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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  My first car - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Scott - December 6 - 1:35 am

  This was my dads car, which he gave me. It was a real whale of a car, but Im 65" and it felt like it was built just for me. The V6 engine was powerful enough to be fun, but not absurdly so. It was not sporty in any sense, but I hike a lot and I found that it handled mountain roads just fine. It had low clearance and tended to bottom out a lot, and my dad said he broke an engine mounting bolt once that way. I got about 19.5 mpg mixed, but the difference between city and highway was huge. The transmission finally fell apart one day after 16 years. It was rock-sold reliable otherwise.

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  Long Term Reliability - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By telegraph - November 27 - 2:15 pm

  The car is good except for three problems. Both rear power window motors have died ($500 to repair if you want, each). Both wheel hubs failed at 140,000 and were replaced ($2500), and the transmission, which seems to be the weak point, died at 145,000 miles. Otherwise, everything runs and runs and runs. GM used to have problems with the 70A alternator and the water pump - which died at 70K miles for the alternator, and about the same for the water pump. Now, both have lasted 216,000 miles and still going. Engine getting tired so probably will replace it this year. Car very comfy on long trips, get 30 mpg on the highway, low 20s in town. Wish they still made them!

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  Great gas mileage for the ride - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - November 27 - 7:18 am

  We bought the car used with 27k miles, 5 years ago. The gas mileage is impressive, 25 mpg around town and 30+ on the highway, exceptional for the ride and comfort this model offers. I had to replace front wheel bearings, rear shocks (optional), and both rear window motors, not good but not terrible. I would by it again. Fine car that cleans up well.

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  Young man loves his Buick - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By TONY - November 2 - 10:32 am

  I sold my Buick Century, and bought my 2003 LeSabre custom. Hooked on the Buick comfort, style and great gas mileage for this size car. Im 39 years old, and have heard that Buicks are for the older generation. Well I love mine and expect it to last a long time. The ride is smooth, no road noise and I get the performance expected.

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  Love my LeSabre - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Debra - October 31 - 8:55 pm

  I bought my 93 LeSabre, with guess what? 189K miles, it was a one owner car since day one. My brother is a mechanic and said who ever had that car took a one care of it mechanically. It will probably go for another 100K miles. All I have replaced on it is a water pump which cost me a whopping $30. My previous vehicle was a 91 Buick century which I literally drove into the ground at 300K. You can but your last bottom dollar that when the 93 I now own sees auto paradise another Buick will be taking its place. I absoulutely love Buicks and if you look around, you see they everywhere. These cars are built to last and I love them!

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  2005 LeSabre Celebration Limited Edition - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Buick Owner - October 20 - 1:04 am

  I have drove Buick LeSabres for years. I own 2 LeSabres at the present time. They have all been very good cars. I bought the 2005 LeSabre Celebration Edition because it was the last year of the LeSabre. It is without a doubt the most comfortable, smoothest riding, most luxurious interior, and quietest LeSabre ever build and I go back a few years. It is so good that I keep it tucked away in my garage and only use it on highway trips and special outings. I use my 02 LeSabre for everyday driving in order to keep miles and wear off the 05 as I plan on keeping it for a long, long time. As you may have noticed, I have owned this car for a long time before writing this review. Great car!

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  2005 Buick Lesabre Limited. - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By audrey - September 28 - 12:49 pm

  I am a loyal Buick driver. Have had Buicks for many years but really love this 2005 LeSabre Limited. Really gets good mileage, 33 mpg on hwy for such a comfortable car. People are disappointed in the Lucernes with the mileage compared to the LaSabre. I would tell people to pay the extra money and get a Limited.

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  Love my Lesabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Linda C. - September 16 - 8:15 am

  Bought my 1991 Buick LeSabre Limited used in 1993 with 32,000 miles and drove it for 15 years and 224,000 plus miles. Wasnt ready to trade but found out they had been discontinued. I decided to buy another before they completely disappeared! My old one was still running great, no major problems, just the usual battery, brake pads etc., still got 30 mpg on the highway. Found a 2005 Custom with 56,000 miles. It fits like a glove and I expect to get at least 15 years out of this one! Just miss the leather seats, cant "slide in" on the fabric! These cars are a pleasure to drive, great in the winter, reliable, no complaints whatsoever.

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  Solid car with surprising fuel economy! - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Benjamin Kromminga - September 9 - 11:59 am

  I purchased my LeSabre Custom exactly a month ago to drive back and forth to college. This is an excellent highway car. The ride on the open road is very smooth and power from the 3.8 liter V-6 comes on strong when you need it to. Carving corners, however, the Buick feels slow and heavy. After driving a Ford Tempo for two years, parking the LeSabre is a bit of a chore. Inside, everything is very accomadating. The seats are large and comfortable, and the radio controls are large and easy enough to use. For a car this size, the itsy-bitsy glove box is a bit of an embarrassment. Despite the weight and size of this car, it has averaged about 27 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Dawn - August 29 - 11:18 am

  The worst car we ever bought. 20 plus thousand miles we had to replace a wheel bearing, then a sensor in another wheel bearing that related to traction control, a motor mount support, a heater coil, two window regulators that control closing the windows and is not covered by ins,and now we think we have to replace the transmission. We have 69,500 miles on it now. At 40 plus thousand, GM did not give me any sympathy or help. They were very cold. Do not buy this car. Even the Svc Mgr at Buick said they have a lot of trouble with them. We have never had these problems even with cars with +100,000 miles on it.