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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  The best car ever! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By beckaroo80 - March 21 - 4:49 am

  My husband bought this for me after I had an accident with my 91 Park Avenue. Im 24, and not many people my age drive this kind of big car, but I loved it. Love the steering wheel radio controls. Power seats are very comfy and roomy Also holds up well in accidents. We found out first hand! The car tells you when you need windsheild washer, and even when tire pressure is low, so I have plenty of time to have him fix it! My friends can make fun of me all they want to, I love this car and it is very safe. Nice ground effects. It has great pickup, runs perfect in snow too.

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  My new car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Dean Holmes - February 19 - 10:04 am

  I had a 2002 Buick and didnt like the seats. They where not comfortable and the tires where generals and very plain looking. On the new one, the seats are leather and very comfortable. It also has chrome wheels and a package that includes Northstar and many nice items. It is much more fun and comfortable to drive. Also the system read out for oil, etc. is very nice.

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  All around - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Ray Richter - January 21 - 8:53 pm

  A1 all around quality. I purchased mine in 2002, so I have had 3 years to test it. 1 year or less does not expose too many problems that may exist.

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  Great car for Cheap - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Mark Addler - January 17 - 3:26 am

  Bought for $8,000 with 54K miles on it, now it has 149K miles and is still running strong. Only one repair at 110K ($400 total) for coolant pump and intake manifold (imagine that! A GM with a bad coolant pump or a bad intake manifold!!!) Never broke down, just leaked coolant and took it in when it got real bad. Only oil and tire changes otherwise. Everything on this car works great, never has had any alignment work and still rides as smooth as day it was bought. AC and heat still work great and AC hasnt even been recharged. The only thing that has stopped working is the tape player, it has a tape stuck in it but who hasnt been replaced because radio is preferred and who uses tapes today?

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  2000 Buick LeSabre Limited - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By nexcen - December 19 - 9:43 pm

  One of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Maintenance has been due to normal wear and tear, and no substantial maintenance to date.

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  My third and I love it - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Rod York - December 16 - 12:14 am

  We use this vehicle for the most part "around town" and the mileage rately drops below 22 MPG. Our long trips (over 2500 miles) we usually get 29-30 MPG. The response is great on the highway, it can almost get out of its own shadow. The trunk space is great and the handling is superb. I have never driven a car with a better turning radius.

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  The 2004 Buick LaSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By D. Harvatin - December 15 - 11:02 pm

  Riding in this beautiful vehicle will make you happy and proud to say you own a Buick LaSabre. And its an American name to be proud of.

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  Buick LaSabre Rating - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By stevevg - November 23 - 1:45 pm

  The Buick LaSabre is the finest quality American made car for the money. Its style and comfort are second to none considering the price class. Interior styling and passenger space has been well designed and will keep the LaSabre very high in all ratings. The reliability of the Buick LaSabre has been just excellent with very few problems and miles of carefree driving.

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  Just 2 weeks old - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Poppy J - November 7 - 6:30 pm

  We had 2 Park Avenues before this LeSabre and this car has all the features for almost $6000 less with the exception of the back up sensors in the rear bumper. The car was sitting on the lot for many months, probably because of the Red color, but Red is what I wanted. Because of this, the tires could not be balanced, so 3 new tires had to be ordered, also the radio had to be replaced because some of the features did not work. My dealer is an excellent dealer and took care of the every complaint without any problems. This my third car that I purchased from them. Now the car is a dream, but I dont know what to expect in the way of gas mileage. Being a 04 leftover, I also saved $10,000.

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  Buick La Sabre Limited - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Al Louviere - October 21 - 2:00 am

  It has been an expceptionally reliable auto with few problems. Most problems occurred during the first two years of ownership. The interior is comfortable and easily accessible. The seat is sufficiently tall to allow my wife to have a comfortable drive. She also feels very safe while in Houston traffic. She suffers from a form of Arthritsis and the seats can be adusted to her comfort level. We will most likely purchase another La Sabre