2003 Buick LeSabre: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Buick LeSabre ▼
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- MSRP: $25,645 -$31,420
- Invoice: $23,465 -$28,749
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Our road test for the 2003 Buick LeSabre includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Buick LeSabre from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Buick LeSabre, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Buick LeSabre help you decide if a 2003 Buick LeSabre is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Quick away from stops. Ample passing power. Smooth gear changes; prompt, sure downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Averaged 17.9 mpg in our tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
Base suspension is absorbent but floats over humps and dips. Gran Touring suspension does a poor job of absorbing sharp bumps and ridges, feels jittery on rough pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.5 |
Competent large-sedan handling, though steering feels artificially heavy. Moderate lean in turns, good grip. Stabilitrak works well. Brakes are unexceptional but easy to modulate.
QUIETNESS
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Wind and road noise are well-muffled, but tires whine on some surfaces. Engine is quiet at cruise, producing a muted growl in hard acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Large, simple, well-placed. But shiny faceplates make it hard to read some panels, automatic climate controls are difficult to adjust while driving, and console's cupholder is awkward to deploy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Roomy for two, but tight for three adults. Cushions are pillowy but not uncomfortable.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
Disappointing for a full-size sedan. Cushion is too low and soft for good support. Leg room is tight without front seat moved forward. Too narrow for three-adult comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Big trunk has a large opening and low liftover, but lid hinges intrude. Limited's rear-seat pass-through is handy.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.9 |
LeSabre imparts a feeling of size and substance, and its standard-equipment list is well-thought-out. Subpar rear-seat accommodations and indifferent interior furnishings are letdowns. Base prices are competitive, but options add up quickly.
Total Score
| Custom | Limited w/Gran Touring Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 56 | 59.8 |
Total Score: 57
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