Buick LeSabre
| Buick LeSabre | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1959–2005 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 2-door convertible (1959-1972, 1974-1975) 2-door sedan(1959-1963) 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop(1959-1976) 2-door hardtop(1959-1976) 2-door coupe(1977-1991) 4-door station wagon(1959-1964), (1970-1990) |
| Platform | FR B-body (1962-1985) FF H-body (1986-1999) FF G-body (2000-2005) |
| Related | Chevrolet Caprice Oldsmobile 88 Oldsmobile Aurora Buick Park Avenue Pontiac Bonneville |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Buick Special |
| Successor | Buick Lucerne |
The Buick LeSabre was a full-size car made by the Buick division of General Motors from 1959-2005. For many years, the LeSabre was considered the entry level full-size Buick, carrying the lowest base price in the Buick lineup. Prior to 1959, that position had been held by the full-size Buick Special model; in 1959 the LeSabre replaced the Special, a nameplate that was reintroduced in 1961 for Buick's line of compact cars.
History
The LeSabre nameplate made its first appearance on a Motorama show car in 1951 and on a production car in 1959 as the new moniker for what had previously been known as the Buick Special. The Buick LeSabre was offered in a full line of body styles except between 1965-1969 when its station wagon variant was dropped from Buick's full-size offerings. In 1977, the LeSabre was downsized along with other GM full-size models, and was available only in pillared coupe, sedan and wagon body styles.
In addition to being Buick's entry level vehicle, the LeSabre was consistently Buick's best selling full-size car. Of the four nameplates introduced in 1959 (LeSabre, Invicta, Electra, Electra 225), the LeSabre nameplate lasted the longest.
From 1959 to 1961, the LeSabre was powered by a 364 cubic-inch V8, which was smaller than the 401 cubic-inch V8 used in the more expensive Invicta and Electra models. The 364, which was previously used in all Buicks in 1957 and 1958, was rated at 250 horsepower in standard form with an "economy" 235 horsepower version offered as a "no cost" option in 1960-61 and an optional power-pack version with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts that was rated at 300 horsepower. For 1962-63, the LeSabre came standard with a two-barrel carbureted version of the 401 V8 rated at 280 horsepower, or a no-cost "economy" low-compression version rated at 260 horsepower. Starting in 1964, all LeSabre models except the Estate Wagon shared their drivetrains with the mid size Buick models by switching to those models' smaller-displacement V8s.
For most years from 1959 to 1971, a three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment on all LeSabres but rarely ordered. Far more popular was the two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission along with power steering and power brakes. For 1961 and 1962, the automatic transmission was standard on the LeSabre and all other full-sized Buicks but in 1963 was moved back to the option list on LeSabres. For 1964, the Dynaflow-based Turbine Drive was replaced by two new automatic transmissions, the two-speed Super Turbine 300 and the three-speed Super Turbine 400. A four-speed manual transmission was offered as a LeSabre option from 1963 to 1965 but only a small number of cars were so equipped.
1965
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1965-1970 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop |
| Platform | B-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 300 in³ Buick V8 340 in³ Buick V8 350 in³ Buick V8 455 in³ Buick V8 |
| Transmission | 2-speed ST-300 automatic 3-speed ST-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350 automatic |
Starting in 1965, the LeSabre was available in two trim levels, the base model and the LeSabre Custom, which featured a more luxurious interior trim. The Estate Wagon model was dropped from the full-sized Buick line for a few years in favor of the stretched intermediate Special-based Buick Sport Wagon which featured a raised rear roof and glass skylight over the back seat similar to the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
Offered from 1965 to 1969 was the LeSabre "400" package which included the Super Turbine "400" 3 speed automatic transmission teamed with a four-barrel high-compression version of the LeSabre's smaller V8 engine which displaced 300 cubic inches for 1964-65, 340 cubic inches for 1966-67 and 350 cubic inches from 1968 onward. During each of those years, the standard two-barrel low compression LeSabre V8 was only available with the Super Turbine 300 two-speed automatic transmission, requiring the Buick buyer preferring the three-speed automatic to order the LeSabre "400" package or the higher-priced Buick Wildcat (which replaced the Invicta in 1963) or Buick Electra models, which were powered by larger-displacement V8 engines.
Buick's practice was similar to that of Chevrolet, which at that time only offered the two-speed Powerglide automatic with most of its engine offerings in full-sized cars, while requiring buyers who preferred the similar three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic (basically the same transmission under a different name) to order one of the larger V8 engines. Both Pontiac and Oldsmobile offered the Turbo Hydra-Matic on all of their full-sized cars with any engine offering, and three-speed automatics were also the norm on big cars from GM's medium-priced competitors such as Chrysler Newport and Mercury Monterey, which offered the TorqueFlite and Cruise-O-Matic transmissions, respectively.
