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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  Bought for safety ratings - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Larryarc - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a well thought out interior design and a comfortable seating arrangment for all passagers. I bought new, but one year old is best value given the depreciation of almost ten thousand the first year. Drive one (Buick La Sabre) you will probably buy it.

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  Creaking Strut - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By dispencer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Car was very comfortable with plenty of leg room but front seat on long all day trips was too soft. At 6,000 miles the front end creaked when car righted itself after a sharp turn. Dealership and Zone Office agreed that it made a noise but refused to correct it. I should have invoked lemon law but sold it soon thereafter. Now I have a DeVille - No more Buicks and this was the third LeSabre but all had rattles especially in the dash.

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  Best vehicle purchase - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By m2spoil - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent reliable vehicle. Plenty of legroom and trunk space for travel. What a great engine. that 3.8 is a reliable workhorse. This is our third lesabre and the engines last over 300000 miles each time

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  best in america - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Thomas/ is not alias - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what people like to drive ,but as an all around sedan is still a great family auto and none better.

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  King of the road - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Macavele - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Hands down, the best car I have ever driven on the open road. The handling of the car is great, so it looks like my dads car....who cares. I drive 100 miles round trip to work every day and it is with grace!

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  Great car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Kellys - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Well Buick is great value and well a planed car. 3800 motor is strong and great mileage and the ride is great,and a lot of room and a big trunk.

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  Nice car dad! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By efpardo - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. Everyone I talk to says that the car is classy. All my motorhead contacts say that its one of the most reliable cars avaialble on the planet

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  Cant afford a BMW? This is your car! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By S. Farrell - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Have only owned the car for 6 weeks but I love it! Test drove at least 12-15 other cars (Accord, Camry, Avalon, Sorrento, VW Bug, Hyundai, etc.) and this was the car! Its a big car with a big ride. Very smooth and quiet. This is not a sports car but gets up and moves if you push that pedal under your foot to the floorboard. I was driving a Dodge Ram 2500 truck. What a world of difference. This is a good car. No sqeaks.

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  2003 LASABRE - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred Lucas - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Im dissapointed some in the ride on rough road.. Transmission being replaced @ 24000 miles. Tires wearing pretty fast. worry about the engine since tranny went out so soon..

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  Love My LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By LFG - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My experiences with the car were great from the start. The dealership was a pleasure. The price was great, and they were very business-like with no hassles. The car was delivered about a month after I placed the order. It arrived with zero problems. This is my second LeSabre. I bought this one because I had such a good experience with the first one. I was not disappointed. I bought it with the Celebration package, Grand Touring Suspension, Power Susnroof and XM radio. The Celebration package has a great set of options including Stabilitrak, Heads-up display on windshield, and turn signals on the mirrors. Everything works great!