1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Buick LeSabre. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Buick LeSabre.

1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Review

The redesigned 1992 LeSabre incorporated a more rounded look, with oval grille; wraparound headlamps, parking lamps, and side markers; and a reduction in the amount of exterior brightwork. LeSabre was still based on the same chassis as the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight and Pontiac Bonneville. Measuring a full 200 inches, the new LeSabre was three inches longer than before, and showed gains in both interior room and cargo space. The interior borrowed many of the features found in the larger and plusher Park Avenue, including a standard driver-side airbag in a tilt steering wheel, GM's Pass-Key theft-deterrent system, child-proof rear door locks, and standard power windows. Antilock brakes came standard on the Limited. The other major change was the elimination of the slow-selling LeSabre 2-door. A check under the hood reveals a completely revised powertrain. The 3.8-liter V6 got more power, delivering 170 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. It also came mated to a new electronic 4-speed automatic transmission.

Year to Year Changes

1993 Buick LeSabre: Antilock brakes become standard across the board. In addition, an optional traction-control system is available on Limited models.

1994 Buick LeSabre: Dual airbags become standard equipment in all LeSabres. Traction control on the 1994 Limited is revised so it reduces engine speed, in addition to applying braking power. In addition, the parking brake release handle has been eliminated. Other changes to the controls in the LeSabre include an inch of extra travel for the front power seat and a trunk release button than can be operated with the ignition off.

1995 Buick LeSabre: New climate controls, a new family of radios, and optional steering-wheel controls for the stereo and climate system are the major revisions to the 1995 LeSabre. With the optional automatic climate control, the number of buttons has been reduced from 14 to nine, and a recirculation mode has been added.

1996 Buick LeSabre: A new standard engine, the 3800 Series II V6, available in the 1994 Park Avenue last year, makes its way underneath the hood of the 1996 LeSabre. It produces 205 horsepower, 35 more than the old 3800 V6. The engine also has new coolant, spark plugs, and transmission, designed to last five years or 100,000 miles. Finally, the LeSabre has a new remote keyless entry system called Personal Choice (standard on the Limited, extra on the Custom) with a transmitter that automatically adjusts the security system, door locks, lighting, and other accessories to one of two settings. An antenna mounted in the rear window also comes standard.

1997 Buick LeSabre: LeSabre was restyled and released in January 1996 as an early 1997 model. The basic shape was retained, but there were numerous minor appearance changes including a restyled grille, hood, front and rear fascias, and bodyside moldings. The interior also got a similar restyle. Dual airbags and antilock brakes remained standard.

1998 Buick LeSabre: With a restyle in 1997, LeSabre saw little change for '98.

1999 Buick LeSabre: LeSabre celebrated its 40th anniversary in '99 and continued as Buick's best-selling model and the most-popular full-size car sold in America. Changes were few as an all-new model was scheduled to arrive for 2000.

1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Steering feel

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Automatic-transmission performance	Radio and climate controls (early models)

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Performance is brisk, from a standing start or on the highway. Transmission shifts go virtually unnoticed, and kickdowns come quickly. The 3800 Series II V6 found in the 1996 LeSabre is not only more powerful, it's also smoother and quieter than previous versions of this engine. It delivers ample acceleration, and it's mated to one of the smoothest transmissions available. Power steering is over-assisted, deleting most of the road feel. Even so, handling and overall road manners best a number of rivals. With the base suspension, the LeSabre retains the smooth "big-car" ride that traditional Buick customers have come to expect. For those wanting less body lean and more precise steering feel, we recommend the optional Gran Touring Package. While the LeSabre's handling will never be mistaken for that of a European sport sedan, the optional handling package is a welcome improvement, making this full-size car much more manageable and athletic. Adults can sit upright easily in back, in a spacious interior. Pre-1995 models have awkward reach to climate/radio controls. Roomy trunk has a wide, flat floor and bumper-height opening.

