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:

• 

  Many problems - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Alan - March 24 - 1:51 pm

  Bought car from my mom. Had 14,000 when I purchased her. This was all the mileage it had after 6 years. After driving the car for 4 months 3 of the 4 power window regulators failed. I doubt they were even used more than 50 times. The power steering chatters on hard turns. The dash electronics constantly go out. The radio/disc player constantly goes on and off. The brakes are all chattering and grabbing. Had to replace all 4 tires after 16,000 miles. General tires are the worst. Put new Goodyear Assurance tires on and it made all the difference in the world! Buick is no help at all regarding repairs. I do however love the comfortable ride and great gas mileage. Its a great looking car.

• 

  EXCELENT RIDE - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Ricardo Jimenez - March 20 - 9:12 am

  So far Im happy with the car, the only one issue is with the heater/AC, I change the thermostate, change the temperature switch and in winter it take much time to heat,and in the summer I get cool air out of one vent and warm air from other, but beside that, everything is fine

• 

  I Like Grand Mas Car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Eddie C - March 11 - 2:06 am

  I purchased my Buick with 143200 miles. Replaced Upper Gaskets ($1420) and Oil Pan Gasket ($220). Replaced LH RWM ($215). Runs Like New. OC every 3K. CV Boots wearing will replace soon. 172500 and counting. AVG 22.5 MPG City / 30 HWY

• 

  Very Good - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Roseguy - March 8 - 4:19 am

  In 66,000, miles - a clunk in the drivers seat that the dealer fixed under warranty. No other problems or issues. The LeSabre is excellent for long trips because it is comfortable, smooth, quiet, and gets outstanding mileage for a car this size. I always get my tires "trued", and that makes this car even better.

• 

  Got it used at a steal!!!! - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - March 3 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this car after I totaled my Mazda Protege. This is the first full sized car that I have ever owned. Everything else has been a compact or sub-compact, so the difference is amazing. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior features are laid out perfectly for ease of use. I can fit a car seat in the back and still have room for 4 people without having to scrunch. Once I got over the old man mystique of a Buick- I fell in love with it.

• 

  244000miles and still going - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Bob - February 28 - 12:01 pm

  After owning this car for 5 yrs. the only thing costly was the fuel pump ($400) inc. labor. The amazing thing is all of the factory exhaust is still in excellent condition,I had the trans fluid changed evey 40,000 mi and never had a problem with it. January cold weather in Mass. can take its toll and that is when the rear brake line went out after a panic stop from a fool not paying attention with his snowblower went out into the road, but the safety system worked impeccably, the car stopped far away from him. the car still uses no oil 1/2 qt. between changes. Hate to part with it,still no rush issues.but how much can you expect from a car with this situation? Am looking for a newer one.

• 

  My first car - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Emilio parker - February 11 - 6:01 pm

  The car has only broke down on me twice. Once because of the cheap plastic elbows. I replaced them with metal once. Second time because of intake manifold gasket, valve cover gasket (front) and tensioner pully. Cheap fixed thought but I love this car because in city I get 28.2 mpg.

• 

  Owned this car longer than any other - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By S - January 20 - 7:12 pm

  Pulled a pop-up camper after Iinstalled cargo coils. Pulled it better than a GMC Jimmy witha 4.3 Great car, was white with a CB antenna on trunk. Was often mistaken for a police car. Very dependable but trunk leaked water when it rained

• 

  Hoping for a new home - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert Hoffman - January 15 - 7:30 am

  My wife inherited this car from her Fathers estate and absolutely loves the thing. We have had the common intake maniford issue which cost several hunderd dollars to repair. I am waiting for a reprise of this problem because the replacement is also plastic. I find the ride to be the equivalent of steering a whale. Our Honda is far superior in all respects. I cannot believe the mileage I see in other reviews. We have been lucky to get 19-20 miles per gallon -- even on flat highways. I would trade this thing in a minute, but in interest of domestic tranquility that is not likely to happen.

• 

  Ive gotten my moneys worth! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Janelle - January 14 - 3:25 pm

  I bought this land yacht in December 07 for $700 with 162,000 miles on it. Ive only had to replace the master cylinder, water pump and left turn signal socket. Nothing too major! Ive put about 13,000 miles on her and she still runs great. Ive certainly gotten my $700 out of this car. Im going to keep driving it till it doesnt go anymore.