2000-2005 Buick LeSabre: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration
- Instruments/controls
- Ride (base suspension)
- Automatic-transmission performance
Cons
- Ride (Gran Touring option)
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for a mid-1999 debut, Buick's full-size, front-drive family sedan has been the best-selling full-size model in the U.S. market. Slightly taller and wider now, on a longer wheelbase, styling resembled that of the pricier Park Avenue. Rivals included the Chrysler Concorde, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Toyota Avalon. New standard equipment included front side airbags and an independent rear suspension, along with remote keyless entry and an automatic-leveling suspension. Antilock braking remained standard, but now had an all-disc setup. Traction control was an option. Sole powertrain was an unchanged 3.8-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission. Both Custom and Limited models were available with a Gran Touring package, including a firmer suspension and 16-inch tires (instead of 15-inch). The redesigned interior offered a split front bench or optional buckets, with a center console. Safety belts attached to outboard front seats, which had a "catcher's mitt" design, claimed to reduce whiplash injury. New options included a trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer, power sunroof, and rain-sensing wipers.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick LeSabre Custom Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
For its core audience, the LeSabre imparts a feeling of size and substance, with a standard-equipment list that's well-planned. Still, subpar rear-seat accommodations and indifferent interior furnishings are letdowns.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick LeSabre Custom Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $500 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,090 |
| Brakes | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $905 |
| Exhaust System | $445 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $535 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $505 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| LeSabre Custom | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| LeSabre Limited | $12,500-13,500 | $11,300-12,200 | $7,100-7,700 |
| 2004 | |||
| LeSabre Custom | $8,500-9,400 | $7,700-8,500 | $4,400-4,900 |
| LeSabre Limited | $10,500-11,500 | $9,500-10,400 | $5,600-6,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| LeSabre Custom | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| LeSabre Limited | $8,700-9,700 | $7,800-8,700 | $4,500-5,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| LeSabre Custom | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| LeSabre Limited | $6,900-7,600 | $6,100-6,800 | $3,200-3,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| LeSabre Custom | $5,000-5,700 | $4,300-4,800 | $2,000-2,300 |
| LeSabre Limited | $5,500-6,200 | $4,700-5,300 | $2,300-2,500 |
| 2000 | |||
| LeSabre Custom | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| LeSabre Limited | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3567 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.9 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 205 | 230 | 4-speed automatic: 19/30 | 4-speed automatic: 17.9 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 LeSabre |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.








