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:

• 

  Buick LaSabre Limited Celebration - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Helen L. Kuhnert - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The new Le Sabre is more than satisfactory. It is great in appearance (the color is a unique White/Gold)and is an eye-catcher in any parking lot. The seats are multi-positoning, selectable for two drivers at the touch of a button, and the lumbar action is a great stress reliever. Driving it is a distinct pleasure. It is smooth riding, quiet, comfortable and a joy to drive.I would highly recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Comfortable Cruiser - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By d2004 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Ok so unlike most kids with their Civics or trendy Beemers, i chose a nice used LeSabre. I like it because its all-American, solidly built but not ostentatious, and the interior is comfortable and roomy. The handling isnt great but straightline is decent. The trunk is great, and the price was right. I might have chose the Grand Marquis but it wouldnt fit in my garage, but this is slighly better on gas. Overall im pleased, its much better built than my familys newer Chrysler products. I dont understand why anyone would choose most japanese midsize cars over this.

• 

  Flagship Quality at fair price. - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By G. Rivers - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Proven reliability of the 3.8 liter engine with absolutely top shelf appointments. Why buy Cadillac with their history of seemingly endless engine problems when a top flight Buick gives you all the same creature comforts AND reliability. City or highway this car is first class luxury all the way!

• 

  GOOD CAR...BAD DEALERSHIP - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By DON RON - July 24 - 2:00 am

  cAR IS GOOD, DEALERSHIP IS REAL BAD

• 

  what a nightmare - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By fed up - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Ran fine for a year. Six months ago the plenium cracked and broke, head damage, $1,000 to fix. A month ago, explosion, crunch and a piston connecting rod was shattered (its about an inch thick of solid steel - imagine the force of that explosion!,) pieces through the engine-$1200 estimated to fix. My husband decided to tackle it - car was entirely apart when we got the recall from Buick that fuel adjustment guage was defective. We found fuel in the vacuum lines & that little part caused this. Since car is apart & we bought $500 in parts to fix, dont want to tow it to Buick. RUN SCREAMING from this vehicle.

• 

  Enjoyed my LaSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By P Howell - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I got a good deal on a two year old LaSabre. I wasnt quite ready to shell out the money for a new one and I liked the trim package on the 97(limited). I was disappointed that I had to replace the trans @ 70k but it was such a nice car I knew I would get my monies worth out of it.

• 

  New LeSabre Owner - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By applelwa - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 LaSabre is the first full size car Ive owned in a few years and really enjoying the larger size, comfort and outstanding gas mileage.

• 

  review of buick lesabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By gene behrens - July 12 - 2:00 am

  we purchased our vehicle just prior to vacation trip of 2500 miles. we had a very relaxing ride and the gas mileage was every bit as good as advertised which was 31 miles per gallon. the only bad thibg i have noticed is the seat belt is nit the easiest to find to put on.

• 

  A Lemon - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By kallee3 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Too many things had to be repaired or replaced before normal life span. Felt I was always getting screwed by service department.

• 

  2004 Buick Le Sabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By dluvera4 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Buick 2004 LeSabre. I recently gave some of my friends a ride to a gathering, and they couldnt stop complimenting me on the cars comfort. My entire family also purchased a new Buick, so we are sold on the LeSabre!