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 la sabra - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By john ortoleva - May 9 - 2:00 am

  enjoy driving it handles good comfort is great power is sufficient

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  Randys Review - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Randolph Rash - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a Buick because I used to prefer smaller cars for sporty handling and fuel efficiency however after testing numerous cars I settled on the LeSabre. It has tremendous pick-up and still gets 21 mpg. I am 62" and finally realized there are cars out there that are really comfortable which makes a big difference when Im stuck in rush hour traffic and need to be in top form at work. My previous European model did not provide that feeling. Also I was very pleased to find that first year reliability has been perfect, unlike my German car. Good job Buick.

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  Iron out -problems took five years - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By D.G. - May 6 - 2:00 am

  After 105000 miles, we have solved most of the problems with our 96 Buick. The worst problem has been the suspension in the rear. The ride in the front seat is fine. But the rear seat bottoms out and is a very rough ride over the least little bump. I returned the car to the dealer with no solutions for the rear suspension. We also had to replace all the tires three times within five years because of the suspension. We were finally told to have the tires rotated every 6000 miles( by a tire dealer) to solve this problem. Also problems with the engine light.

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  Review of 2003 LeSabre Limited - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Repeat - May 5 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 LeSabre Limited provides a automobile that has a great ride on the interstate. The V6 has a long record for reliability and mileage is excellent for this large vehicle.

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  the best ever!!!! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By chuck noll - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My car has the best mileage, the best looks, the best color, of any vehicle I have owned in my 73 years. It is the first car to give me absolute pleasure while driving it, or just sitting in front of my home. My latest drive to Dallas gave me 35 mpg, and its overall average mpg is 24. I love it. Chuck Noll

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  Frankie - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By fbrent1972 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive.

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  satisfied customer - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By newtonbill - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 LeSabre Limited is far an away the best LeSabre Buick has put out. It excells in every way from its mosisture sensing windshield to the XM radio. It is a wonderful car to drive and there has been a great improvement in the ride over our 97 model. I cant say enough about the 30 miles to the gallon either, since gas has gone so high.

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  ? - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Jack & Geo - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I (sort of) have egg on my face for telling everybody, for the past ten or so years, that the LeSabre was probably the best car on the road. Well, the transmission is about to blow.

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  Never Again - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Jbuck - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Having driven GM cars for over 30 years this is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Transmission, Power Steering Pump/A/C Compressor/Steering Column/Tie rods/Wheel Bearings/Now ABS & Traction Light is on. Only redeeming features are a fairly solid engine and good gas ecomomy. Buyer Beware!

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  Very Reliable - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Buicklover - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 30,000 miles on it in June 2003. With the V-6, the car has performed very well and is very comfortable for my 6 foot frame and my wifes 5 foot frame. We take it on long trips and it is very comfortable. I project that the engine will go nearly 200,000 miles but the transmission is starting to show some wear. I expect to have it rebuilt arount 100k miles. A few chips in the paint but that is expected. I will refurbish this car or buy another like it someday-after this one drops dead because it is so reliable. For the money, it cannot be beat.