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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  Great Car for anyone - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By LeSabre Custom - December 10 - 2:32 pm

  I bought the car from the original owner. I have put 15k miles on it and love it. The car has 132k on it and sound brand new. The window regulators have had to be replaced but I did it my self and it only cost $75 per window. The car handles great in any weather conditions. Im confident the car will go for 200k easy! Under the gas cap their has been some internal rust which is know for these cars. The design stinks if you are under 70. It is a definite "old people" car when you look at it but it does have some get up and go. I took a Lexus Rx 350 w/ no problem. Great Car overall

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  Great Buick - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By TB - December 7 - 5:18 pm

  I have had this LeSabre for 9 months now, purchased used. It is great for over the road as well as commuting. I average 30-32 mpg, even at interstate speeds. Great ride and very quiet. I was commuting back and forth from Colorado to Nebraska for a time and lots of interstate driving. Very comfortable at 75 mph and 30 mpg as well. I could drive from Greeley to Omaha on one tank, just over 500 miles!

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  Buick LeSabre Custom o.k. - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Nellie Pratt - November 16 - 3:20 pm

  Downfall of this vehicle is all four motorized windows have torn up. Transmission has to be replaced. Continually reads low tires no matter what you do, change, rotate, etc. of the tires. Body of vehicle easily dents, especially on the rear bumpers, absolutely no leaning on the vehicle. Otherwise, good driving, good gas mileage. Good for older adults.

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  my tank a 1992 Lasabre - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By The Big E - November 1 - 1:46 am

  i got this car a present from my parents for my senior year of high school. it is a rocket with a big thirsty engine that goes like hell. the shocks are completly gone so it feels like a roller coaster when driving around and makes a lot of understeer in the turns but i also drive a little fast. the anti lock brakes do not work so i have to pump them to stop but over all it is a good tank that will get me from place to place and if i get into a wreck the cars size will protect me. the only bad thing about it is the gas millage i get about 15-18 in town and 18-21 on the highway.

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  Not the best looking, but great to own - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Marc - September 27 - 7:44 am

  I recently was going through tough economic times and sold my 04 EB Expedition and bought a 98 Lesabre Custom with 83K. I am an auto technician so I performed all of the basic maintance(drive belt, run Mobil One, transmission filter and fluid to Amsoil, belt tensioner, tune-up, etc). The previous owner replaced the upper intake, brakes, struts & A/C compressor. The car has saved me a great deal of money from lack of monthly payments and getting great gas mileage. A drive to Grandmas(approx 235 miles) and the fuel mileage was 28-29 mpg. Mixed driving I get about 22-24 mpg which beats 11-12 mpg for the Expedition.

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  Nice car, except for electric windows. - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Joe H - September 26 - 1:23 pm

  Comfortable car, good milage for big car, 29 mpg on hiway 21 city. At 60000 miles, had issue with instrument cluster relays, would run battery down. At 65000 rear window regulators failed simultaneously. Now passenger side window does not function. Great car if you dont require fresh air. Hint- if you own a LeSare, dont roll down rear windows, good chance they wont go back up.

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  Great but watch window assembly - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By smgbjl - September 21 - 4:58 pm

  I bought my Buick new in 2000, it has been great for long trips as well as city driving. Having owned it now for 9 years the only problem Ive encountered is the power window regulators which make the windows go up and down. I had to replace all 4 of them. They run about $400.00 installed. Thank God I sell cars for a living so I got a discount on labor and parts. Other than that one problem the car has been great!

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  Big Al - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Al H - September 12 - 2:17 pm

  Bought this car at 1 year old with 30K miles on it. Great car. Still have it and love it. Except had to replace all 4 power window lifts, 3 under the warranty (thank goodness). Bad design. Understand newer models have a design change to fix the problem. Nice features and good ride/handling. Plenty pep. Also had a spark coil and motor mount failure at about 50K miles. But car looks great (still) and runs great. Gets about 22 mpg around town and about 26 on highway travel Would definitely consider buying another one.

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  No More GMs - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By JTack - August 31 - 6:58 pm

  Bought this garage kept car from my father in early 2008. He had to replace brakes and rotors at 19k. I had to do again at 43k, along with wheel hub and CV drive. $1,600.00. At 50k the left rear window would not close and the cruise control switch went bad. $500.00. ABS warning light comes on intermittently. Put 200k on a 1992 Camry with no problems other than an ignition coil and radiator. Cup holders are dysfunctional. I will not own another GM car.

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  22 YO young girl LOVES this car! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By mrscervantes - July 28 - 10:48 pm

  I have NEVER had a car that is more reliable for my buck and the kicker is? I bought this thing with 200,000+ miles for $500 and she is STILL running strong. Aside from reg maintenance, the only thing I had to fix was I had to get a new gas tank which was a pain to find. Apparently, its common that the insides disintegrate after 17 years...but what more could you really ask for? It was a 100 fix, even if it took all day! I love this car and even though its style is not really flattering for me, I would never put her down til shes ready to rest. This car is a BEAST and Im lucky to have found such a deal! I am a fan of Buick now!