2000 Buick LeSabre: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

America's best-selling full-size car was redesigned for a mid-1999 debut as Buick's first 2000 model. Slightly taller and wider on a longer wheelbase than before, LeSabre shares its structure with the Cadillac Seville, Pontiac Bonneville, and new Oldsmobile Aurora. Among new features are standard front side airbags and independent rear suspension.

An unaltered 3.8-liter V6 and automatic transmission are the sole powertrain. Traction control is optional and antilock brakes are standard, with standard 4-wheel discs replacing rear drums. Custom and Limited models return, both available with a Gran Touring package with firmer suspension and 16-inch wheels in place of 15s. A revamped interior offers a split front bench seat or optional buckets with center console. Safety belts mount to the outboard front seats, which Buick says are shaped to reduce whiplash injury. The side airbag for the driver protects chest and head; the front passenger's covers chest only.

Remote keyless entry and automatic-leveling suspension are standard. A new Driver Confidence Package option includes self-sealing tires, head-up instrument display, and GM's StabiliTrak antiskid system. Other new options include a trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer, power sunroof, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Limited has standard heated front seats and mirrors and GM's OnStar assistance system.

COMPETITION

This segment has been hardest hit by the huge popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years ago there were more than 12 cars in the segment and now there are just seven. Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, and plenty of power.

Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are twoRecommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability or don't mind having a rear-drive car, then we recommend you take a look at the Ford Crown Victoria. With its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis it's a dinosaur in this class, but Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.