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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  A great automobile - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By BobR - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car for the price. It makes better gas mileage than anything but a supercompact. It had no new car defects. It now has about 31,000 miles and has never had anything but regular oil changes done to it. Before this car I had two Toyota Camrys. I like this car MUCH better. They were gutless four cylinders, yet this more peppy v6 makes just as good in gas mileage.

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  Great car - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By memememememememe - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years and have not had any problems at all. Great dependable car

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  I will probably die first. - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By smpl_gifts - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my parents at about 80,000 miles and it has not let me down once. At 162,000 miles it burns no oil and still can accelerate briskly. Mileage is about 28-30 on the highway even at high speeds No one ever believes this Road and Track even had an article about it!!! Suspension is WAY too soft and this makes the car uninspired enough so sometimes I want to get rid of it, but I should never get rid of a reliable car, I will regret it down the road.

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  Riding in style - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Clover - February 2 - 2:00 am

  My 4th Buick with my last being a 1997 which was more quiet than this 2003. The engine seems noisey when accelerating. Alernator has a whining sound that is very annoying and needs to be fixed by GM. My dealer said they are working on it. As for reliability that remains to be seen.

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  Minor Problems overall OK - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Ben2 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Upon purchasing this vehicle at 81k I had to replace tensioner pulley. Now suspension is squeaking and car is loosing major amounts of coolant into engine (not external!)and this has caused it to knock. Not to mention paint peeling off center cap of wheels, and tail light bulbs falling out of socket. However, to be fair the car gets wonderful mileage and the room is very nice. Great acceleration.

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  Simply Unreliable - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By UnreliableCar - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought and drove a 1993 Buick LeSabre from Dec. 1998- Jun. 2001 (bought at 80k sold at 140k). Vehicle required significant repairs appx. every 4 months: Transmission, alternator (2x), computer parts, power steering, etc. Cost me over $6000 in repairs over just 2 and 1/2 years. THIS IS NOT a car you want to buy USED. It is NOT reliable. It was NOT built to last.

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  02 LeSabre Custom - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By jogster - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted one finally bought one. Should have done it 10 years ago. Some call it an "old persons" car. I first drove one at 42 and discovered why - they are very sensible vehicles. If youre looking for "chick magnet" or "hot rod", move on or purchase a "fun car" with the money you save over other vehicles of the LeSabres type.

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  completely satisfied with 2003 to date - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By kerr2 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  this is third buick- trade every 3 years-have been cmpletely satisfied with all 3 cars

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  PROBLEMS - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Metzman - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 used in July 2002. w/ 24,000 mi. put 20,000 mi on it Ive had to fix or replace in 6 months: 4 tires, very cheap generals (shaky) 2 - power window units (there should be a recall on this from GM)very common problem 1 - fuel pump 1 - coil and a set of plug wires (not covered in warranty) very common problem with these cars. 1 - tranny cellenoid. + $60 re- allingment had to drop the tranny to replace the cellenoid. GM uses cheap electrical parts: Warning! * problems in the remote steering wheel controls. * warpping and leaking plastic intake manifolds.

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  5 Days & Already in Love - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Ms. Red - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car last week and I already love it. The ride is the smoothest I have ever had. This is the only car that I have ever had that I feel extremely safe in. It is so big and drives so responsively. Also after 13 years all the power accessories still work! I will definitely be keeping this car for a very long time.