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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  Eventually all power windows failed - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By exbuickfan - August 6 - 2:53 pm

  The Buick LeSabre has finally been discontinued and hopefully the engineers who designed the power windows have been fired. This overall excellent automobile is handicapped by power window regulators that are poorly designed, badly manufactured and exhibit little or no quality control.

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  Unhappy - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Unhappy - July 30 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased by 2003 Buick new. At 52,000 miles the stability system is totally gone. My outside drivers mirror is fogging up on the inside (I have the type that automatticaly goes from day to night plus its heated). My heated seat doesnt work. Half the lights in my dash are out. On the way home from our cottage, my radio and air conditioner just cut out by themselves. (I was able to turn them back on.) My dashboard lights dim. My two-tone leather seat split at a seam (very rarely to I have anyone in back). Im so upset with the car Im trading it in for a Toyota. When American cars start being built to last, Ill consider one again. This was our seventh GM product.

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  OMG this car is the BEST! 2 - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By TheUltimateAuthority - July 26 - 1:25 am

  UPDATE! See my original post 7/10/2002 My LeSabre now has 110,000 and its 5 years later and I still have the same car. and it continues to perform! Great car!

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  A nice car - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By nicecar - July 9 - 9:34 am

  I bought a 93 Buick LeSabre in Sep. 2002, with 110,000 miles and now (summer 2007) it has 147,000 miles and going pretty strong. The car has been relatively reliable, spending no more than $1,000 per year to fix, usually less. No major problems, engine and transmission are smooth and nice. Of course, other things like a starter, engine wiring, etc. needed replacing, but these are things to be expected for a car with that many miles. The car is noise free and a pleasure to ride, very comfortable and roomy. The handling is not competitive, but then this is not the car to race with. Fuel efficiency is also low, but given what you are getting is good. Overall very satisfied.

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  2004 LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By len vanover - June 15 - 1:24 pm

  I purchased the car with 28,000 miles on it. It has a great ride and is very easy to steer with the light steering. The car is trouble free an fun to drive and reliable. The only low mark is would give is that the seat belt buckle is hard to locate and is a bit of a struggle to connect. Im sold on Buick construction and reliability.

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  Really a good car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Jimmy - June 10 - 12:55 pm

  I bought this car used 2 years ago with 37,000 miles already on it. I was a little concerned about the mileage, but it has been a really good car. I need a late model full size sedan for business and I set out to buy a Cadillac, but saw and drove the Buick and saved several thousand dollars that work as well for me as owning a Cadillac. Ive not had any problems at all with this car.

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  Wow! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By glanceup - May 11 - 4:58 pm

  I needed a luxurious and large car to haul real estate clients around in. This more than fit the bill. Extremely smooth, comfortable ride and incredible gas mileage for such a large car (28 hwy, 18 city).

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  AC control issues - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Nick - May 6 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my 2004 LeSabre last year, and I have to say I am very happy with the vehicle. Getting about 28 mpg overall. ABS and Trac Control features are excellent. Have had issues with the climate control. It doesnt seem to work efficiently. The dual zone control doesnt really give you a big difference from driver to passenger. GM needs to look at this and find out what the issue is.

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  Love that old boat - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Carrie Anne - March 26 - 5:39 pm

  I purchased this car has a "driver training car for my teenager, but she thinks its an "old people" car and does not like it ! I love it. Drives like a big boat, quiet. Gas mileage is better than I expected. I have never had so many buttons to ajdust one seat. Love the traction control, great in our Michigan winters. All around great 2nd car.

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  I MIss my Car! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Inez Osmus - March 20 - 2:43 am

  It was totaled by roadrager and was injured in ribs and shoulder but my Mom was notinjured! Thatshows how good this car is. I was sitting up closer to steering wheel. Im shorter than her. I was just learning to drive and she felt this car would be safest! I hope to find another Buick Le Sabre in mid 90s or maybe a Park Ave. It had gold leather and sure miss it as is best for my back! Dont care for bucket seats anymore, hurt the back way too much!