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:

• 

  A week in a Buick LeSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Short term ride - February 23 - 12:58 pm

  First off, this review is based on just a week of driving. So far Im not very pleased. One of the first things I noticed was the wind noise coming in around winshield. After numerous seat position adjustments I was never able to find one that was truly comfortable. The bench seat provides very little lateral support. After my 1 hour commute I feel as if Ive driven much longer. The steering has almost no feel to it (over assisted).

• 

  2nd owner - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By JOHN - February 21 - 11:35 am

  I bought this car as a 2nd owner with 92000 miles. I put 25000 miles on it since. I paid 900 $ for it , It coasts very good & good gas mileage, 20 - 22mpg. The 3.8 v- 6 is very strong. The tranny shifts good & I reccomend this car. Its kinda plain looking but with it being paid for it is far better than having car payments. The power of the engine is a key point in the ownership. The 3.8 v- 6 is now in the GM flagship v-g for the last 20 somthing years.

• 

  Nothing but Problems - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Duane Wright - February 12 - 2:36 pm

  Car has been a problemn since we bought it. It rides rough after 52000 miles. Problems to date: Airbag cable assy @7210 miles Spark plug coil assy @20610 miles Tie rod assy @ 27,684 miles Power window @36,085 miles EKG valve @ 41242 miles Rebuilt Transmission @ 51,977 miles It also has other electrical/indictor problems that I will not pay to have fixed. New some one else that had transmission rebuilt at less than 50,ooo miles. And they wonder why GM is in trouble. We will not buy another GM product. I did not want to buy this when we bought this but my wife did & she is convinced now never to buy another one. See why GM can not warranty the drive train for 70000 miles!!!

• 

  Love My Car - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Anna M - February 8 - 6:17 pm

  I love my Buick. It has so many features that it is a pleasure to drive. I have had only a couple minor problems but they were fixed under the warranty. Id buy it again in a minute.

• 

  Lazy-boy on wheels - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - February 7 - 12:18 am

  I am 23 years old, and while most people my age would not consider buying a Buick, it was my only choice. I had a 94 Park Ave, and loved the comfort and safty of it. I recently bought this LeSabre used (in 06) with 23,000 miles on. I just LOVE it. It rides like a dream, and handles great. I spend a lot of time in the car, and it is so comfortable and enjoyable to drive as well as ride in. People used to always tease me about my love for full sized sedans, but once they drive the LeSabre, they change their tunes.. they love it too.

• 

  Best bang for the buck - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Randy - January 26 - 7:34 pm

  This is my 3rd LeSabre, 1st was a custom w/ Grand touring, others were limiteds w/ grand touring. (I have also bought for my in-laws) the fisrt 2 went well over the 200k mark, and I expect this one will too. No, its not the most prestigeus car on the road, but is definitely a best buy! Lots of amenities, great ride, good handling for a large sedan (w/ GT), zero problems on all three except routine maintenance. Cant say enough about the value. buy one 3-4 years used, low miles, pay 1/4 the value of new ( about $7K) change the fluids and drive. Also an excellent buy for the college student or aging parent (make their day, buy them a Buick!) Definitely reccomended.

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Sam - January 7 - 9:02 pm

  I can drive the 70MPH speed limit to a city 100 miles away, do some driving around in the city and return home averaging 28-29 MPG. I think this is great for a car of this size. Very comfortable ride also.

• 

  2005 Buick Lesabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By lesabre custom - December 25 - 4:31 pm

  Not a fun car to drive. It vibrates and shakes at interstate speeds. The dealer balanced the tires repeatedly and ended up replacing the tires to no avail. Buick states that it is normal driving condition due to the newly designed "active suspension". I call it a mistake to buy.

• 

  Smooth driving, quality car. - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Houston, Tx - December 18 - 4:38 pm

  Work, drive, and family vacation for several years. Did regular service maintenance and car responded with no disappointments and no bad surprises. Very satisfying car with excellent reliability, durability, workmanship and gas mileage.

• 

  Second one - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By larry - December 16 - 12:06 pm

  Bought a 92 limited with 69,000 miles for $1800 dollars that 85 yr old lady traded in. Arctic white, very tight, nice looking with red leather interior. So far with 3000 miles no problems. Average 28mpg in comfort and safety. Im not a fan of the 4 speed overdrive auto so I am careful with it.