2000-2005 Buick LeSabre: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Buick LeSabre:
Only a little equipment shuffling marked the 2001 models. OnStar now was available in the Custom sedan, as part of a Prestige option package that also included a CD player and power front passenger seat, to join the newly standard power driver's seat. A Driver Confidence package no longer was offered for the Custom. On the LS sedan, that package added GM's StabiliTrak antiskid system, which is designed to sense impending skids in turns and brake an individual wheel as needed to maintain control.
2002 Buick LeSabre:
Leather upholstery became standard on Limited, optional on Custom. Power memory front seats were also newly standard on Limited.
2003 Buick LeSabre:
Celebration Edition was distinguished by body-color exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels, 2-tone leather seating with embroidered logos, Black Cherry woodgrain interior trim, and turn-signal indicators in the side mirrors. XM satellite radio was a new option available on the Limited.
2004 Buick LeSabre:
No significant changes were made in '04.
2005 Buick LeSabre:
OnStar assistance becomes standard on LeSabre Custom for 2005, its last year. Buick replaced LeSabre with the Lucerne for 2006. Also new for '05 is Limited's Celebration Edition option package that includes 16-inch wheels vs. LeSabre's standard 15s, special body and interior trim, and outside mirrors with turn-signal lights.
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
A generally capable performer, the LeSabre makes few demands on its driver. With a proven powertrain, it takes off smartly with ample passing power and smooth, fairly responsive gear changes. We averaged 17.9 mpg, and the engine takes regular-grade fuel. The base suspension's smooth ride is marred by some body float over big humps and dips. The Gran Touring suspension option does a poor job of absorbing most sharp bumps and rides. Worse, it compromises control by imparting a jittery feeling over all but blemish-free pavement. Directional stability is good with either suspension, but steering feels artificially heavy in directional changes. Handling is competent enough, with moderate body lean in turns and good grip in steady-state cornering. Brakes are easy to modulate, but stopping power fails to impress. Wind and road noise are well-muffled, but tires whine on grooved or pebbled pavement. Quiet while cruising, the engine emits a muted growl during hard acceleration. Thick front pillars and slightly narrowed rear side glass produce a somewhat closed-in sensation. Seats are not wide enough to fit three adults without squeezing. Bucket and bench front seats are both roomy for two, though some folks find the cushions too pillowlike. Rear-seat comfort is disappointing. The cushion is low to the floor and its soft foam provides little thigh or back support. Gauges and controls are large, simple, and generally well-positioned. Automatic climate controls on the Limited are hard to adjust while driving. Glossy plastic faces reflect light to obscure some readouts. The interior has a lot of hard plastic surfaces, along with budget-grade upholstery material.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Buick LeSabre includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Buick LeSabre .
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:
Transmission may slip, shift harshly or erratically due to sediment in the pressure-control solenoid requiring replacement. (2000)
Brake noise:
The original-equipment rear brake pads cause a humming or moaning noise, especially when the brakes are hot or warm. (2000)
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. (2000-04)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (2000-04)
Horn:
If the horn becomes difficult to operate or sounds by itself in cold temperatures, the airbag module will have to be replaced. (2000)
Steering noise:
A countermeasure high-pressure power-steering hose will reduce vibrations, shudders, or moans from the steering during slow-speed turns. (2000-01)
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 | $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 |
Our price chart for this generation Buick LeSabre details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Buick LeSabre include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain is available in LeSabres: a 205-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
| 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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Buick LeSabre include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000:
Loose inner tie-rod nuts on certain cars can result in separation of tie rod, causing unexpected steering input.
2000:
Some cars have internal fluid leaks in brake hydraulic control unit; when rear-brake proportioning, antilock braking, traction control, or stability-control feature is activated in some driving situations, feature may not perform as designed.
2002:
Airbag inflator could fracture during deployment endangering passengers.
2002:
Gear-attachment bolts may be undertorqued or missing, causing uneven steering response or unusual noise during turns.
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