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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  2004 Buick Lesabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By John Herman - October 22 - 3:42 am

  Excellent car.This is my third Buick. Previously bought new an 1989 Park Avenue and later, a new 1996 Park Avenue. All have been good trouble free vehicles Sorry to see that Buick has discontinued production of both the Park Avenue and Lesabre, I dont care for their new Lucerne - too small.

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  Best American Car on the Road Today - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Tom - September 19 - 2:22 pm

  Outstanding vehicle. I have never had a problem with it. Never even taken to the dealer for any warranty issue. Ive had many new cars in my 50 years but this is absolutely the best in every category.

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  Pros and Cons - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By c. lindy - July 14 - 9:25 am

  The 03 LeSabre has everything going for it but good city gas mileage. Expressway mileage is very good considering the size of the car and its get up and go. I get approximately 30-32 mpg. Problem is, most of my driving is in the city/suburbs and with the July, 2006 price of gasoline I am unhappy with the approximate mileage of 16 mpg.

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  I love the Buick LeSabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Richard Nielsewn - June 24 - 11:19 am

  I basically love the car and may get another one but the Lucerne does not have the telescopic steering wheel. I thought I was going to get better mileage, I get 21.5 miles to the gallon. I want better with gas prices being so high.

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  Happy with the old mans car - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By rob - June 2 - 4:08 pm

  We purchased our 99 LeSabre after enjoying our 94. After 7 years the car is still smooth, comfortable and quiet. Yes, the 3.8 V6 does get 20+ in local driving and 30 on the road, which is helpful with gas prices today. Friends with newer cars may tease me about the "old mans" car,but they like the smooth ride and the comfortable seats. The only problem has been the battery. Im on the third one. Its best driven easy, but does have good power for a big car.

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  Better then my 2000 Maxima - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By bobbym - May 11 - 12:48 am

  I purchased my 95 LeSabre custom with 67,000 miles almost 2 yrs ago, now have 78000 miles on it. A great car. Runs great like a new car,and its got quite a kick to it. It moves smooth, fast and easy. Even though my last car 2000 Maxima was a very good car, I honestly have to say...this LeSabre is an all around better car. I love it.

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  A great all round car - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Cameraman - May 7 - 5:02 pm

  My wife and I bought our `95 Buick Last yeat and we think that this is a great car, It does everything right, great ride good handling (for a full size car), and I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  Thier LeSabre - for a reason! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ssgconway - April 1 - 10:39 am

  I live on the road - 45-50k/year. Comfort is a must. This car provides it, although the seats are not quite as comfortable as in the 94 I traded in. Fuel economy is excellent - with a high-flow air filter & synthetic oil, I have averaged 26.6 combined MPG over the last 35,000 miles. People who wouldnt buy a Buick are impressed by the ride & performance. My teenage son said it has more pickup than Moms Xterra, and there is enough room for six adult males to ride in reasonable comfort. My only significant complaints are an occasional stalling problem (goes away with higher-octaine gas) and a bit more road noise than Id like. Overall, a very solid, sensible car.

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  Buick LeSabre - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Frank - March 9 - 3:34 pm

  The gas mileage is great 30 on the road. The ride is smooth and easy to handle. We have not had any trouble the auto

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  Best car Ive owned - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By lori - March 7 - 9:00 am

  I bought my LeSabre for $3800 in 2001 after doing internet research on lasting vehicles. I have not been disappointed! It is so comfy that the first time I drove it, the kids fell asleep during the first 15 minutes and I nearly did, too! It had 96k mi. on it then, and it now has 185k. Ive only had the fuel pump and struts replaced, a couple of alignments, and a $100 electronic part replaced twice. When I was looking into getting a new car, I decided I wanted a 2002, or newer, LeSabre. But they seem to have some neg. feedback, so I keep driving mine. I guess Ill replace the headliner and keep driving it until it stops running-if ever. With 22-24 mi/gal on trips, and room for six, Im spoiled!