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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Not bad for an American car - 1990 Buick LeSabre
By benhuoh - April 18 - 2:00 amMy LeSabre has given me reliable service. No breakdowns in 3 and 1/2 years, and has always started on command, even in the coldest weather. Not a car you want to impress babes with, but if youre thrifty and you want relaible transport, you should consider getting this car.
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LaSabre Lover - 1996 Buick LeSabre
By Jim OBrien - April 13 - 2:00 amI have 105,000 on my Buick now and wouldnt trade it for anything else. Its everything I want in an automobile.
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stus buick - 1995 Buick LeSabre
By stu - April 8 - 2:00 amVery dependable, No major repairs,Does use some oil but has since it was new,in 7.5 years only had to replace tires once has 95000 miles on it.Finish is as good as new.
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Best value in America - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By peterman - April 7 - 3:00 amDrive any large or midsize car in the $40,000 price range and then drive a $25,000 Buick Lasabre. Unless you are biased again American cars, you will agree that this car is a bargain.
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Engine Noise - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By Artie - April 7 - 3:00 amWhistle in engine, hear it mostly when engine idle`s. At speeds of 6o, there is a sound that sounds like the carb. is sucking air.Rear door out of alingnment.
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The Buick Experience - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By largeman/db - April 5 - 2:00 amThis is my first Buick. I like its quite, comfortable ride.
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You guys are kidding, right? - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By Enthusiast - April 5 - 2:00 amI rented this vehicle while on vacation in Florida. The engine sounds and vibrates like a cement mixer and those brakes. I thought I was going to crash every time I stepped on the brakes, because this car does not want to stop. I had to put 2 feet on the pedal to slow this car down. This is not a safe car and there are better choices, namely the Ford Crown Vic or Mercury Grand Marquis. They are far more powerful with better brakes and more comfortable. It is no wonder why GM cant sell any cars (note that I said cars, not trucks).
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2001 Buick LeSabre Limited Scares - 2001 Buick LeSabre
By ib - April 4 - 2:00 amI began to have steering problems about 1500 miles into my ownership of this auto. At highway speeds it would suddenly feel like I was hydro-planing or hit a patch of ice. It felt as if the back end wanted to go one way and the front end another and turning the steering wheel had no effect for a couple of seconds. They have re- aligned the tires and found one that was defective and replaced that one. This problem began after I made a hard stop, but not an emergency stop, and the "Traction off" light came on. No matter what I tried (even turning off the motor), I could not get that light to go off. They found a problem with a wire and the brakes. It still does not drive right.
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just one of other GMs finest. - 1992 Buick LeSabre
By orkhan - April 3 - 2:00 amI bought this car in 98 for 5000$ untill today if i would add up all the additional costs i payed for in 4 years it would only be about 1000$.The car it self is a pretty fast and comfortable car.
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Poor - 1996 Buick LeSabre
By Molly Banks - April 2 - 2:00 amThis car is not a very good car, it breaks down often and is not very attractive. it gets poor gas mileage.
