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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  Great Vehicle for a Tall Man - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By RED - September 16 - 10:57 am

  I own two gas hogs i.e. Ford Expedition and Z28 Camaro. Looking for a vehicle with better gas mileage and space. Looked at Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and VW Jetta. All were nice but too small for a man 62. I was tired of my head hitting the roof, the emergency brake sticking into my leg and my legs cramped. Bought LeSabre without sunroof. Great space and legroom. So far it gets better mileage than cars previously mentioned. The only problem is getting one. Now that they are heavily discounted, they go off the lot as soom as they are delivered. Its funny that when GM finally gets the price right they are terminating a hot seller.

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  Solid sedan - a Detroit success story - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Jadziasman - August 21 - 9:45 pm

  Surprised was I when shopping for a used car in the $6000 area. Looked first at a Park Avenue with mucho miles and then searched for a LeSabre. While the styling of the 99 looks like a 79, the car gets me from A to B in comfort and hasnt failed me yet after 23,000 miles of highway driving. While this is not a luxury car by any means, its probably one of the best you can buy for a six year old car. Decent gas mileage about 25 to 27 MPG year round. No maintenance other than the usual stuff (oil, filters, etc.) As to handling, well the big guy is a little scary around corners - oodles of body lean and tire squeal at 45 MPH. I would have liked tighter steering.

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  Love Buicks - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By J. Steele - August 10 - 12:41 am

  After happily owning a Buick Century since 1998, I am now the proud owner of a new LeSabre. The ride and interior comfort are incredible and the gas mileage has been extremely impressive so far. It will be difficult not to run the mileage up on this car! Almost forgot about the sleek exterior styling - I like finding my car in the parking lot.

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  Best Large Car Gas Mileage - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Dave - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  This is the second LeSabre we have owned. This one is better than the previous car.

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  Fuddy-duddy -- no way - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Groth - July 26 - 1:54 am

  I bought this car on my 50th birthday and resent the fuddy-duddy image some people put on the car. It is reliable, comfortable in all seats, and easy to drive. I now have 67,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. The mileage is fantastic at 32mpg on the highway and 20 city. Most compacts dont come close. I like the LeSabre and it handles extremely well. It is a great highway commuter.

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  Good Solid Family Sedan - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ktgister - July 10 - 11:26 pm

  Have had the car for three years with only a single problem - one of the window mechanisms broke. Other than that it has been as reliable as any Honda or Toyota I have owned. I have not had to get it tuned up, replace the tires or any other issue. I think anyone looking for a car of this size would do well purchasing a Buick LeSabre. The only real issue I have is the resale price - it seems to drop faster than I would like. Your best option could be to buy a used one about two years old.

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  Pretty satisfied - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By lciancola - July 8 - 5:44 pm

  Ive owned my LeSabre since it was brand new. I purchased one due to the fact that my mom also owned one and has been very satisified. Ive also been very happy with mine. The only complaint I have is that the ABS light comes on, and I was told the whole component in the wheel hub needs to be replaced at my Buick dealership. It cost about $517.00. I dont feel that this should have gone so soon, since that light went on a week after I got the car. I think that they need to improve their ABS system since my moms car has had the same problem from the time it was new and hers is a earlier model. Theyre great, roomy, comfortable, and for the most part very reliable, but pricey to repair.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By robert delalio - June 23 - 10:49 pm

  This car has been a total joy on long trips. It is a comfortable, safe car. The great gas mileage and low usual maintenance cost have been excllent. Dealer support has been excellent.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert Dowsett - June 1 - 1:49 pm

  I have never driven a Buick LeSabre with ride and handling charasteristics to compare with my 2005 LeSabre. The handling is enhanced by the 16" chromed aluminum wheels and more stable suspension. The visibility is very good. The relationship between the accelerator and seat is such that I can find a very comfortable driving position with my torso a couple of inches further back from the airbag than in my 95 LeSabre. It is the most pleasant car to drive I have ever owned in my now 45+ years of driving. What else can I say ... "I Love Driving This Car!"

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  95 LeSabre Custom - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By M - May 31 - 2:20 am

  Wonderful car! I bought my 95 LeSabre with 41,000 miles from Buick dealer that sold it originally. I have it serviced there for everything, too. Have 91,000 miles now. 30-34 MPG highway, 22-26 MPG city. Looks and drives like brand new. Only replaced water pump and power door lock relay. Thats it! Comfortable, powerful, reliable, economical, safe, and roomy. Cant ask for anything more. The 3800 V6 is the best engine ever made.