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:

• 

  Dont buy a 2002 Buick! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Disappointed - February 27 - 6:45 pm

  This Buick has nice styling, performance, and a great ride. However, the 3.8 engine has a reoccuring issue with Intake Manifold gasket leaks that GM refuses to take responsibility for. Check out NHTSA vehicle bulletins for this model. I experienced the same problem in my Chevy Lumina with 3.1 V6. You will be replacing your gasket approx. every 25- 30k miles at a cost of $700-900 a pop. I went thru this 2x with my Lumina and now my Buick has its first failure at 60k miles. Time to trade it in.

• 

  Love this car - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Barron n Carol - January 23 - 5:54 pm

  The USA built cars seem to always get bad reveiws. Well, Im here to tell you that this Buick far exceeds anything Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Mitsubishi has. Ive owned em all. The Buick gets good gas mileage, its very quiet inside, and handles very well. I love it! The engine is powerful and quiet also. Front seat accomodates a rather large driver very comfortably. Im 62", 225lbs. and I fit in the car with ease. What more can I say? This is simply one of the best all around cars that Ive ever owned. Rent one for a few days and drive it or test drive one. Once you drive it youll buy it. No more Toyotas for me. Two thumbs up for the good ole USA & God Bless America!

• 

  Pleasently Pleased - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Pleased Driver - January 13 - 10:56 pm

  I love my LeSabre. I am so sad I have to get a new vehicle. After three years of having my baby I am so sad to see her go. For some reason she sometimes will not start. However considering how tough I drive and the abuse I put her through she deserved a break. The body is built wonderfully and strong. I have backed into brick walls, cement lamp poles etc. (all accidental) and my LaSabre, she kept right on moving. The car is sooo roomy as well and it is a comfy smooth ride. This is what all cars should aspire to be!

• 

  Car worth - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Walter - December 20 - 5:43 pm

  This car is driven by wife for pleasure. While mileage may seem like a lot they are not city miles but thruway type driving.

• 

  Terrible Car - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Ahagy - December 19 - 12:50 am

  This is actually the worst car Ive ever owned. Since buying it I have had nothing but problems. I had to replace the heater, the air conditioner still doesnt work, the body is in terrible condition and doesnt hold up to anything. Driving in snow in it is a joke, steering locks up and so do the brakes so turning is dangerous and youre lucky if you stop. Im surprised every morning when it starts up. It is definitely not reliable, not something I would ever resell. Because of this car I will never own another buick. Im sticking to Dodge from now on.

• 

  Need to know - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Peggie Schnur - December 14 - 7:35 pm

  Have enjoyed this car fully. Gives good gas mileage and is confortable to travel in. Nice color to keep clean. Leather interior which is easy to clean also. Large trunk space and tires are two years old. Tape deck and CD player along with radio. Heated seats and heated window mirrors.

• 

  Gets the job done - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By bigpop - November 28 - 3:11 pm

  I like this car. It is very reliable (starts and runs every time), comfortable, roomy, feels solid, and feels safe. I have not had any serious repair issues. The car has about 119K on it. Gas mileage is OK for a car of its size. Smart money drives Buick.

• 

  God bless the GM 3800 - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Dan - October 25 - 8:00 am

  Its so comfortable to drive, roomy and reliable, that after 175k miles, I just cant convince myself to trade it in on something new. Its been absolutely reliable only breaking down once needing a new water pump. Its really nice on long road trips as the seats are like sitting in a Laz-E- Boy or something. Never had parts of my anatomy fall asleep or anything. Perfect carpool car as there is tons of room in the back seat for even the largest of adults. Gas mileage has been respectable averaging about 17-20 mpg in the city. Ive had 3 carseats across the back seat for the last two years and theres plenty of room. Huge trunk for double stroller and all the other kid supplies.

• 

  Back to Foreign - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Leo - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Thinking Buick was one of the best GM vehicles and wanting to buy American (actually it was Canadian) I purchased this as my first new car ever. Two months after the time warranty expired (3 years but the car had only 29000 miles) I needed a new transmission switch. While fixing the transmission, the mechanic found an air conditioning problem (over $1000) then while repairing the air conditioning found an intake manifold seal problem (over $1000). The catch for partial "goodwill" warranty coverage was allowing them to perform the expensive 30000 mile service. It still cost me over $1000 and the transmission still shifed rough. Fortunately I sold it before something else went wrong.

• 

  The Plenum theory, a story of an intake - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By tony b - August 28 - 12:58 pm

  I have put on 40,000 miles since buying this car. No problems, great ride etc, except two weeks ago I became stranded because of the plenum burned out and coolant was logged in the lower intake causing the piston to stop thus stopping my car in the middle of nowhere. I had to walk for miles before a gentleman stopped and offered me a ride. Why was this part (egr) made of plastic and not metal...to save $.20 on each one? Now its going to cost me over $600. to repair it.. Good engineering. One thing is for sure and that is I will stick with Japanese cars..My last was an Acura and I sold it at 181,000.miles.