Value for the Money
Pleasant to look at and to drive, LeSabre offers few surprises but carries on traditional Buick virtues. Buick's popular LeSabre is a roomy family sedan that offers most of the features found in the Park Avenue at a lower price. Along with its siblings at Oldsmobile and Pontiac, it ranks among the best choices in a full-size sedan.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Buick LeSabre Limited	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	5

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	7

Total:	55

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmission may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1992-94)

Automatic transmission: 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (All years)

Automatic transmission: The 4T60-E automatic transmission can suddenly go into neutral at highway speeds due to a problem with internal shift valves. (1995-96)

Coolant leak: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-99)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-99)

Cruise control: If the cruise control doesn't stay engaged, or drops out of cruise, the brake switch can usually be adjusted. (1992-95)

Engine knock: Bearing knock is caused by too much clearance on the number one main bearing. (1992-94)

Engine knock and oil leak: Models with the 3.8-liter engine are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)

Engine noise: An intermittent rattling noise at start up is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1992-95)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Horn: The horn may spontaneously sound in cold weather. Airbag assembly must be replaced. (2000)

Steering noise: The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-95)

Transmission leak: The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak; GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$500

Alternator	$195

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,045

Brakes	$130

Constant Velocity Joints	$760

Exhaust System	$470

Radiator	$360

Shocks and/or Struts	$840

Timing Chain or Belt	$265

NHTSA Recall History

1992: Parking-brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth when applied, so parking brake might not hold the car.

1992-93: Transmission-cooler line in cars with certain powertrains sold in specified states can separate at low temperature.

1995: Driver-side headlamp lens has incorrect aim pad number.

1996: "Key in the Ignition" warning chime, driver seatbelt-unbuckled warning, and other functions may fail to operate properly.

1996-97: Backfire can break upper intake manifold, resulting in no-start condition and possible fire.

1997: Seatbelt might not latch properly.

1998-99: A faulty fuel-pressure regulator may allow a fuel leak to enter the intake manifold, resulting in possible fire. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

1999: Clip that secures linkage of transmission detent lever can loosen and disconnect; indicated gear would then differ from actual state of the transmission.

1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
LeSabre	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1993
LeSabre	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1994
LeSabre	$1,900-2,400	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1995
LeSabre	$2,200-2,700	$1,600-1,900	$400-500

1996
LeSabre	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700

1997
LeSabre	$2,900-3,500	$2,200-2,700	$700-800

1998
LeSabre	$3,300-4,000	$2,600-3,200	$800-1,000

1999
LeSabre	$3,800-4,500	$3,100-3,700	$1,200-1,400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.8

Overall Length, in.	200.0

Overall Width, in.	74.9

Overall Height, in.	55.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3430

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	38.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	40.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Two distinct powertrain upgrades have occurred over the life of the 1992-96 Buick LeSabre. The first was the addition of the 3800 V6 in 1992, which raised both the horsepower and torque of this venerable GM powertrain. While horsepower received just a modest bump (165 to 170), torque jumped from 210 pound-feet at 2000 rpm to 225 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. Throughout the life of the LeSabre, the 3800 V6 has been mated to an electronically controlled four-speed overdrive transmission. In 1995, it began using transmission fluid that doesn't need changing for 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. With the switch to the 205-horsepower 3800 Series II V6 in 1996, the 100,000-mile change interval also includes the engine coolant and spark plugs. Naturally, with the new Series II V6 engine comes more power. The engine is now rated at 205 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 230 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.8 / 231	170	225	4-speed automatic: 18/28	4-speed automatic: 22

ohv V6	3.8 / 231	205	230	4-speed automatic: 19/30	4-speed automatic: 19.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 LeSabre

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-1999 Buick LeSabre Review:

Buick LeSabre

Buick LeSabre Road Test

Buick LeSabre Reliability

Buick LeSabre Prices

Buick LeSabre Specs & Safety

Buick LeSabre Photos

Buick LeSabre Full Review