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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  Buick LeSabre Custom - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By NuRsE - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive just bought the car two weeks ago. It provides a very soft ride -- almost feels as though it "floats." It is very agile and, one has to pay attention to the speedometer -- I found myself going 70 mph on the entrance ramp (uphill) to the Interstate! I am very pleased with the gas mileage, considering it size.

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  Good...so far! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By jackalous - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this car since February and I have had two problems with it. First the climate control stopped working. Found out it was the CC panel inside the car. Disconnected it and the car was on its way. A week later the car suddenly died on the side of the road. Had it towed home and monkeyed with the alternator (took it out and put it back in about 6 times!) and now it works! I dont ask questions anymore, I just bought roadside asst instead!

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  Major engine problems - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By rahni - June 12 - 2:00 am

  LeSabres 2000-2004 are made with a phenolic resin intake maniford that warps and leaks antifreeze into the engines cylinders - basically blowing superheated steam into the combustion chambers. The factory-recall fix (put locktight on 3 bolts) doesnt work. According to a factory trained mechanic, many engines have had to be replaced because of this cheap construction. Also, "permanently lubricated" tie-rods wear prematurely and have to be replaced at low milage. Plastic window grips on electric windows break easily.

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  Go ahead, buy that Buick!!! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Love that 3800 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Being a former Chevy fan, I have learned to love Buicks since the purchase of my first, a Park Avenue, in 1997. Not having a large amount to spend I bought the car with 127,000 miles on it. The engines are amazing, just change the oil and enjoy the ride. Very reliable Buick :)

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  2004 lesabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By tet - June 5 - 2:00 am

  this is your poor mans cadilac

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  Not an old persons car! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Redwood Falls, MN - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2002 LT TrailBlazer 4x4 which was hard on gas and had various problems. My Buick was excellent in our Minnesota winters-never got stuck once with outstanding handling on snowy/slippery roads. Dealer found the exact car I wanted with side air bags. My LeSabre has the early production fabric seats that are much richer looking than the current fabrics offered. I would buy another Buick.

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  a great buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bob Mount - May 22 - 2:00 am

  A very nice comfortable car. I have had the vehicle for over 6,000 miles now and have had no difficulty of any kind. The only thing I would have preferred would be a cloth interior. I have ON- STAR and the voice recognition needs attention. It was good, they worked on it and it became bad and they worked on it somemore and now it is fair. My driving is mostly 10 miles to town then around town. I get 23 MPG.

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  Buick quality - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By RL Brodie - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Preobably the best auto that I have ever owned. I average 32 miles to the gallon on the freeway and about 24 in town. I have had only two minor warrenty problems. A loose trim piece and a defective cruse button. This is only the second Buick that I have owned.

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  la sabre driver - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By buick lass - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable and easy handling car. It replaced an Acord and a Civic. We love the gas mileage and the quiet on the road compared to those two Hondas. It is really luxury compared to the Hondas.

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  2004 Celebration - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By linebender - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We love our Lesabre. but early on we have had the transmission repaired to correct failed parts in the drive hub as well as a complete replacement of the rack and pinion assembly because of internal leaks.(still having some minor problems on that) also have had extensive trouble with the controls for the hvac system. replaced 2 outside temp sensors and the main control unit. not too happy with the way the auto a/c control operates. the fan always seems to be in mid-speed mode. and never goes to slow speed. G.M. says its working as designed. I disagree, but cant get any co-operation from G.M. to discuss the problem.