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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  Good & comfort car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I had before a grand merq endless problems so i dicidet to try this car. unbelivebel happy,drives good comfort its a good car to owe.

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  One of the best cars I have ever owned - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By David Wilkie - January 10 - 5:40 am

  I always run a Car fax on ANY vehicle I buy! I fell into a bed of roses with my purchase. This car has spent its entire life in Florida. Pristine condition, with a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty.

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  My personal experience - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Ampy - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is my 5th Buick LeSabre for the last 20 yrs. It always run like new, well maintained with regular oil changed & tune-up. The only thing I have replaced are the wiper blades.

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  Buick Lesabre Risks and Benefits - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Kern Barrow - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted to like this car but it has some annoying problems and I would suggest the purchase of a extended warranty. Problems, Power steering hose had to be replaced$150.00 Heated seats malfunction,power windows $675.00,check engine light comes on,cracked o-rings on fuel ejectors,$100,rattles in door and dash and last but not least to replace any rear lightbulb 12 nuts be removed using a special tool!

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  very good car! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By utoutlaw8 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  very good car,the next car I buy will be the same kind.very dependable car.

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  Alternator Noise/Bad Seats - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Jim Miller - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Annoying alternator noise in cabin...Buick is aware of it but they are in denial and wont do anything about it. Trunk leak (common in LeSabres) and airbag module replacement in the first 5000 miles...other than this its ok. Need to upgrade General OEM tires. The fabric seats in the Custom are easily the worst Ive seen. Seat too small...not contoured well and they wrinkle and come loose. Ive replace drivers side covers already (ref to Bulletin)

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  Another Great Buick - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By NuKar Byer - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The LeSabre is so quiet and drives like a dream. It has a great controlled ride its an improved ride over the 98 LeSabre with more control. But its still comfortable. Everything is located great and features are easily understood and used like the memory seats and mirrors. Its already hitting 29 mpg cruising and its only a few hundred miles old. The brakes are perfect in their feel. I am anxious to try out the self-stabilizing feature. I had considered a Park Avenue, slightly used or new, but this has been a great choice with many more options than I ever dreamed I would have on a car.

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  My Second LeSabre--Love it - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By rick boston - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Hi, This is the second LeSabre I bought. I liked the 2000 at lot, but the 2002 is much better. It rides great in sun, snow and rain. New driver computer system works very well, with the 2000 model I got a number of "false" errors that I had to take to the dealer with no repairs done. I have not had one thing fixed on this car since I bought it!

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  Outstanding Ride & Value - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Straycat - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Buick has hit the mark with this one. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Great mileage, plenty of space, elegant style, and superior value compared with other full-size cars. You cant go wrong with this vehicle. No unusual or excessive motor sounds. My experience is a quiet ride.

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  Nice Car - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By ACR - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I did buy the Buick Used and I will have to say that this was one of the best used cars that I have ever owned. The car itself has been only fun to drive. My wife and I love taking road trips. We put most of the miles the care has on it on the highway and it is the smothest car I have ever driven on the highways