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:

• 

  Great car.....efficient - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Rudiger - September 10 - 8:22 pm

  I bought this car to replace my malibu and save some money. Man, Im glad I did. This car is great! I recently drove it about a 1000 miles on a trip. With the trunk loaded with suitcases and what not and the backseat loaded with stuff I still got 30-32 MPG on the highway going 70 MPH! Thats good for a 20 year old car. The ride is smooth, comfortable and its quite in the inside. This is quite and efficient machine. I had a problem with it stalling. I replaced plugs, wires, fuel filter, ignition module and coil and turns out it was the computer. An easy $40 fix. Now it runs like a champ. Im glad I did all that. It only adds to the efficiency.

• 

  Great Car! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug - August 28 - 2:50 pm

  Bought it new in 2002-wifes car. Didnt put a lot of miles on it but took it on several 1000 plus mile vacations and trips. It was a smooth ride, quiet and comfortable. It could have used a little more power, but the 3800 was more than adequate for what we used the car for. Had a few warranty issue when new, nothing mechanical, and the dealer fixed them all quickly and no questions asked. It was never in the shop for a mechanical problem. Traded it about a week ago for a Lucerne.

• 

  Best inheritance ever! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Jaraldo - August 2 - 11:35 pm

  I am a new driver. I am 16 and I was left this car by my late grandmother (bless her heart). Its a tan 1993 LeSabre Custom. She was the second owner and bought it with only 45,000 miles in I think 1997 and she shortly thereafter couldnt drive so the car was kept in a garage. Driven every now and then. But cleaned regularly... I made sure of it.. ) Its now 2009 and the car just rolled over to 65,139... I kid u not. I plan to drive this car forever - its been great. Never had one issue. Alternator was replaced once but no big issue. RECOMMEND TO ALL!!!!!

• 

  car still moving at 200,274300 - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Ball - July 24 - 9:49 pm

  I have 200,0000 mile on this car.IT is still moving/driveable.

• 

  Luv my buick - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By desertjaws - July 8 - 11:17 am

  This is probably one of the best cars I have ever owned and my first Buick (1998). Had 57K miles when purchased (2005), currently has 135K miles. Has not been completely problem free but any problems have been minor. I do love this car and will purchase another soon.

• 

  Great all around - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By caminobear - June 12 - 11:52 am

  My mother gave me this car when my El Camino was stolen. She was scared of it, because shed never kept a car for 15 years and thought it was due for trouble. It looks like a grandma car, but I have grown to love the 29 MPG on the highway and the extremely smooth ride. Its also very easy to service - the backward opening hood allows me to stand up straight and not be hunched over. The paint is starting to flake off (too many automatic car washes) and the headliner has been replaced, but otherwise it is in great shape. Even the cassette player still works well. Hope it lasts another 200,000 miles!

• 

  best car I ever owned - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Debbie - June 2 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Buick LaSabre in Jan. 04. We had rented one the previous October to take on vacation, because the transmission had gone out on the automobile I owned. We loved it... so I told my husband I wanted to buy one when we traded again. I have loved it! Its a big roomy ride, yet gets great gas mileage. The first 3-4 years, it would get 31 mpg on the highway... and 27 around town. It is older now, and the mileage has dropped a little, but I still get 29 mpg on highway. It is has never had a mechanical problem. I have kept all routine maintenance up to date, and with 120,000.00, I still do not want to get rid of it. I hope it will continue giving me such enjoyment.

• 

  Not the sharpest, but good to my wallet! - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By JC - April 18 - 12:45 am

  I bought this car a few months back from a friend. It has 189,000 miles on it. I bought it with the intentions of putting a new motor in since this was neglected. 20,000+ on oil, 30,000+ on filter and 3 quarts over full!! I decided to drain the oil, give it an oil change and filter change, drive about 50 miles and redo it again. This car is great. 29 MPH on interstate and no check engine lights so far. I have to tell you, with that much neglect and the thing still gets great gas mileage and never fails to start...there is nothing that I can do to that engine that will harm it!

• 

  Window Replacements - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Upset - April 11 - 12:42 pm

  In the 6 years we have owned the car we have replaced all 4 window motors. This is not a cheap thing to replace. No one has been able to give us an explanation as to why this occurs. The car is garaged and no children to slam doors. The fuel economy is excellent but the money we save go into replacing window motors.

• 

  2003 Buick LaSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By LCB - April 9 - 10:46 am

  I recently purchased the 2003 LeSabre with 74,000 miles on it. It is a great car with a lot of features, however, there is a problem with the air suspension that I thought the dealer had repaired, but after driving it while the suspension is still not right. Im going to see if I can change the suspension to a non-air to see if this will work. Other than that the ride is great and a love the way the engine sounds.