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 for the money - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By NYDogBoy - August 24 - 7:46 pm

  This is a problem-free car. In the past 8 years all Ive done is replace two tires, and the typical brake and oil change stuff. I get 26-28 mpg hwy, overall about 23.5. Plus, this is a gutsy car. We cruise about 70mph and have plenty left for passing. The 3.8 engine is one of the best engines ever designed. The features on the Ltd. are outstanding auto-dimming mirrors, suto headlight, outside temp, keyless entry, and many other features. I cant imagine a time when I will get rid of this ten year old car.

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  Best sedan we have ever owned - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Verne R - August 23 - 1:32 pm

  This car appears to be well made with excellent fit and finish. The ride is smooth and quiet. It handles well and is enjoyable to drive. The 3.8L V6 is a nice balance between power and fuel economy. So far we have attained 33.4mpg at highway speeds which is amazing for a car this size. The interior is well appointed and feels plush. The car provides a nice array of creature features. The exterior has clean lines and looks sharp. Trunk space is generous and has pass through the seat capability. This is our first Buick and we have been impressed by the quality, spaceousness, and fuel economy that this car offers. It has met and exceeded our expectations.

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  If it wasnt for bad luck - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Gary Harvey - August 18 - 6:57 pm

  Thought I was on the right track with this garage kept low mileage Buick. Wrong, trans turned to dust and after spending $1,877 for a new one Ill admit I enjoy the car, just wondering what has happened to GM concerning transmissions? I have a 91 GS that lasted 115K before it needed a rebuild (and it didnt drop me at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with no warning). Too bad GM doesnt warrant low mileage used cars.

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  I am impressed - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By lewis - August 10 - 9:55 pm

  I am a small car dealership owner and needed a car to go on vacation with so I grabbed an 04 Le Sabre I just bought with 54000 miles. Wow . The gas mileage was 28 to 33 mpg. I couldnt believe it so I checked it 3 times. I was right. the ride was fantastic. Im sold on these

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  Intake Manifold Problems in 3.8L also. - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By GMGotmeagain - August 4 - 7:26 pm

  The 2002 Buick LeSabre is plagued by faulty intake manifold gaskets just like all GM 3.1 & 3.4 litre engines. Expect to pay around $800 to get this fixed at least once every 12-15k miles. Other than this problem the brakes will need serviced annually if you drive primarily in the city. This is due to heaviness of vehicle and constant stop and go driving under these conditions. Great fuel economy on highway. Ive gotten as high as 32mpg on vacation trips in this car at 70mph. Amazing. In the city forget. Avg is 18mpg.

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  Electric and Leaks - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By John - July 21 - 2:18 pm

  My car leaked from poor fitting panels on the floor. Cost 750 to get it fixed. Also very poor alternator - went through 5 in five years! Everything else was fine.

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  Great first car - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By schmidtkramer - July 16 - 12:27 am

  My dad bought this car about four years ago and I loved it right away. Eventually passed it on to me about 6 mos ago and have had few to no problems other than routine maintanance. At 161,000 miles it still drives good but starting to show signs of age but I think it can last another 10-15k miles. Until I can get a new car

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  Fabulous Car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Smurf87 - July 5 - 6:50 pm

  I bought my LeSabre in January 2008 with 95,000 miles on it. I was skeptical about buying a car with such high mileage but I just fell in love with its design inside and out and the performance was not what I was expecting. Its the Custom model so it doesnt have OnStar, leather or some of the other features I would have liked. Regardless it has more luxury than I need. Handles very well in the snow and is a lot of fun to drive, especially on the highway. The engine is powerful, accelerates quick, and is very reliable, yet fuel efficient. Very comfortable seats and enough features to keep one comfortable and safe (antilock brakes & 4 air bags) regardless of the length of the trip.

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  Big car, great mileage - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Rich Bolamperti - June 24 - 8:54 pm

  My other car is a Hyundai Elantra I get about 22 mpg. The LeSabre is getting 20 mpg city. I drive the Hyundai harder but to get 20 mpg city in a car this large and comfortable is amazing. I love the split bench seat, me my wife and child can all sit in the front like in the old days. I have a plan. Buy a 2 or 3 year old Buick keep it until it is 10 years old, trade it in get another 2 or 3 year old Buick. Have a very small economy car to drive in town and for the longer commute. Drive it into the ground.

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  Why? - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Billy John of MN - June 5 - 9:57 pm

  GM. Why did you drop this model along with the Park? I have owned 2 Parks and 4 LeSabres. They are far superior to Lucernes which I drove and felt like I was sitting in a boat. Have you ever tried to look to your left rear from a Lucerne drivers seat? My neighbor traded his Lesabre on a LaCross and regrets the day he went in to the Buick dealership. Except for the plastic intake manifold part which has failed on nearly all of my 3.8 cu motors, the motor is superb! Why did you let the problem go on year after year unfixed? However no foreign or domestic comes close to the size and the mileage (27-29 highway) of this comfort machine. Thats OK. Humble yourself and bring them back. Forget California