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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My New LeSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
By Chuck Relgob - October 20 - 2:00 amAfter almost 3000 miles I find this car to be the best overall Buick that I have owned. Runs true at speeds up to 90mph and provides excellent comfort to the occupants. It is seen by the general public as an old peoples car and that fits me fine. Have no regrets on this purchase
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1996 Buick LeSabre Limited is AWSOME! - 1996 Buick LeSabre
By Gail Elsberry - October 16 - 2:00 amMy mother purchaced/ordered her 1997 NEW from factory & we all fell in love with it. From gas mileage to overall look, preformance & comfort, this car is the best of the best! My husband just purchased me a 1996 that we got from a private individual with only 85K actual miles. I love this car & the comfort & luxury level is unbeatable! The 30 mpg on highway is AWSOME with todays gas prices! I never thought I would like any vehicle as much as I like this one. My other car is an 89 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale. It too gets the awsome gas mileage of 27 mpg on highway, still ticking with 180K actual miles on the odomiter! Never a problem except replaced trans 4 years ago. GO GM! Thanks!
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A Good Reliable Car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
By LDK - September 28 - 2:00 amI have had 4 LeSabres one of which was totalled while I only got a minor cut. The front wheel drive makes it a really good car to drive in bad conditions. It also can hold 6 people which is a plus at times.
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happy again - 2005 Buick LeSabre
By k.c. - September 17 - 2:00 amIm happy to say that my daughter shall be driving my 90 lesabre now named realiable red after 14 years of service to me! I just love The 04 that I bought in April, that has been given the name Black Beauty I look forward to another 14 years of sevice with this car,along with not spending alot of money in repairs over the years just as I had with my old realiable.
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Not much to B**** about!! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
By dudpar - September 14 - 2:00 amThis is my second Lesabre I traded my 97 in on this 2004. I would still be driving the 97 but it had transaxle trouble which started at 40k miles and lasted until I traded at 85k. Hope the new one does much better in the tranny department. The new Buick is very nice, like the ride better than the 97, although I dont think the new cloth seats are as comfy as the 97. So far very good gas mileage about 28.5 mixed road and town. On steering wheel radio controls are nice.
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Very nice Ride - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By Carola B Wingert - September 3 - 2:00 amWe had our Lasabre for 2 years and 3 month now.We never had one problem with it.It is a very reliable,a very good car that has style.It is comfortable and is easy on gas.We drove 1300 miles from TX to VA and not one stiff bone in our bodies.
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Things to Know - 1997 Buick LeSabre
By BeSteve - August 30 - 2:00 amI have owned the LeSabre, for 4 years. I was disappointed that the Trans needed a $1500 repair. The engine had a tube that was in the cylinder head, that went out causing the pistons to fill up with water another$1400. The load leveling struts on the rear have been replaced and after 1 year, failed again. Gas gauge does not work after 105,00 miles. When using the AC, the vacuum will take several minutes before it will open the upper vents. Air blows to feet area.
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A good solid car and excellent value! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
By Bobjone88 - August 29 - 2:00 amThis is the second LeSabre I have owned. The car is reliable and is very comfortable. The LeSabre drives and handles well....a pleasure to drive. It is a very good car for the money! I am 42 years old. If this car is really for old folks as many people seem to think...why should the old folks have all the fun????
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Great Car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
By alb57 - August 19 - 2:00 amThis is the third LeSabre Ive owned, and its definitely the best. The steering wheel controls for the radio and cruise control are definitely a great feature. It is nicely equipped, and a good value.
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Comfort On Wheels - 1997 Buick LeSabre
By Abatt - August 13 - 2:00 amI just purchased a 97 Buick Custom LeSabre with only 35,000 miles. Im a big guy (65") and was tired of being crammed into my Toyota Camry (a nice car, but not built for large people). Ive owned the car for a week now and hope to have it another 5 years at least. Its comfortable, roomy, gives a great ride, and mechanically appears to be solid.
