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 - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Deborah Ledermann - May 27 - 6:37 pm

  I love my new LeSabre limited anniversary edition. Lots of room, very comfortable leather seats. Fun to drive for a larger car. Huge trunk. Good power on the engine for the interstate and passing. Gas mileage was 29 mpg at 70 mph on the interstate on long trips. Very smooth ride. Really good A/C. I am a happy owner.

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  Review of 93 Buick - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By V. Liem - May 24 - 2:21 am

  The car is very good in general. I have only two problems:the remote-controlled door and ABS stopped working right after passing 36,000 mileage, the warranty was just expired. I left these problems until now because of high repair cost. The engine is still very good until now, with mileage 252,600. I drove the car across the country at least 10 times. Air conditioning system still working very well in driving through desserts. If I do not have problem with the ABS and remote doors, I would definitely buy another Buick.

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  So far, so great - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By ED - May 8 - 2:07 pm

  Bought this car Sept 2004. 8 months later, and no problems yet. Has only been in shop for routine maintenance. Roomy. Good acceleration. Nice understated looks. Decent sound system, and good handling for a big car round out a very nice package! LeSabres devalue quickly, so they make an excellent used car buy.

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  New retiree treats himself to a Buick - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Jim - April 21 - 6:41 pm

  I really enjoy the extra power of my LeSabre, especially on a recent road trip through the hills of West Virginia. The car is responsive and handled very well on sharp turns and the standard ABS is a handy feature. The gas mileage and ride is much better than my V6 1999 Malibu and with less engine groaning too.

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Karin F - April 6 - 10:17 pm

  This is my very first LeSabre, white with light grey interior, black dash and some woodon the inside. I feel very happy driving this car, it gives excellent mileage, handles very well, even in rainy slick weather. The A/C works great even though our summers are normally quite hot and humid. I have no complaints whatsoever and if I ever need another car it will be a Buick LeSabre for sure. It is so roomy inside and well laid-out...well, I just love my car, cant you tell? :-)

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  An excellent automobile - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Helen Holwig - April 4 - 1:38 am

  This car handles beautifully. It has Stabilitrak which gives good confidence in driving during bad weather.

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  Nice car for the money - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Dimitris - March 29 - 2:40 pm

  Really nice car, big enough for going around with friends, comfortable enough for long trips. Big engine keeps you satisfied with good acceleration and enough torgue. The handling is what would be expected for such a comfortable ride, meaning you have to be careful when speeding and/or making turns. Reliability wise, many parts are failing after the 100k, but mostly what to be expected. Since, $1000 per year should be kept aside to fix it. A known discoloration issue that has devastated many similar Buicks has not skipped mine, and now the car looks like having two colors... :-) Still a very nice car that will take me places comfortably and affordable for a student nowadays to buy.

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  My Big Bad Buick - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Family car - March 23 - 12:53 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and have not had any trouble with it. It is my first car since having a van for many years and thought it was a great switch for a family car. The back seat is comfortable and plenty of room. It makes you feel safe and comfortable for a good price. I have had some lemon cars before, but I lucked out with this Buick (and I bought it used).

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  That car that wont die - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Jedirye - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car with 172,000 miles for only $950. Aside from peeling pant, bad radio, old AC charge and a few interior defects from a smoker being previous owner, the engine and transmission has been the one of the best I have driven. I am at 182,000 miles now. When my dad and I looked at it and tested the oil and transmission fluids, it was almost like new. And this "granny mobile" with the 3.8 v6 will haul the mail! I have driven other 3.8s an a 4.2v8 and only the Caddy with the V8 will beat this car off the line. I suspect this car will go (with a few repairs and refurbs of detail work) until I literally drive it into something.

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  The best car ever! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By beckaroo80 - March 21 - 4:49 am

  My husband bought this for me after I had an accident with my 91 Park Avenue. Im 24, and not many people my age drive this kind of big car, but I loved it. Love the steering wheel radio controls. Power seats are very comfy and roomy Also holds up well in accidents. We found out first hand! The car tells you when you need windsheild washer, and even when tire pressure is low, so I have plenty of time to have him fix it! My friends can make fun of me all they want to, I love this car and it is very safe. Nice ground effects. It has great pickup, runs perfect in snow too.