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:

• 

  Whistle/Click - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Whistle - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The alternator has a whistle which is loud enough to be a problem. The brake clicks everytime you use it. The back of the seats have play in them. The dealerships can not correct these problems. The original tires had to be upgraded because of defects at additional cost to the customer. This car does not live up to the 8.9 rating.

• 

  OLD WHITE and RELIABLE - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Bill - June 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the best of the best and I have owned a lot of cars!! It now has 222,932 and no rattles. It is smooth,quiet and cleans up like new. I keep thinking it is a super secret car and Buick is going to come take it back.The first 190,000 miles all I did oil,lobe and put on new tires!! New exhaust and timing chain since. I have a 2000 Lesabre-it sits--OLD WHITE travels-quiet-regal and smooth

• 

  OLD WHITE and RELIABLE - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By BILL - June 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the best of the best and I have owned a lot of cars!! It now has 222,932 and no rattles. It is smooth,quiet and cleans up like new. I keep thinking it is a super secret car and Buick is going to come take it back.The first 190,000 miles all I did oil,lobe and put on new tires!! New exhaust and timing chain since. I have a 2000 Lesabre-it sits--OLD WHITE travels-quiet-regal and smooth

• 

  Great Buick - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By charliebrown - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Even though my grandson says this is an old lady car, I do not feel like one when I am driving it! It handles well and I feel safe under all circumstances. It is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time,and any guests who sit in the back seat are also comfortable. All in all, I would recommend this car to people of all ages.

• 

  Comfort Not performance - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Cheshire - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The 98 Buick is a smooth riding, dependable car. The only bad thing is that it has a tendency to waddle on turns and when changing lanes.

• 

  Tracers review - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Tracer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car, It sold me on Buicks. I dont believe I would purchase any other car, I have owned Fords, Chevrolet, Ford Van, Plymouth, Dodge and an Opel.

• 

  Handling characteristics - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert Rhodes - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle seems to have a very comfortable ride and seems to handle well on interstate highways. Seems to be quite stable.

• 

  2000 Buick Custom - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Charlie R - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Brakes shimmy when applied, dash rattles a little bit.

• 

  Love this old Car - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Hank W - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I admit this is definitely not a babe- magnet, but I love this car. The thing is just plain comfy. It has plenty of room and still gets just about 30 MPG on the highway. My car is up to 140,000 miles and still doesnt burn oil. A GM mechanic I know told me this wasnt uncommon with this car. When I have to show off, I ride in my wifes Mustang GT. But when I want to take a trip and drive in plush comfort, give me my Buick.

• 

  Please with our 1996 LaSabre - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By Encore - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We like the quite spaciousness of the interior without the bulky feeling of some cars in this class. Its a car we love to take for a evening drive... with room for friends. A very nice car but inconspicous car.