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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I love my LeSabre!!! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
By llessure - December 7 - 1:39 amI bought my LeSabre with 38K miles on the odometer. Ive put approximately 10000 miles on the car and I am more pleased with it than ever. It is the optimum blend of style, comfort, performance and economy. It doesnt bother me that every other car I see is a LeSabre. That only indicates that the majority of people are as smart as I am.
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Pile of GM Junk - 1998 Buick LeSabre
By John - November 29 - 10:09 pmThere was a year we had to fix it every month. Water pump, fuel pump, oil pump, starter. Pieces fell off. Once we drove over something that fell off and we blew a tire and damaged the oil pan. Back end made a creaking noise, dealer couldnt figure out why. Once in a while wouldnt start, dealer couldnt figure out why. Rear windows wouldnt roll down unless I sprayed with WD-40. Seat, radio, cigarette lighter broke. Inside fell off passenger door. Interior surfaces peeled off. Recalled twice. Battery bracket broke, battery fell down and cracked, nearly new battery had to be replaced. Engine blew at 99,000 miles. What a pile of crap. Dont walk, RUN from this piece of GM junk.
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Fantastic! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
By drew0927 - November 16 - 2:52 pmIve never been more pleased with a care in my entire life. Very smooth ride, incredibly comfortable interior, and quiet as a mouse. The mileage is phenomenal given the size of the car. I commute 60+ miles each day so really appreciate how comfortable the interior is. The suspension soaks up the potholes with just a soft "thump, thump".
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My car - 2000 Buick LeSabre
By richard connor - November 15 - 9:53 pmI have owned my Buick for four years and had no problems, the reliability has been excellent
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OK Car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
By dave - November 11 - 11:10 pmThis vehicle has bullet proof GM 3800 engine. But the accessory drive components are so so. After I fixed all problems, this vehicle runs great. I am expecting no major repair untill it reachs 200,000 miles (at least engine and transmission)
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The Most Comfortable & Reliable Car. - 2004 Buick LeSabre
By Prakash D. Salvi - November 6 - 6:34 amI am fifty one years old. I really liked the size of this car,and the money I invested in it,was worth it. I got this 2004 LeSabre custom in Feb 2005, with 31000 miles. It is very comfortable car and very good on long runs. It is very quiet inside and very roomy. It has a very nice, quiet & powerful engine. The push rod 3.8 liter engine is very smooth. It gives very great gas mileage. Cant beat for the size, roominess, stability, and dependability. I love my car the way it serves me. I would surely prefer driving my car rather than driving my wifes small tiny car, because I feel more safe and comfortable in my LeSabre.
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Dont buy this car it has a GM defect! - 1999 Buick LeSabre
By Mike Naveau - November 2 - 4:08 pmI was schocked to see all the other positive reviews. This car is a ticking time bomb and GM knows it but wont do anything about it. It should have been recalled. They used a plastic plenum part in the intake manifold cover that melts. No getting around it! Possible problems include coolant leaking, head gaskets blown etc, all very labor expensive repairs that will cost in the $800 dollar range. I bought this car used at 48,000 and spent 600 dollars on that repair. Two years later at 75000 spent 800 on a head gasket. Dont buy this car unless you want to keep pouring money through the hole that will develop in the plastic part that GM wont issue a recall on.
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One owner 1997 Buick LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
By Christian Valin - November 1 - 6:36 pmThe 3.8liter engine has been GMs best kept secret. Who would have known that such a large car would give such great car mileage on the highway? City mileage is average for a car this size. This Buick has been among the most reliable GM vehicles Ive ever owned. Its too bad that this old fashioned technology is going by the wayside as Buick tries to attract a younger crowd. Im in my forties but I guess my taste is more conservative and dont look for fast cornering cars but very comfortable and always it always feels like a safe car.
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Value of Buick LeSabre - 1991 Buick LeSabre
By S P J - October 27 - 3:56 amThis Buick LeSabre has been well cared for with regular service, new struts, lots of very clean trunk space. There are no tears or scratches to the clean well kept interior. A new radio was installed last year with a CD player, multiple AM/FM bands and stereo speakers - front and back.
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A pleasant surprise - 1992 Buick LeSabre
By me? in a BUICK?! - October 11 - 2:21 pmI bought this "beast" from my bro-in- law for $1,000. It had about 82,000 miles. I figured it would be a good first car for my soon to be driving 17 yr old daughter. Little did I know I would need it for myself. Ive put 10,000 miles on it since. Its too big and mushy for my taste. I tend to drive spiritedly. You just cant zip around corners. But its got a lot going for it and a used LeSabre is a terrific value. This car was $24,000 in 92 with loads of luxo/safety items. They are generally owned by older folk who drive easier and keep up with servicing. The car is very dependable. I recently replaced the master cylinder which gave me plenty of warning ($500).
