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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  easy and comfortable - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By heifergro - July 10 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable to drive in all conditions traction control is works very well in the snow and slippery conditions and the air works very well in the hot desert of the southwest. average milage on the interstate at 70mph 32mph on crusie.

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  Fourth Buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Top - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Having just returned form a 4000 mile road trip through desert and moiuntains I find the handling excellent, the gas mileage quite good even though a lot of the time I was in the 80-85 mile range on cruise control. Excelleration is great when stepping u to pass other vehicles.

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  had to buy a nother one - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Meatman - July 6 - 2:00 am

  had a 95 and was very pleased with it tdaded it for a durango boy was that a big mistake

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  Electric Windows - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Ron Dee - June 30 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love the car for travelling, long distance and around town. The major flaw has been the high failure rate of the windows raise/lower assembly. In less than four years, all four windows have failed/broken at least twice and some three times. We have reached a point of being afraid of lowering any window for fear it wont raise. The most recent failure happened last week to my wife. She decided to try lowering the rear left window since the inside of the car was so hot from the desert sun. Bad move. Down once and it wouldnt raise. The little flip of the switch cost me $492 and change.

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  Better Made Jag / Everything a Caddy Is - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Happy in Texas - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Fanastic vehicle, well made and fun to drive. Also dealer offered easy and painless car buying transaction. Has the curvy looks of a Jag and all the features found in a Cadillac for $20,000 less!!

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  Comfy, quiet, safe, and dirt cheap! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By gurk - June 25 - 2:00 am

  OK, this thing is no "chick magnet", but its one heck of a deal if you value a quiet, reliable, comfy, and roomy ride. Sure, I like the new E500, but Id rather have the Buick and a trunk full of hundred dollar bills (these things are nearly free!). I also like used Town Cars for similar reasons, but think the LeSabre is likely to be more reliable. Great car, Im a car-crazy Detroit boy who has had every kind of car out there, but this one is a deal.

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  Go with a winner - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Joe Martins - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd buick lesabre and this one by far is the greatest. Ive had a 1992, 1999, and now a 2004. Each year I have seen a great change in the handling and workmanship. The Paint finish on the 2004 is the best that I have had. All the sheetmetal is perfect, the fits in and out are outstanding. For the money it is a good value.

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  Turning Raidus - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By John Gangemi - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Good car. However, turning raidus is horrible. Difficult turning in parking lots. Much needed improvement is required.

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  Luxury Car with Economy Price - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Grant R. Walborn - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I especially like the automatic locking of doors. The power features are excellent. The car rides and handles well. The exterior design makes it a fine appearing automobile.

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  Expensive, quality problems - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By ltdangel92 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Wind Noise. The battery in the back seat. Small Mirrors. Wind Noise @60+mph. seats not comfortable and need to give more support. elcetrical problems.