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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Best inheritance ever! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
By Jaraldo - August 2 - 11:35 pmI am a new driver. I am 16 and I was left this car by my late grandmother (bless her heart). Its a tan 1993 LeSabre Custom. She was the second owner and bought it with only 45,000 miles in I think 1997 and she shortly thereafter couldnt drive so the car was kept in a garage. Driven every now and then. But cleaned regularly... I made sure of it.. ) Its now 2009 and the car just rolled over to 65,139... I kid u not. I plan to drive this car forever - its been great. Never had one issue. Alternator was replaced once but no big issue. RECOMMEND TO ALL!!!!!
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22 YO young girl LOVES this car! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
By mrscervantes - July 28 - 10:48 pmI have NEVER had a car that is more reliable for my buck and the kicker is? I bought this thing with 200,000+ miles for $500 and she is STILL running strong. Aside from reg maintenance, the only thing I had to fix was I had to get a new gas tank which was a pain to find. Apparently, its common that the insides disintegrate after 17 years...but what more could you really ask for? It was a 100 fix, even if it took all day! I love this car and even though its style is not really flattering for me, I would never put her down til shes ready to rest. This car is a BEAST and Im lucky to have found such a deal! I am a fan of Buick now!
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car still moving at 200,274300 - 1994 Buick LeSabre
By Ball - July 24 - 9:49 pmI have 200,0000 mile on this car.IT is still moving/driveable.
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Window Regulator Defect - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By No more GM for me!!! - July 24 - 6:50 pmI purchased my 2002 LeSabre Customer in April 2008 as a used car. My front right window regular went out in June 2009 and then almost three weeks later the back left side passenger window regulator went out. My car mechanic states that this is a known problem with this model year and that my other two windows will soon follow this trend. I contacted GM/Buick and GM/Buick seems to think that this part is fine the way it was manufactured and stated that they have had no customer complaints thus far. No wonder this car company has had the problems they do. Produce an inferior product and sell it.
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Member of the $1,000 Club! - 1998 Buick LeSabre
By Iamnotabuicklover! - July 21 - 12:57 amThe WORST car I have ever owned, even beating my first vehicle, the 1980 Chevy Silverado Big 10! Bought 2004 Repear costs $1,000.00 average break down every 6 months other than normal maintenance repairs! Replaced:Senors- Fuel Cap/Engine,Alternator,Serpentine Belts(4),Brake Light bulbs(5),Water Pump and Belt Pulleys/Assembly,plenumn failed, now at 114k cruise contrl will not work, AC/Blower is not blowing out the vents, paint and plastic on steering wheel is flaking off(chrome as well)I have not mentioned normal ownership costs and maintenance, and lastly the worst A V6 GETTING 19 MPG both hwy and in city! My V6 thinks it is a V8! I have had my last BUICK!!!!!!!
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Very Comfortable Ride - 1993 Buick LeSabre
By Lorr - July 18 - 3:26 amThis car has the nicest ride of all Ive ever got to own/drive! The only other nicer riding car Ive driven was a Uhaul Chevrolet C1500 pickup truck. Unfortunately, it does have a few negatives. When I bought mine with 75k miles, it already had a constant misfire due to a or a couple of stuck fuel injectors. Because of this, the idle often gets too low when parallel parking effectively eliminating steering assist. Electrical system reconfigured itself at 115k. Car suddenly died, lights out, restarted a few minutes later but now lacking the function of radio(oddly tape plyr still works),AC, and manual interior lights (still works with door).
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disgusted in Arizona - 2003 Buick LeSabre
By disgusted in Arizona - July 8 - 8:01 pmThis was our third Buick in a row. An 86 LeSabre we tried to wear out and couldnt, and a 95 Regal that was still going strong at 180,000 when we sold it. The 2003 replaced the Regal in 11/05. It had 34k, was in excellent condition, and bought from the proverbial "old lady". It is a comfortable, quiet road car. My wife drives it about 13k hwy mi/yr and pampers it. Trouble began in 1/07 at about 60k mi. Had to replace lft rear window regulator, then the rt one 4 mos later, then the lft one again 30 days later. 4/09 both dr latch/sensor assblys on rt side. Today the lft rear latch/sensor. Total so far $1245 for items VERY POORLY designed and built. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST BUICK!!
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Luv my buick - 1998 Buick LeSabre
By desertjaws - July 8 - 11:17 amThis is probably one of the best cars I have ever owned and my first Buick (1998). Had 57K miles when purchased (2005), currently has 135K miles. Has not been completely problem free but any problems have been minor. I do love this car and will purchase another soon.
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LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
By S. Voyles - June 22 - 1:39 pmGreat car for six years with 79,000 miles
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188K & still strong!! - 1999 Buick LeSabre
By my4thBuick - June 16 - 8:35 pmYah... Its not the most stylish car! But I drive 30,000 miles/ year & my lesabre hasnt stuck me once. Great mileage for a lead sled & comfy. Its got over 188,000 miles & I just replace the original starter. Just starting to develop an intermittent miss. If you dont care about style... & you can pick one up.... go for it. And remember, ANY car can be a lemon!
