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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  King of the road - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Macavele - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Hands down, the best car I have ever driven on the open road. The handling of the car is great, so it looks like my dads car....who cares. I drive 100 miles round trip to work every day and it is with grace!

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  Buick LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By P. Weiss - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The smooth ride is great, and power from the 6 cylinder is all you need. I have had no problems with the car since I bought it in September. The car has over 7,000 miles on it!

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  A Nice old mans car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By AHS - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Big car ride,good fuel economy on long trips.Fairly comfortable in front seats, Back seat could use a little more room. Question position of battery.(under back seat). Also would prefer full size spare.

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  I Love My Buick! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By elysian - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream!! I enjoy driving it on long rides & around town. Dont let this car fool you!! The V-6 3.8 liter engine carries this 4000lb car like a feather. You step on the gas in this car & you can feel it!! It pulls you back, the power is impressive. The dynaride makes this car handle like a sports car. Turns in this car no matter what speed, it holds tight to any roadway. On the highway, watch out!! This car wants to go, before you know it, you are going 80mph & cannot feel it!! I love this car!!!

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  The tale of one Buick - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Eldon Orth - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Fine car...I am unable to get more than 22 MPG sometimes a little higher but, more often than not 21...If thats an O.K. than its a great car.Solid, handles well, rides great...should have leather...seats are "sticky" to the seat of your trousers. Haad to replace dash gauges module...cost of $450.00 Rear air and heat could work better...Passenger temp control is as much of a joke as the smoke free section in a retaurant right next to the smoking area!!

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  The elderly have good taste - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By netty81 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Had a problem with it stalling unexpectedly and not starting sometimes. It was the camshaft sensor. A $40 part and small amount for labor and its good as new. I was 39 when I got my 95 Buick after a tornado took out my wonderful 98 Chevy Lumina. Had a surgery the day after the tornado. Left it to my husband to pick my next car. He came back with a car my kids said is only for "blue haired people". Let me tell you... THEY KNOW WHAT THEYRE DOING. best car Ive ever had. I LOVE IT!!!!! My kids still laugh about the average age of drivers of this car. Runs great, drives great, quiet, avg 24 mpg. Just turned over 100500 miles and going strong.

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  LeSabre Review - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By hockettjunk - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Trustworthy vehicle even with high miles.

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  Best US Car Offered - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By David Durrell - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Good value for money. Excellent motorway cruiser, though ponderous in mountains. Excellent traction in snow and ice with FWD. Will return 29-30 MPG at 75 MPH. Big ticket items in drivetrain are flawless at 100K miles. Brakes need work more than I like, but parts are reasonably priced and its easy to work on. Had stiffer shocks installed which helped handling. Not a BMW, but a good trade off wrt running costs.

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  Turn signals - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred R Mueller - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Turn signals fail to cncel after turn dealer claims it to be set to specs and refuses to repair it.

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  2000 Lesabre - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By psheno - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Great power and ride