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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  New 2003 Buick LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Rick Thomasson - August 17 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 1997 Buick LeSabre, the first thing noticed on this car was the difference in the suspension. The 97 was way too soft. Go across a big bump with the car loaded, and it would bottom out. The handling of the 2003 is very positive. The suspension, although not stiff, gives the driver a feeling of being "in tune" with the car. All controls are very well located, easy to see, and easy to access. The radio controls and cruise control are conveniently located on the steering wheel. The 3.8 liter engine is a proven performer in the Buick line.

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  Revelation - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By John Wilde - August 9 - 2:00 am

  The Buick LeSabre is a revelation. Its quiet, comfortable, powerful, reliable, economical and attractive, a great road car but also an easy car to in which to drive around town. Even my thirty something daughter was impressed.

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  Great on freeway - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By seniorone - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I can say is I traded on Friday and left on a 2500 mile trip on Monday and loved the ride. I did have a problem with the cruise control. It pops off and sometimes will not come on. I have an appointment to get it repaired. Lots of room and ave. approx 30 miles per gal. Hard to beat in a car this size. Wish I had bought a Buick last time I got a new car.

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  New owner - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Cunningham, David - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be quite and quick, I like the smooth ride and all the room inside. The engine is quite and has the power.

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  Not just for old people - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By buick111000 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great car, no problems and fast enough. It isnt the most luxurious car but it is nice for the money and can get you through traffic with absoutly no problems. I would recomend a buick to anyone like i said it isnt just for old people it gives a lot of car for the buck.

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  Enjoying the Buick - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By jose gonzalez - July 18 - 2:00 am

  It has been wonderful to drive this car. Everytime my wife and me go traveling we believe we are "on the air" because it makes no noise, and runs very soft, and when I press the gas pedal its like a jet.

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  Electrical Problems - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Robbie - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car would be a "peach" except that it is very expensive to replace components when dash lighting burns out. Radio is sealed, and when the buttons no longer light it costs $300 to replace. Same for heat/air selectors.

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  jAANA F MEEKS - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By MEEKS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 LeSabre approximately 16 months ago. It has been a real pleasure - not to mention excellent gas mileage. I wouldnt consider any car other than a buick.

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  2001 LeSabre Custom - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By scobrn - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 years now. Runs great. Ive never had a problem with it. Suspension is very smooth, but handling is still very good. Gas mileage is excellent for this size car. I get 30 MPG on the highway and just over 20 in the city.

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  I didnt think Id like it, but I do.. - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By sharla - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Im not a teenager...39. I have driven SUVs for 6 years, and liked them, but my dad spotted this Buick, and said that it was a "great deal". I had my reservations. I drove it...felt like I was navigating a fish tank, but I coudnt deny the smooth ride, and the sure handling. I couldnt find anything mechanically wrong with it-at all. I bought the car, partly due to my dads well known ability to find a deal, and partly to trim down my expenses. This car has turned out to be very reliable, and comfortable. My kids even say they like it...imagine! Im glad now that I have it.