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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jAANA F MEEKS - 2003 Buick LeSabre
By MEEKS - June 25 - 2:00 amI purchased my 2001 LeSabre approximately 16 months ago. It has been a real pleasure - not to mention excellent gas mileage. I wouldnt consider any car other than a buick.
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2001 LeSabre Custom - 2001 Buick LeSabre
By scobrn - June 17 - 2:00 amIve had this car for 2 years now. Runs great. Ive never had a problem with it. Suspension is very smooth, but handling is still very good. Gas mileage is excellent for this size car. I get 30 MPG on the highway and just over 20 in the city.
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Almost-not Quite - 2001 Buick LeSabre
By Arseel - June 8 - 2:00 amI am very pleased with this Buick. This is my third one. Very comfortable ride. Am considering buying another Buick if they change certain things.(see below)
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I didnt think Id like it, but I do.. - 1994 Buick LeSabre
By sharla - June 7 - 2:00 amIm not a teenager...39. I have driven SUVs for 6 years, and liked them, but my dad spotted this Buick, and said that it was a "great deal". I had my reservations. I drove it...felt like I was navigating a fish tank, but I coudnt deny the smooth ride, and the sure handling. I couldnt find anything mechanically wrong with it-at all. I bought the car, partly due to my dads well known ability to find a deal, and partly to trim down my expenses. This car has turned out to be very reliable, and comfortable. My kids even say they like it...imagine! Im glad now that I have it.
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Our 4th LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
By Jim F - May 26 - 2:00 amThis is the best one yet. The bouncy ride has been eliminated. Superior comfort and handling. Very roomy.
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A great ride - 2003 Buick LeSabre
By Horsetrader - May 24 - 2:00 amI experience a distinct vibration on the steering wheel, dashboard, front seats,brake pedal. This occurs at slow (2-3) mph and stoped with motor running in idle and transmission in drive. Put i in Neutral snd vibration eases. I have had it in for service 4 times and service manager says this is normal. I have drove ford 4cylander and oldsmobile 6 cylander. Both with no vibration. I have complained to Buick Company but they give me no hopes that they can fix the vibration. They(Buick) promised to write me a letter of explination. I am on verge of filing with the Florida Lemon Law.
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Problem car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
By J Roberts - May 19 - 2:00 amSeptember 2002 - the front right coil spring snapped (cost $300). May 2003 - the thrust bearing in the transmission failed causing several other transmission problems(cost $2,200). Total miles on the car 48,000. I dont think I can afford to own a car that has this many problems with this little milage. The dealership did help with the cost but Buick said "tough Luck", we cant help you.
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Owner and chief operator - 2000 Buick LeSabre
By Jan L. Jacobs - May 14 - 2:00 amA Lot of wind noise when at speed over 50 mph Tough to read speed when Streeing wheel is in low position. Could use storage space on back of seats
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Glad I bought it. - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By Granite - May 12 - 2:00 amSo far the all around performance it OK.
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Not too good - 1997 Buick LeSabre
By cawa - May 11 - 2:00 amWell the car is piece of ... Radio broke at 50k, 62 Air Con. Broke. 75k Censort failed, Check engine light come on. The door panel at 40k came off.
