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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  SOLID CAR - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By mgranito - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage for the power. Smooth, quiet ride. Handling somewhat sloppy. Sleek, classy look. Only major complaint is that seats are too soft for extended trips.

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  My Lesabre - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By jlytle5 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my car. It has necer let me down. And if not for the rust that is eating away at it I would keep it.

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  All around good car - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Matthew Spring - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been great. I only had one problem with the passenger side motor, for the window. Other than that,a great car, with just enough power.

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  My service record - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By fredw - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Parts replaced 14,500 km alternator 28,000 km wiper linkage 33,500 km wiper linkage cover and alternator 36,600 km wiper switch and spark plug wires. 53,800 km defective spark plug wires. 64,853 km water pump and Front stabilizer linkage. 67,751 km spark plug wires. 75,819 km front brakes 89,050 km transmission mount. 103,200 km top manifold gasket ($500.00) 108,311 km transmission rebuilt ($2039.00. Cluster head (instrument panel $400) 117,100 km alternator & tensioner. 118,400 km AC pulley & clutch hub Now at 120,000 km the ABS brakes failure lights indicate a need to change the ABS motor controller ($2000).

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  Excellent car for the money - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By KevinGg - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Not much to tell except that this car was a great value. My 2001 Lesabre has more options, more power, bigger car with good fuel economy, for less than a Camry or Accord with similiar options. For a GM vehicle, it was very solid, no wind noise, and no clunks or rattles. i was surprised by this considering GM is notorious for their squeaky interiors, and cheap plastic parts. The transmission shifts smoothly, and engine has tons of torque. The only thing I do not like over previous models were the seats feel too firm. Only problem so far with the lesabre was the cheap tires that were out of round which came from the factory.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By megan - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Really didnt want to get the LeSabre because it looked like a "middle aged" persons car, but my husband is a large man and we needed a car that was plenty roomy. This is the smoothest riding car I have ever been in. You really have to watch your speed because youll be hitting 80 before you know it. Very nice.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Megan - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Really didnt want to get the LeSabre because it looked like a "middle aged" persons car, but my husband is a large man and we needed a car that was plenty roomy. This is the smoothest riding car I have ever been in. You really have to watch your speed because youll be hitting 80 before you know it. Very nice.

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  Great car over the long haul - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Charles Love - September 29 - 2:00 am

  My LeSabre was purchased new in 1990. I was beginning to believe that I made a mistake with initial problems with the engine computer and freeze plugs rusting out. However both problems were fixed under warranty. After twelve years and 265,000 I found my initial doubts unwarranted. Today this car is still rock solid. I had a the timing chain replaced a few year ago and the 3.8 liter V6 is still as quiet as the day I first brought it home. A very comfortable ride and my pick over newer cars that I own for long trips. This is not a great car however it does what it was built to do beautifully. Thanks Buick.

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  Excellent family car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By grandpa - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of GMs best products. Quieter than some Cadillacs Ive driven, with very comfortable seats. Nice meaty engine that feels like a small V8. Interior is well laid out, lots of places to put things like parking access cards, maps, CDs, etc. Extremely practical in everyday use, large trunk, excellent sound system.

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  NOT BAD FOR A "GRAMPA" CAR! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Mr. T - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1990 LeSabre Limited Sedan from September 1998 until December of 2001 when I (reluctantly) sold it to my cousin. The big Buick was one of the best cars Ive owned. The car had 68,000 well-cared for miles on it when I bought it and 134,000 when I sold it. Aside from routine and preventative maintenance, I had to put in a starter and alternator. Not a chick-magnet car for sure, but as far as a comfy ride, the Buicks cant be beat!