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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 554.00-
Great American ride - 2005 Buick LeSabre
By pjm1000 - May 30 - 10:01 amI just purchased a Buick Lasbre Limited with the 3.8 engine. I see everyone get the small cars for fuel economy, but when I saw the fuel economy in this Buick (hit 32mpg on the highway yesterday) there is no way I would cram myself into a little import to get 26-30 mpg when you can get the same or better in a full size auto that rides like a dream with all the gadgets for comfort. Truly an excellent car. I am 37, not the stigma of an old guys car, who cares!
-
Keeps on keeping on - 2004 Buick LeSabre
By Elliott - May 7 - 12:14 pmWhen I bought this car the main internet complaints were loud turn signals and loud fan noise on high blower. Four years of non-stop daily driving in city and cross country, that is still the only complaint about the car. It has every electronic gadget available and all still work the same as new no repairs, no breakdowns! I have had no other car that has been this reliable for this long with nothing going wrong.
-
Can not go wrong with this model car. - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By Debbie Bollinger - March 22 - 11:49 amThis is the first Buick I have ever owned. It has also been, by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned (I have owned many different makes of autos). It currently has 115,000 miles on it, I bought it with 29,000 miles. I have made many long trips with it. If you are looking for a safe, comfortable, dependable vehicle, you can not beat a Buick LaSabre!
-
Dont buy a 2002 Buick! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
By Disappointed - February 27 - 6:45 pmThis Buick has nice styling, performance, and a great ride. However, the 3.8 engine has a reoccuring issue with Intake Manifold gasket leaks that GM refuses to take responsibility for. Check out NHTSA vehicle bulletins for this model. I experienced the same problem in my Chevy Lumina with 3.1 V6. You will be replacing your gasket approx. every 25- 30k miles at a cost of $700-900 a pop. I went thru this 2x with my Lumina and now my Buick has its first failure at 60k miles. Time to trade it in.
-
Wow! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
By glanceup - May 11 - 4:58 pmI needed a luxurious and large car to haul real estate clients around in. This more than fit the bill. Extremely smooth, comfortable ride and incredible gas mileage for such a large car (28 hwy, 18 city).
-
Love that old boat - 1994 Buick LeSabre
By Carrie Anne - March 26 - 5:39 pmI purchased this car has a "driver training car for my teenager, but she thinks its an "old people" car and does not like it ! I love it. Drives like a big boat, quiet. Gas mileage is better than I expected. I have never had so many buttons to ajdust one seat. Love the traction control, great in our Michigan winters. All around great 2nd car.
-
Le Sabre review - 1990 Buick LeSabre
By Chris S. - March 17 - 12:34 pmGreat car to own, drive and work on. Being a mechanic I find this car overall a great car. Most tasks are relatively easy and for its age the car still looks and drives like a three year old car. I and previous owners were easy on the car, which helps a lot. My car has a great pick- up smooth ride, and is good looking. What else can you hope for?
-
A good Buick LaSabre - 2001 Buick LeSabre
By Warren Rowe - February 11 - 4:19 pmMy 2001 Buick LaSabre has been a trouble free car and very reliable. It has given me a pleasant comfortable ride. My next car will certainly be a Buick.
-
Good Solid Car - 1997 Buick LeSabre
By michael - November 13 - 10:30 amThis car is my 10th car and its a good solid car. In the past Ive had Camaros and Mustangs, however those dont compare because theyre sports cars, but this car is a good fit for the daily driver. It runs great, and it feels like youre floating with the dynaride system. The only problem Ive had with the car was installing a new tranny. I bought the car with 54,000 miles on it from an elderly woman who never peaked past 45mph and the first few expressway times I blew the tranny at 80mph. I installed with labor $1000. Im not a big fan of the exterior looks, a little outdated especially being young and good looking like myself so I may buy a convertible for the summer
-
Old man - 1995 Buick LeSabre
By nick - October 22 - 7:18 amIm still under 50, but my car gets me called "old man"! I bought the car 10 yrs old with 52k miles Im sure I can sell for teh same. Great value. Real interior comfort, favorite 3800 motor, all in a "snowplow"!
