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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  Window Regulator Defect - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By No more GM for me!!! - July 24 - 6:50 pm

  I purchased my 2002 LeSabre Customer in April 2008 as a used car. My front right window regular went out in June 2009 and then almost three weeks later the back left side passenger window regulator went out. My car mechanic states that this is a known problem with this model year and that my other two windows will soon follow this trend. I contacted GM/Buick and GM/Buick seems to think that this part is fine the way it was manufactured and stated that they have had no customer complaints thus far. No wonder this car company has had the problems they do. Produce an inferior product and sell it.

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  Very Comfortable Ride - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Lorr - July 18 - 3:26 am

  This car has the nicest ride of all Ive ever got to own/drive! The only other nicer riding car Ive driven was a Uhaul Chevrolet C1500 pickup truck. Unfortunately, it does have a few negatives. When I bought mine with 75k miles, it already had a constant misfire due to a or a couple of stuck fuel injectors. Because of this, the idle often gets too low when parallel parking effectively eliminating steering assist. Electrical system reconfigured itself at 115k. Car suddenly died, lights out, restarted a few minutes later but now lacking the function of radio(oddly tape plyr still works),AC, and manual interior lights (still works with door).

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  disgusted in Arizona - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By disgusted in Arizona - July 8 - 8:01 pm

  This was our third Buick in a row. An 86 LeSabre we tried to wear out and couldnt, and a 95 Regal that was still going strong at 180,000 when we sold it. The 2003 replaced the Regal in 11/05. It had 34k, was in excellent condition, and bought from the proverbial "old lady". It is a comfortable, quiet road car. My wife drives it about 13k hwy mi/yr and pampers it. Trouble began in 1/07 at about 60k mi. Had to replace lft rear window regulator, then the rt one 4 mos later, then the lft one again 30 days later. 4/09 both dr latch/sensor assblys on rt side. Today the lft rear latch/sensor. Total so far $1245 for items VERY POORLY designed and built. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST BUICK!!

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  LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By S. Voyles - June 22 - 1:39 pm

  Great car for six years with 79,000 miles

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  188K & still strong!! - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By my4thBuick - June 16 - 8:35 pm

  Yah... Its not the most stylish car! But I drive 30,000 miles/ year & my lesabre hasnt stuck me once. Great mileage for a lead sled & comfy. Its got over 188,000 miles & I just replace the original starter. Just starting to develop an intermittent miss. If you dont care about style... & you can pick one up.... go for it. And remember, ANY car can be a lemon!

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  power window regulators failed Lesabre C - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Richaw - May 20 - 12:29 pm

  Overall I like the car. Serious problems all 4 power window regulators have failed within a period of 12,000 miles. I replaced the right front myself, to the tune of $375.00 for the part only. Then the right rear failed, it is being held in the up position with a piece of wood jammed under the regulator arm. All 4 have failed for the same reason. They are running a metal cable over a plastic pulley wheel and using a plastic spool on the motor. When the plastic pulley wheel breaks the cable misalignes on the spool and the window wont go up. Any Idiot that designed this should be fired. The regulator that I replaced was the same design as the original. GM has lost my business for good.

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  I loved my buick - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By ckohley - May 7 - 1:34 pm

  I bought this car from my father inlaw for 3000 with only 68,000 miles on it. Car was the best ive ever had. Ive never had to put any work into it, and it still got me home (150 miles) after hitting a deer at 75 mph. The car engine finally gave out at 198,000 miles. Much sadness.

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  No a bad car for American-made - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug Fresh - May 7 - 12:41 pm

  Bought in Jan 03 with 35K on it. At 200K in May 09, engine & trans. still runs pretty strong. With 89 octane, getting 23 -24 mpg. Good looking, roomy, safe car in a crash. Decent appointments & stereo. Wish the 3.8 was a little more responsive in the passing gear, especially on hills. They should have gone with a 5-speed. Suspension is mushy when cornering at high speeds or breaking on a curve. More of a luxury cruiser than a handling machine. 3 of the 4 power window regulators have died - $350 each to fix!!! Gas gauge went out at 150K. Probably my last American-made car. My 95 Regal and 02 Pontiac Montana both blew engines at 110,000 miles, holding my breath with this GM motor. Overall 7/10

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  Toying with the Past - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Shunteezy - April 17 - 11:38 am

  I was really scepitical about this car because of age and size. I really am fond of foreign whips as far as cars go. I am a domestic truck girl though! I was really super surprised with the fuel economy of this full-sized sedan. It gets nearly 30 mpg on the highway and 23-25 mpg in the city. This car has been rated the safest car in history and I see why it holds the road very well and its sleek exterior design looks and feels safe.

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  A Nice Car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By A Nice Car - April 3 - 2:40 pm

  When I got this car, it only had 44k on the OD. The original buyer had just turned it in on a newer car. In 2008, BOTH rear door window motors broke, and the car now needs 4 wheel alignment and new tires. The cost to have the dealer fix both rear window problems is $250.00 EACH SIDE! The GM 3.8 engine sucks up a LOT of gas. In brutal cold weather, even -10 degrees, this car warms up in about 10- 15 minutes. Normal maint kept up.