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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  Comfortable and pretty dependable - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Teenager Tom - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my LeSabre for $1200 with about 139k on it. It had had 4 previous owners, including a rental- car place, but was relatively well taken care of. Although my friends cars were sportier looking, everyone loved the comfort and space it offered. I put about $300 worth of work into it (fuel pump, ABS) over the next 15,000 miles. At that point the sub-frame broke off of the mainframe and dropped the transmission, steering, exhaust, etc. but up until then it was fine. If youre driving during the winter on salted roads, Id recommend getting the undercarriage washed out regularly (I didnt) to prevent this.

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  ATTENTION: Caution from a Canadian Owner - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By canadianowner - July 27 - 2:00 am

  ,from after the 1st six months, the block heater was leaking, the dealer had to fix it 6 times, then the steering column had to be taken apart to be change the steering sensor, the trunk was leaking, allowing all the rain water hose from within the trunk, the side pillor post plastic, dashboard, headsups display, instrumention cover, all had to be replaced because of clips popping out, stabilitrack had to repaired 4 times, vibration on idle on steering wheel and dash, EGR valve replaced 2 times, A/C trouble on dual climate control, sometime blows warm air on driverside, A/C leak still present

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  Buick LaSabre - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Lila Finnegan - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great, low maintenance, safe vehicle for our family. I intend on purchasing another Buick LaSabre if and when this one has driven its last mile. Love it!

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  Not just for old people - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By buick111000 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great car, no problems and fast enough. It isnt the most luxurious car but it is nice for the money and can get you through traffic with absoutly no problems. I would recomend a buick to anyone like i said it isnt just for old people it gives a lot of car for the buck.

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  Enjoying the Buick - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By jose gonzalez - July 18 - 2:00 am

  It has been wonderful to drive this car. Everytime my wife and me go traveling we believe we are "on the air" because it makes no noise, and runs very soft, and when I press the gas pedal its like a jet.

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  2003 Buick LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By sTRAYDOG - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Drives and rides very good in my opinion It is big enough that no one picks on it A couple of minor defects were immediately taken care of at my convenience. It has a lack of cup holders. The one it does have holds only small cups The gas mileage is not what I was told to expect. They claimed 29 + on highway. I claim 25 is stretching it. Clock cannot be read.

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  Nice car,typical problems. - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Plainhappy - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Suspension soft to an extreme,O.K.with me. Very good acceleration and fast tight-turn feel,perfect for on/off ramps. Security system with chip in key is a loser,the second place I was towed repaired it,over $300 total. Also a battery terminal was over-tightened and stripped out of the battery case when built,It didnshow up immediately and confused the security system problems.Xmission slipping in 1st@50000 mi.

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  Electrical Problems - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Robbie - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car would be a "peach" except that it is very expensive to replace components when dash lighting burns out. Radio is sealed, and when the buttons no longer light it costs $300 to replace. Same for heat/air selectors.

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  American Disappointment - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Ramius - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Though the LeSabre has some appealing features, Im disappointed to find it continues to have many long-time shortcomings. Specifically: the A/C doesnt provide cold air, and had trouble cooling the car in an 85-degree day. The legroom for this 64" person is pathetic for a big car. There is no height adjustment on the seatbelts, making them ride too close to my wifes neck causing discomfort(this is downright embarrassing, Buick). I still have to slam the trunk for it to close just like in my fathers Buick of 25 years ago(which I hated even then when I was too young to drive). The sound from the stereo was muddy at best.

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  2000 and 2003 LeSabre Limited Comparison - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Chicocat - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I previously drove a 2000 LeSabre Limited until purchasing the 2003 LeSabre Celebration Edition with all of the options. I have been happy with both vehicles, but there are some aspects of each I would rate differently. The 2000 Limited model had a more attractive interior & more comfortable & softer leather seats. The 2003 model has somewhat better handling and more features, such as side mirror turn signals & chrome plated wheels. The audio components on the 2003 model are much better, especially the XM radio & RDS options.