One thing most car buyers know is that the
Buick Division of General Motors makes big, comfortable sedans.
Buick may not be on the cutting edge of the auto industry, but it usually builds cars with the solid handsomeness that mature, more conservative
buyers seem to find attractive. This year's LeSabre Limited is no exception.
Buick's sales leader underwent substantial restyling two years ago, and there are just a few additional changes this year. One welcome new feature,
standard on both the Custom and the more expensive Limited models, is a passenger-side air bag.
The LeSabre is classified as a full-size sedan and shares the competitive arena with the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler
Concorde and Dodge Intrepid.
Both the LeSabre Custom and Limited are fron-twheel drive, four-door sedans with 3.8-liter V6 engines that produce 170 hp at 4,800 rpm and 225
pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm. Independent front and rear suspension and anti-lock power front disc and rear drum brakes are standard.
Our test vehicle was the LeSabre Limited, finished in an attractive Light Blue Metallic. Standard equipment included electronically controlled
four-speed automatic transmission, dual air bags, air conditioning, a power antenna, cruise control, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM stereo
with a cassette player and four speakers, and, among other standard safety features, security locks to prevent kids from opening doors.
Our test car was equipped with an option package that included leather seats, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a CD player, six-way power passenger seat
and the Gran Touring suspension. Last but certainly not least, our LeSabre had a dual automatic climate control system that made it possible to
customize temperatures for both the driver and front passengers feature that may have strong appeal for twosomes who fail to agree on a common
temperature.
The total price of our vehicle, including options and destination charges, was $27,146.
The LeSabre does not indulge in dramatic styling statements; on the contrary, styling is very straightforward. There is a hint of the old
Jaguar in the hood and grill presentation, but that is a design to which we are all accustomed by now. More LeSabre-like is the protective chrome and hard-rubber beltline that encircles the automobile. On the sides, it provides a more than adequate shield against other doors in a parking lot. In the front and rear, it is substantial enough to form the fascia of the bumpers.
Because of its clean, unencumbered design, There is not much doubt that this car is aerodynamically sound. The large door handles do stick out, but that is what we've come to expect from a Buick. On most cars, handles are recessed and hidden in the door. On the LeSabre, they stick right out, as if to announce there will be no nonsense involved in getting into this car.
The trunk offers a substantial 17.1 cubic feet of space with easy access at bumper level, and it's deep enough so that luggage can stand upright. A trunk net is a nice option to keep cargo from being tossed around. The trunk's interior was finished with a molded felt-like material that we wished was more substantial.
Large, attractive reverse lights and taillights span the rear of the car, split in the middle for the license plate holder.
One nice feature that has come to be expected on upscale full-size sedans such as the LeSabre is the electronic remote that allows owners to unlock the car doors, open the trunk or turn on the interior lights from approximately 30 feet away.
