit antiquated. Reliability has been with the only repairs being a throttle ($200) and water pump ($300), and new front brake pads. The styling may not be exciting, but its timeless and classy. (the 2005 model doesnt look too much different). The handling is below-average and parking in urban areas is not fun. Overall not bad for a decade-old Detroit dreadnought.

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  my new buick - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By jerome graham - December 7 - 1:02 pm

  very comfortable seating. driver sits up quite high giving good frontal visibility. not as quiet as a century but not excessive noise. quite peppy for a car this size and limited horsepower. syling is a bit old but fit and finish is excellent. a very good family sedan with a soft quiet ride.

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  Good car except - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By blue chip - December 5 - 7:41 pm

  This would be one of the best buicks I have owned except for the transmission. The delay between coast and reacceleration for the trans to engage is maddening especially in traffic.Dealer says it is within spec.and doesnt know how to fix it. Same story from Buick. This will be my last buick.

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  Keeps Getting Beter - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Twosadime - November 28 - 3:33 pm

  My first Buick was a used 93 Buick Park Avenue. Until I bought my 2004 Lesabre Limited in April I didnt think the 93 PA could be beat but it has been. The 2004 Lesabre Limited is the best car I have ever owned. Everybody who rides in it raves about its comfort,good looks and feeling of security. In light of all this the purchase price I feel is very fair. Another job well done by the folks at Buick.

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  Survived a tornado - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By fireman mike - November 17 - 12:44 am

  Purchased in March of 03 from a private party with 35,000 miles on it. It now has 65,000 on it. With a family of 5, we purchased this to run our errands and into school (live on a acreage) and to keep miles off our SUV. Having put over 30,000 miles on it in a year and a half, I would rate this car as very dependable and economical. Quiet ride with plenty of power for a 6 cyl. and a roomy interior with a good size trunk for groceries, etc. Nothing fancy on the inside. All the safety features and power options that make life simpler. Just recently the mode buttons of the HVAC system have begun to act erratic. This vehicle survived the May tornadoes, when my house did not!

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  Best Car I ever had - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By TerryK - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Sure, the Lesabre may not be the coolest car or the sportiest, but it has never let me down. The ride is unbelievably comfortable, the seats in these older cars are much more comfortable than Buicks new seats. The 3800 engines are bulletproof, and is probaly the main reason I had went with this car, owning several other GM 3800s.