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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  best vehicle - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By chuck schoolet - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is the best vehicle most reliable car I have owned. The reliability is fantastic. We have often travelled with 4 adults and 2 pre teen girls and was comfortable in doing so. There have been no repairs other than tires, brakes etc.. 28 to 34 miles per gallon on two trips to Colorado!

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  Great Job - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By NYCBill - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. I love the new incentives. With $3000 cash back, it is truely an affordable luxury car and American too!

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  Great Road Car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By SMT - May 8 - 2:00 am

  After a recent 1,500 mile trip in two days, I can honestly say my husband and I were very comfortable the entire trip. Noticed another review for this model regarding losing coolant. Caveat, my son (an auto tech by trade) installed a new upper manifold in ours, specifically to PREVENT a future inherent problem with the coolant leaking into the engine. Buick corrected this problem in 1999 by installing both upper and lower manifolds. Like the car a lot!

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  great car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Sam Mermelstein - April 28 - 2:00 am

  this car is a great car , i hope all of you buy it

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  A Great American Bargain - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred Nesbitt - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Well built, tight, rattle-free, visually pleasing design inside and out. The seating and ride are VERY comfortable for both front and back seat passengers. Doors open wide with adequate space to enter and exit without difficulty, even for my parents in their 80s. The driving experience is very secure and completely free of unpleasant surprises.

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  Great ,but.... - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Jake02324 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Took some work to get 2 newer tires,old 2 did not balance. Heater/AC fan beecame noisey, replaced. Rear passenger vent keeps falling apart, held together now with a block of wood! Both visor mirrors wiring crushed by mounting screws,blew fuses. Wrapped with tape fix! Window washer hose came off inside of wiper arm. All little?? things but poor assembly/design/quality! Hood fit is poor or is it the front fenders/grill?

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  Excellent - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Krissssss - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Lesabre (1986, 1990) and I have been happy with all of them and they have been free of any major problems.

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  Best Value / We love our Lesabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By arby - April 2 - 2:00 am

  GMs 3.8 engine and trany provide an excellent balance between power, acceleration and fuel milege. The car is great to drive on long trips and handles well with the grand touring suspension. The other plus is the excellent safety rating for the LeSabre.

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  Best Value / We love our Lesabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Arby - April 2 - 2:00 am

  GMs 3.8 engine and trany provide an excellent balance between power, acceleration and fuel milege. The car is great to drive on long trips and handles well with the grand touring suspension. The other plus is the excellent safety rating for the LeSabre.

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  Great Quality - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By LeSabre Owner - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has no rattles, no noise, no creaks. Its as quiet as my 98 Limited. Its great driving it. The suspension is perfect at 3000 miles. Its a Park Avenue at a lower price. Everything has been well-designed to work without anything negative to it: the cupholders are better than 98 LeSabre (front and back both now), the radio controls have real knobs for tuning and volume and theyre in steering wheel too. The auto temperature air conditioning works great, just like the other car.