autoevolution
 

Segment: Medium
Production years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

BUICK LeSabre 1999-2005 3 Photos
BUICK LeSabre (1999-2005)BUICK LeSabre (1999-2005)BUICK LeSabre (1999-2005)

Even though it was called “poor man's Cadillac”, the Buick LeSabre confirmed its premium level of comfort and smooth ride despite lacking some features from a luxury brand.

The LeSabre nameplate was introduced on a concept-car in 1951 and featured aircraft-inspired elements four years after the F-86 Sabre fighter jet was launched and scored major air-combat victories in the Korean war. But the first series-production LeSabre appeared in 1959 and it was a luxury vehicle. The eighth-generation was the best selling full-size car in the U.S. market until it was discontinued in 2005.

The 1999 LeSabre was based on the same platform as the Cadillac Seville. Its rounded shape with swept-back over front fenders headlights was specific to the brand. The oval-shaped grille and the curves on the beltline enlisted the car into the biodesign trend, which was about to end.

Inside, a front bench with a center armrest was available as an alternative for a two-seat configuration. The leather upholstery was on the options list, but cloth seats were fitted as standard. A flat and vertical dash-panel was in front of the driver, with a clear instrument cluster illuminated in green colors. Due to its big wheelbase, LeSabre offered good comfort for two passengers in the rear. Interestingly though, there were two three-point seatbelts in the back and a lap belt for the middle passenger.

The LeSabre was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine. It was the only option and it only came in one power output. It was mated as standard to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

BUICK LeSabre 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
  1 gasoline engine
  • 3.8L V6 4AT (208 HP)

BUICK LeSabre
3.8L V6 4AT (208 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.8L V6 4AT (208 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:3791 cm3
Power:153 KW @ 5200 RPM
208 HP @ 5200 RPM
205 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:230 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
312 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Electronic Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:124.3 mph (200 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:215/70 R 15
DIMENSIONS
Length:200 in (5080 mm)
Width:73.5 in (1867 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:62.3/62.3 in (1,582/1,582 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.4 in (137 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.9 cuFT (507 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3574 lbs (1621 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
Highway:32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km)
Combined:24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:233 g/km
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