Segment: Medium
Production years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 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.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.8L V6 4AT (208 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 124.3 mph (200 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/70 R 15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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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 | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3574 lbs (1621 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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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 |