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:

• 

  Chappells Buick - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Chappell - June 1 - 9:42 pm

  This has been a most reliable car. Have replaced the tires and battery. The interior and exterior are in excellent condition. The car has been garaged since the purchase, and maintenance has been attended to regularly.

• 

  Great American ride - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By pjm1000 - May 30 - 10:01 am

  I just purchased a Buick Lasbre Limited with the 3.8 engine. I see everyone get the small cars for fuel economy, but when I saw the fuel economy in this Buick (hit 32mpg on the highway yesterday) there is no way I would cram myself into a little import to get 26-30 mpg when you can get the same or better in a full size auto that rides like a dream with all the gadgets for comfort. Truly an excellent car. I am 37, not the stigma of an old guys car, who cares!

• 

  Keeps on keeping on - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Elliott - May 7 - 12:14 pm

  When I bought this car the main internet complaints were loud turn signals and loud fan noise on high blower. Four years of non-stop daily driving in city and cross country, that is still the only complaint about the car. It has every electronic gadget available and all still work the same as new no repairs, no breakdowns! I have had no other car that has been this reliable for this long with nothing going wrong.

• 

  I love it - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By SM - April 21 - 1:07 pm

  Great car. Needs nothing except for the usual tune-up, oil change, etc. Fun to drive. Surprisingly powerful. Great fuel economy 29mpg hwy. A little too comfortable. Roomy. It is very low profile .

• 

  Just Picked It Up - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Just Gettin By - April 16 - 9:06 pm

  Hey, I just picked up the 94 Buick and Im very impressed. I drove around the vehicle with two automotive engineers. They were shocked at how well the vehicle ride quality was and how quite it was. Overall, there were no noticable NVH issues and the fuel economy appears to be above expectations. The only complaint is the poor design of the center consel cup holder

• 

  This isnt Your Grandmas Car! - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Babs - April 12 - 8:34 pm

  The only time I really replace a car is when theres an accident, or in 1 case, stolen. So, after my brother smashed my Oldsmobile, I went to my local GM dealership, and bought a 2001 Buick LeSabre. This is beautiful car to look at. The body is in great shape, no rust or dings. The interior is nice, and comfortable. The stereo is thumping. I have the Concert Series II. It really puts out a big sound. Definitely not for Grandma. I get great mileage for a big car. I get 31 miles highway, and 25 city. Thats important now that gas is over $3 a gallon. This car is comfortable for passengers. It will fit 5 adults comfortably. I have a remote starter, for cold and snowy Minnesota days.

• 

  Want another! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Happy in Idaho - April 4 - 11:14 pm

  Purchased at 20000, now has 150,000. Needed alternator and new cruise control but worth it. Car accelerates at 65 like no ones business and gets excellent average MPG on highway of 29-30 on open road. Trim around door is shrinking and expensive to replace. Love this car and will definitely keep it til it falls apart. Excellent car!

• 

  Can not go wrong with this model car. - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Debbie Bollinger - March 22 - 11:49 am

  This is the first Buick I have ever owned. It has also been, by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned (I have owned many different makes of autos). It currently has 115,000 miles on it, I bought it with 29,000 miles. I have made many long trips with it. If you are looking for a safe, comfortable, dependable vehicle, you can not beat a Buick LaSabre!

• 

  Miss My LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bill & Jane - March 16 - 2:34 am

  We bought our 2004 Celebration Package new and loved it for 59,915 miles. A month ago someone pulled out in front of us (ice & snow) and its now totaled. We have looked at cars for a month now and are disappointed that Buick doesnt make the LeSabre or the Park Avenue. Minor problems (post warranty) we have had include burned out heated seat, broken cruise cable, and a few switch/indicator lamps burned out. The OnStar didnt work when new and the dealer took 6 months to fix it, but in the end we got a call from OnStar when the airbags did their job! They sent the police right to the intersection where we were, thanks!

• 

  Platinum silver LeSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By ANGELCHILD - March 8 - 11:20 pm

  I have enjoyed my LeSabre since I purchased it in August 2007. The LeSabre rides very smooth and has the luxury of a Cadillac at a better value! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for luxury at a great price!