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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  The Luxury Car I Always Wanted - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By KSGofGA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  It has all the bells and whistles Id never had:leather interior, CD radio with all the trimmings, automatic rear view mirror dimmer, even a moisture reading automatic windshield wiper. Driving this LeSabre is like driving a well-behaved living room. Room for five large people no matter where they sit. And the power front split bench seats can be adjusted to the most persnickety drivers needs. But the gas mileage!! On the open road, I typically get between 33-35 mpg and thats with a V-6. No matter what well do, well never be able to fill that trunk. All in all, its a marvelous car. I delight in the day I bought it.

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  Buick LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Cars4me89 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car. It performs just as well as my Mazda Miata. You punch this pedal and the engine comes to life roaring.

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  NOT BAD FOR A "GRAMPA" CAR! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Mr. T - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1990 LeSabre Limited Sedan from September 1998 until December of 2001 when I (reluctantly) sold it to my cousin. The big Buick was one of the best cars Ive owned. The car had 68,000 well-cared for miles on it when I bought it and 134,000 when I sold it. Aside from routine and preventative maintenance, I had to put in a starter and alternator. Not a chick-magnet car for sure, but as far as a comfy ride, the Buicks cant be beat!

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  Le Sabre 2004 - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Chana - August 21 - 7:53 pm

  Im a very happy owner- very smooth ride, it feels solid and secure. Not the greatest pick-up but with everything else, its a fantastic car, from the very spacious interior and trunk, technology, fuel usage, safety features, and overall performance. Id recommend this car to anyone (especially first-time drivers as the ride is very secure).

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  Condition of Car. - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By richdriessnack - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Car is in good working order. Recently drove from Myrtle Beach, SC to Peoria, IL and return (2000 miles) without any difficulty. Runs smoothly, gets 29 mpg on open road at established speed limits. Doesnt use any oil between oil changes. New battery. New Michelin tires at 70000 miles. All maitenance completed on manufacturers schedule. Body and interior in good shape. One owner since purchase.

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  98 Lesabre Custom - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Joe Ruger - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We have been very pleased with this car. After driving a Taurus for years, its a very pleasant change. The vehicle rides SMOOTH, has good pickup, and is extremely comfortable. It corners like a large car.

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  2000 Lesabre - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Gene Duff - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Had trouble with original tires, replaced at 29000 miles. Mileage is excellent, ease of handling is very good, very comfortable ride

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  Lesabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By bl - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car. A few minor interior fit problems. Ride is great

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  BUICK STILL HAS A WAYTO GO - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By retiree - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall love car but disappointed with problems. Use car 5,000 miles local. 7,000 miles interstate. Get 32 mpg highway. Overall 3 yr average 25.6 Right at end of warranty 3 power windows went in succession. Common problem apparently. 30 days out of warranty, at 33000 miles transmission required overhaul. Clunking when changing gears.

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  PROBLEMS - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By golfman - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Le Sabre limited in December of 2001. Here are some problems I have had with it. Took the car to the dealership three times for "rattles". The problem still appears from time to time. At purchase time I insisted that General Tires be replaced as I have had many problems with them in the past. I was told I would have to pay hundeds extra to exchange them. Well 5,800 miles later and all four tires need to be replaced!!!!