In 1970, the "LeSabre 400" package was dropped as the 3 speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 transmission replaced the two-speed automatic on cars equipped with the 350 cubic-inch V8. The new LeSabre Custom 455 replaced the base Wildcat model from the previous year and it shared its model number with the Wildcat, along with the larger Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 transmission (formerly known as the Super Turbine 400).
1971
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1971-1977 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon |
| Platform | B-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 231 in³ Buick V6 350 in³ Buick V8 455 in³ Buick V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
For 1971, the LeSabre and other full-sized Buicks were completely restyled. The same assortment of 350 and 455 cubic-inch V8s were carried over but featured lowered compression ratios and other modifications in order to enable the use of lower-octane low-lead or unleaded gasoline as a result of a General Motors corporate mandate. At mid-year, the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, variable-ratio power steering and power front disc brakes became standard on all LeSabre models and would remain so equipped in base form for the next 35 years until the marquee's final year in 2005.
In 1973, the LeSabre convertible model was dropped leaving the short-lived Centurion as Buick's only ragtop that year.
In 1974, the LeSabre Luxus replaced the Centurion model and it was more luxurious than the previous LeSabre Custom. It was also available with a new "performance package" which included a 455 cubic inch engine, suspension upgrades and other equipment. The Stage1 performance package also became available on the LeSabre in 1974 and that year and the convertible returned to the LeSabre lineup after a one year absence.
The 1976 Buick LeSabre was the first American full size car with a standard V6 engine and it was also one of the largest cars to be powered by a V6 engine. In that year, the last for the 1971-vintage bodyshell that was succeeded by the downsized 1977 model, the V6 was only offered on the base-level LeSabre and not mentioned in initial 1976 Buick literature issued in September, 1975 due to the fact the V6 engine was a last-minute addition to the line. The 350 cubic-inch V8 was the base engine on the LeSabre Custom and the 455 cubic-inch V8 was optional. Both V8s were optional on the base LeSabre.
1977
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1977-1985 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Platform | B-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 231 in³ Buick V6 252 in³ Buick V6 301 in³ Pontiac V8 307 in³ Oldsmobile V8 350 in³ Buick V8 350 in³ Oldsmobile diesel V8 403 in³ Oldsmobile V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 4-speed THM200-4R automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in |
From 1978 to 1980, the LeSabre Sport Coupe had a turbocharged 231 cubic-inch V6 with a 4 barrel carburetor in standard equipment. Other LeSabre models came with an assortment of other engines including a normally aspirated 231 cubic-inch V6, a Pontiac-built 301 cubic-inch V8, 350 cubic-inch V8s built by both Buick and Oldsmobile, and an Oldsmobile 403 cubic-inch V8.
In 1979, the LeSabre Custom model was replaced by the LeSabre Limited and optional Strato bucket seats with a center console became available on the turbocharged Sport Coupe model.
Buick's "portholes" which had been featured on all LeSabres since 1960 were gone in 1980. That year was also the last for Buick-built V8s as a result of GM's emerging corporate engine policy dictating types of engines built by various divisions for use throughout the corporate lineup. According to the plan, Buick would build V6 engines, Pontiac would manufacture four-cylinder powerplants, Chevrolet would build both V6 and V8 engines, and V8s for larger and higher-priced cars would be sourced from Oldsmobile and Cadillac. This meant that from 1981 onward, V8-powered Buicks would feature Olds engines, both gasoline and diesel.
The turbocharged LeSabre Sport Coupe was dropped from the line after 1980 along with the Turbo V6 engine due to slow sales. Engine offerings on all other LeSabres through 1985 included the 231 cubic-inch Buick V6 (standard on sedans and coupes), 307 cubic-inch Oldsmobile V8 (standard on wagons, optional on sedans and coupes) and the 350 cubic-inch Olds-built Diesel V8 (optional on all models). The three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission was standard equipment with the V6 and Diesel V8 but beginning in 1981, the Turbo Hydra-Matic 200 4-R four-speed automatic overdrive transmission was paired with the gasoline V8 engine for improved highway fuel economy.
1986
| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
| 1986 Buick LeSabre | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1986-1991 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | H-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L Buick V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T60 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in |
| Length | 196.5 in 197.2 in |
| Width | 72.4 in |
| Height | 55.4 in 53.8 in |
The 1986 LeSabre was introduced on the new front wheel drive H platform, after departing from rear wheel drive on the GM B platform. Joining the LeSabre on the H-body included the Oldsmobile Delta 88 and the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville, which returned to full-size after a short-lived run as a mid-size on the G platform. All Buick LeSabre models from 1986 until 2005 were powered by Buick's 3.8 liter (231 cubic-inch) V6 engine which started out with 165 horsepower and gradually increased to 205 horses in later years.
