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 buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By jnellbilliot - March 16 - 2:00 am

  i really like my car, for the most part. it is comfortable, dependable. the one thing that comes to mind that i dont like about the car is that i find it to have too much "wind" noise when i am driving. i just wish it was a little quieter.

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  a great car for comfort ,safty & economy - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By driver jax - March 13 - 2:00 am

  for the price and quallity you cant beat it..........

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  My Red 2004 Celebration Edition - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By ASUgrad - March 9 - 2:00 am

  It has a low cut roof lineWatch the headroom in this car. With a sunroof, it is limited For a mid range sedan, it is loaded w/ luxury features it is lower priced than other comparable cars like the Toyota Avalon so you can save some money the Heads up display is neat but windshield sometimes seems distorted Satellite radio (XM) is great!

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  2001 Buick LeSabre - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By rcnew7 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car, she uses it for daily travel in her occupation as an insurance adjustor. Car has been entirely trouble free for over 70000 miles, not even any warranty work. Replacement of original tires at 65000 miles has been the only expense, except regular maintenance.

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  My New Buick LaSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By DRJ - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great Car, overall, for us seniors. Very comfortable ride. Seats are very comfortable and adjustable. Easy to get in and out. Vertually no wind noise. Nice instument panel - love the RPM gauge.

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  Just my thoughts - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By locksmif - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I own the 2003 version. I have had oly one problem since I bought it new and that was a bad crank shaft sensor. Love the car and the gas mileage. My one complaint is that you cant get the limited edition except with leather seating and not all of us want leather! Too darn hot in Florida. Orange Buick is also a great dealership.

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  Enjoy yourself - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Doon - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Buick and, after three years in an Oldsmobile Aurora (A V-8, by the way) its nice to be back. This car is big, comfortable, surprisingly high spirited for a full sized sedan with a six cylinder engine, and very very well mannered. Ive always enjoyed driving. Now I enjoy it more than ever.

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  check it out!!! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Shawneeeee - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Best car i ever had still have it, FAST!!!!

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  First and Last Buick for Me - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Desert Dweller - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The driver seat does not fit a tall body. Back support is too low, and the seat inhibits circulation. Despite meticulous maintenance this car has stranded me three times, on highways where it is 45-75 miles between towns. Transmission failed at 60,000 mi. ($2,000 repair). Manifold failed at 125,000 ($1000). Power steering bearing froze at 144,000, throwing the belt and leaving me stranded 45 miles out, on a Sunday, in winter. After five hours a super-honest country mechanic came,charging only $136 for the tow, the repair, and an oil change! Never drive without a cell phone if you own a Buick.

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  gm quality, same old story - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By charles brunner - February 23 - 2:00 am

  weve driven gm cars for over thirty years. they have been very reliable. the comfort, security and great milage assure that the tradition will continue. each time we get a new lasabre we how they can get better. then we get a new one and find out. my wife especially likes the moisture sensor. ours is loaded and i cant imagine wanting any- thing more in a vehicle.