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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  buick lesabre - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By LHENGESBACH - July 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent riding car. very little maintenance problems.

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  Decent Practical Car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By Maxine - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Mine has 110000 miles,Traction control,GT Package,Which handles excellent.

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  CamdyCarmel - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Carmella Echo - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Buick SeSabre saved me from at least four accidents. One of them would have been extremely serious. There was a "pile-up" on a major highway (Rt 24 West in NJ and I was able to "stop on a dime" and avoided hitting the car in front of me. The braks on this vehicle are better than any other vehicle I have ever driven. Thats eight different cars in my lifetime - and Im OLD! (66) I feel perfectly safe in this car and it looks SOOoo Beautiful!

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  OMG this car is the BEST! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By TheUltimateAuthority - July 10 - 2:00 am

  with 3 teenagers and friends, lots of travel throughout California (ocean, rugged dirt mountain driving, hills, ice and snow-traction is great-never had to put on the chains at Tahoe), a safe car was a MUST! Bought it with 26,000 miles used from a dealer- returned Avis Rental Car-used for a year as a rental. With about 10000 left on the bumper to bumper, I had the drivers lumbar replaced (it was broke), and a new radio because the color wore off the buttons (and its done it on the new one too). I have had it almost 2 yrs and 24,000 miles, and my only cost has been to replaced the front brakes for $95. Paid under $15,000.

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  Bad Supension! - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By tjloftis - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Gran Prix in for a 98 Buick with 44,000 miles and the Buick is ok but it has some wind noise around the windows and on the interstate the front end bounces and it seems to want to leave the lanes, have to drive with both hands. It has ok power until around 80 miles per hour but then it lacks power. It seems to take the starter too long to kick the motor over. The seats are really hard and the back part of the front seats don"t seem high enough. I just don"t think it would be worth the price for a new one. Wishing I had my Gran Prix back!!!

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  97 Buick Le Saber - Custom - 23.5 MPG - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By KDM - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Very good vehicle - few problems - good gas mileage 23.5 MPG for the life of the car to date - 107,500 miles. Regular service performed on schedule provided good life.

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  Fit like an old shoe. - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By T. Holmes - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR! I only have 18608 miles on it so far no problems. Getting 26.2 mph average. I keep my tires at 38 psi. This sacrifices a softer ride though. The seating is great for me I would like more lumbar adjustment. I like the body styling. Air conditioning is great. I do experience a slight backfiring when starting but I am told this is normal. Sound system is great.

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  An American Beauty - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Rhino - June 29 - 2:00 am

  In a word, smooth. No mind boggling performance, dont throw this soft riding machine into curves with abandon just drive safely and enjoy gobs of seamless power and shifting, and go for tireless miles of trouble free driving with outstanding gas mileage. So its what your mom & dad or grandma & grandpa drive? Maybe they know something you dont???

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  My Car - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Chuck Finney - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new from Frederick Cadillac (then a Buick dealer) in October 1993. I have had it serviced every 3000 miles by Fredericks and then Huling Buick when I moved to West Seattle. I have all the service records. The transmission has been replaced and serviced as have the hoses and any other recommendation made by the dealer. The car has 106,000 miles.

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  Best damn car made today - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Bobo - June 22 - 2:00 am

  This fine automobile has comfort, style & class. Its quiet and smooth shifting. And has the power when you need it. Will ALWAYS buy Buick.