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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  2004 LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By len vanover - June 15 - 1:24 pm

  I purchased the car with 28,000 miles on it. It has a great ride and is very easy to steer with the light steering. The car is trouble free an fun to drive and reliable. The only low mark is would give is that the seat belt buckle is hard to locate and is a bit of a struggle to connect. Im sold on Buick construction and reliability.

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  Really a good car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Jimmy - June 10 - 12:55 pm

  I bought this car used 2 years ago with 37,000 miles already on it. I was a little concerned about the mileage, but it has been a really good car. I need a late model full size sedan for business and I set out to buy a Cadillac, but saw and drove the Buick and saved several thousand dollars that work as well for me as owning a Cadillac. Ive not had any problems at all with this car.

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  AC control issues - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Nick - May 6 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my 2004 LeSabre last year, and I have to say I am very happy with the vehicle. Getting about 28 mpg overall. ABS and Trac Control features are excellent. Have had issues with the climate control. It doesnt seem to work efficiently. The dual zone control doesnt really give you a big difference from driver to passenger. GM needs to look at this and find out what the issue is.

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  I MIss my Car! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Inez Osmus - March 20 - 2:43 am

  It was totaled by roadrager and was injured in ribs and shoulder but my Mom was notinjured! Thatshows how good this car is. I was sitting up closer to steering wheel. Im shorter than her. I was just learning to drive and she felt this car would be safest! I hope to find another Buick Le Sabre in mid 90s or maybe a Park Ave. It had gold leather and sure miss it as is best for my back! Dont care for bucket seats anymore, hurt the back way too much!

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  Holy cow, whats your fuel mileage - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Victorius on - March 13 - 9:00 pm

  Paid a little bit for a ten year old car but I love Buicks and knew when I heard the engine start it was worth the money. Had a mechanic check it over and he gave it a clean bill of health. Only three months with it but Ive noticed that it gets well above 28 mpg on the highway. I had a Bonneville that got 28 on the highway and had the same size tank. Not sure of the exact fuel mileage but took the car on a 400+ mile trip and noticed the the gas guage drops significantly less for distance traveled. The car has at least 100 miles I can safely say longer range than my old 94 Bonneville with the same size engine. How that works? Ask Buick, they built it!

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  Great car, bad paint - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By aastephens - January 13 - 5:00 pm

  Of course it has the Buick smooth ride, getting on the freeway is far easier then expected. Even acceleration for passing is strong. Plenty of room for our 2 young children. Nice large trunk, and it gets great gas mileage.

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  Proud Owner - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Al - January 8 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this 92 LeSabre brand new. I still own the car today because it seems to be the vehicle we always depend on although many new ones have been purchased since then. The car has almost 300 thousand miles on it now and is still as dependable as the day we bought it. We keep the oil changed every 3000 mile and other than shocks, have replaced nothing on it. It is still original.

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  Best car we have ever had - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Drrodd - December 11 - 1:45 am

  This Buick is the best car my wife and I have ever owned. We bought it new and have had zero problems. It is very comfortable, quiet and safe on the road. Neither of us can find anything we do not like about this sedan. I am serious when I say we would not trade it on a Buick Lucerne even up -- and I have looked at the Lucerne and test driven the car. We also own a Cadillac SRX-4 and we would rather drive the Buick.

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  2004 Buick Lesabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By John Herman - October 22 - 3:42 am

  Excellent car.This is my third Buick. Previously bought new an 1989 Park Avenue and later, a new 1996 Park Avenue. All have been good trouble free vehicles Sorry to see that Buick has discontinued production of both the Park Avenue and Lesabre, I dont care for their new Lucerne - too small.

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  Best American Car on the Road Today - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Tom - September 19 - 2:22 pm

  Outstanding vehicle. I have never had a problem with it. Never even taken to the dealer for any warranty issue. Ive had many new cars in my 50 years but this is absolutely the best in every category.