In 1986, there was a LeSabre Grand National model that was followed by the LeSabre T/Type offered in 1987-89. For 1990, the T/Type was dropped due to slow sales and Buick's re-emphasis within the GM hieracracy as a maker of "Premium American Motorcars" rather than sporty/performance models.
Beginning in 1989 and continuing for several years, the Buick LeSabre received accolades from J.D. Power and Associates as one of the highest rated automobiles as far as customer satisfaction was concerned based on factors such as quality and reliability.
1992
| Seventh generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1992-1999 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | H-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L Buick V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T60-E automatic 4-speed 4T65-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in |
| Length | 200 in (1992-95) 200.8 in (1996-99) |
| Width | 74.4 in (1996-99) 74.9 in (1992-99) |
| Height | 55.7 in 55.6 in 55.9 in |
In 1992, the LeSabre was redesigned along the same lines as the previous year's Park Avenue. The LeSabre was available only as a four-door sedan from this point forward until the car was discontinued in 2005. The headlights were streamlined with a separated amber turn signal strip wrapping around the lower front fascia. The rear fascia featured a wider trunk mouth and lower liftover height to ease loading baggage while the front was smoothed with simplified chrome molding and absent bumperettes. The LeSabre also featured GM's plastic body technologies, with high-stress plastic replacing traditional steel in the front fenders.
The LeSabre's only engine was the 3800 V6, which produced 170 hp (127 kW) in 1992. The 3513 lb (1593 kg) car got 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) on the highway, which was slightly better than the 1991 car. The car accelerated to 60 mph (97 km/h) in a respectable 8.9 seconds and could cover the quarter mile in 16.9 seconds at 80 mph (129 km/h). Top speed was 107 mph (172 km/h).
The LeSabre was offered in two trim levels. The Custom trim level was the base level. The Limited was the premium trim level featuring alloy wheels, front hood ornament, and fold down access panels in the rear seat to access the trunk. The car had an 18 gallon fuel tank, Anti-lock brakes, and a power radio antenna located in the rear passenger side quarter panel. Instrumentation included gas gauge, speedometer, and gear indicator. Optional instrumentation included a tachometer and temperature, oil pressure, and charging voltage gauges.
In 1996, the LeSabre received the 3800 Series II powerplant, with a gain of 35 hp due to a major re-engineering of the engine, from deck height and connecting rod length, to fuel injectors and intake manifold. The engine increased fuel economy ratings over its predecessor, 19 MPG city and 29 MPG highway EPA estimates. In 1999, Flint, Michigan's Buick City assembly plant, which built the LeSabre as well as the Pontiac Bonneville was shut down and LeSabre production moved to Hamtramck.
2000
| Eighth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2000-2005 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | H-body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L Buick V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Length | 200 in |
| Width | 73.5 in |
| Height | 57 in |
The 2000 LeSabre was introduced in 1999 as the Buick LeSabre 2000, still as an H-body. Following the end of the 2000 model year, the automobile reverted to the Buick LeSabre nameplate.
The LeSabre was manufactured at GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly factory in Hamtramck, Michigan on an updated revision of the H platform also shared with the Pontiac Bonneville. Among the significant changes made to the LeSabre over the previous generation was a grille that did not open with the hood, and smaller overall dimensions with slightly larger interior room.
2000 LeSabres carried over the previous Custom and Limited trim levels and in 2003 added a new Celebration Edition package in recognition of Buick's Centennial. The Celebration Edition featured all the standard equipment of the Limited with a choice pearlescent White Diamond or Crimson Pearl tricoat paint schemes, a blacked-out grille, 16" chrome wheels, and special badging. Other features optional or standard on the LeSabre included Stabilitrak, OnStar, EyeCue heads-up display, all-whether traction control, automatic load-leveling, side airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and RainSense automatic windshield wipers.
LeSabre carried the title of America's Best-Selling Full-size Car until its demise at the end of the 2005 model year. The car was replaced with the 2006 Buick Lucerne.
The last LeSabre rolled off the Lake Orion, Michigan assembly line on June 18, 2004 (retooling the plant to build the Pontiac G6) and the last Hamtramck, Michigan LeSabre rolled off the assembly line on July 22, 2005.
Power 205 hp Torque 230 lb./ft.
References
- Patrick Bedard. "Buick LeSabre". Car and Driver (March 1992): 128–129.