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:

• 

  buick lasabre review - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By joe johnson - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is excellent car to drive..Have had several issues with quality..glove console door replaced three times because of cheap plastic latches breaking..Outside door handle broke. Compressor on shock system went beserk..and door ajar waring goes off at will..GM cannot figure out problem. Like the car, but becoming iritated at no answer from GM on electrical problems.

• 

  Enjoying my LeSabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Louis Exstein - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery in Oct. 1999 of 2000 LeSabre -- have driven without a single problem - milage outstanding. Averaging 28 mpg combination of country and highway driving on regular gasoline. Not unusual to drive 500 or more miles between refueling when on long-distance highway driving -- averaging over 33 mpg. Driving is a sheer joy with putting key in ignitiion and no headlights or windshield wipers to turn on.

• 

  My First Buick - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Schuby - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I rented a Buick LaSabre and found the automobile to be safe, comfortable, and responsive to the road conditions. I liked the interior and other features. The LaSabre is an excellent car for the price. I returned the LaSabre to the rental agency and purchased my own LaSabre the next day.

• 

  Good Car But Watch Out for Unexpected $$ - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Gary Richey - April 29 - 2:00 am

  With less than 80K miles, I have a $1,284 repair bill because of an admitted design flaw (admitted by dealers mechanic not GM). Per the dealers mechanic, the plenumn on this car leaks allowing coolant and water to get into the engine affecting the function of the pistons which untimately causes the engine to lock. After the engine locks and you attempt to crank the car the starter will blow out. The dealers mechanic said they had repaired at least 10 cars with similar problems resulting from this design flaw during the last year. GM has not issued a recall to correct this problem. I was told that this problem started with 1996 models.

• 

  GreatCar - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Iboughtabuick - April 29 - 2:00 am

  We rented the LeSabre custom for one month, after a teen driver smashed the front of our PARKED car. We were in the market for a new Suv at the time. we researched everything from a Chevy to a Toyota, and found just how expensive they all were. After renting the LeSabre we made up our mind to buy one. I am a large man 67 and 295 lbs. and I fit just fine with room to spare. I would recommend this vechicle to any in the market. P.S. we also test drove the Ford Crown Victoria before we purchased the LeSabre. Hands Down the Buick was far better in handling, performance, in gas milage, and in comfort, styling was also a substantial plus inside and out.

• 

  Favres Review - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By rbrtfav - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been almost trouble free. It uses no oil, has a good set of tires on it, and gets between 27 to 30 miles per galon on the road. I have maintained it according to the recommended procedure.

• 

  1995 LeSabre - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Brian0164 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle! This is the second used LeSabre that I have owned and they are very reliable vehicles! They also get very good gas milage for a larger vehicle.

• 

  excellent car - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Eitan - April 25 - 2:00 am

  reliable powerful comfortable car.

• 

  Understated - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By dodger - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This car gets you where you want to go in great comfort. Acceleration is more than adequate. A lot of safety features come with this car.

• 

  Uh, yeah, Buick? What were you thinking? - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By rojo412 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  The fact that this car is still moving astounds me. The ABS was bad when I got it, $600 later... still bad. AC... Shot. Rear driver side window... shot. But heres the kicker: The PAINT is FALLING OFF!!! Resale value... Maybe $20