1998 Buick LeSabre Review
1998 Buick LeSabre Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V-6 engine, large back seat, huge trunk
Cons
- Poor ergonomics, unsupportive seats, fuddy duddy image
What’s new
Cruise control is standard on base models, OnStar Mobile Communications is a dealer-installed option, Limited models get a couple of electrochromic mirrors, and new colors are on tap inside and out. Second-generation airbags are made standard.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$195/mo for LeSabre Custom
LeSabre Custom
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
The LeSabre is the most popular full-size car sold to American consumers today, and has been for several years running. It isn't hard to understand why many buyers prefer this big front-driver. This award-winning Buick has a reputation for trouble-free motoring with accommodations for six passengers and a torquey V6 engine pulling the whole package around town.
LeSabre is available in Custom or Limited trim, and we recommend the Gran Touring Package, which includes very handsome alloy wheels, a more competent suspension, magnetic variable effort steering and automatic level control. Unfortunately, better seats aren't part of this option, and nothing short of a complete redesign can erase the nightmarish interior ergonomics.
Pathetically, two reminder chimes are standard. One tells the driver that the parking brake has been engaged for more than 50 feet. The other reminds the driver that the turn signal has been blinking for nearly a mile. These features are scary commentary on the abilities of the average driver in America.
Changes for the 1998 model year are few. Buyers can have the dealer install an OnStar Mobile Communications system, which is activated using a cellular phone in concert with a Global Positioning Satellite to get you help when you need it, and directions when you're lost. OnStar operators can even recommend a restaurant near you that features Indian cuisine, and get you reservations for dinner on a Friday night. Limited models get standard electrochromic mirrors inside and out. The rear view mirror features an integrated compass, and the left exterior mirror is also heated for icy climates. Four new colors debut (two blue and two green), while one new interior color is available. Custom models get standard cruise control.
LeSabre is good for transporting adults from point A to point B in reasonable comfort. That's about it. There is little to enjoy about this Buick, unless you thrill to the notion of jamming six bags of golf clubs into the trunk of your car. Priced in the upper 20's, LeSabre competes with such cars as the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, both of which offer V8 power, more comfortable accommodations, larger interiors and rear-wheel drive. We can handle the Gran Touring model of the LeSabre, but prefer the bigger rear-wheel drive Crown Vic or Grand Marquis.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Buick LeSabre.
5 star(42%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
38 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
First car I've owned that I Love
cluchs8, 04/12/2015
1998 Buick LeSabre Limited 4dr Sedan
I bought my car with 140k miles and fixed brake lines (400) and valve cover gasket (150)leaks. The serpentine belt has started to squeak, but it doesn't matter, because the factory stereo is incredible for a 98. I love the ride, It's supple yet competent, more so than I expected from a boat. The torque and passing power is actually pretty impressive for the HP output. It wafts from … 40-75 like it's nothing, and with cruise on at 60 i get 29 mpg. I get about 17-20 in the city,and it's awesome on snow w/ all seasons. I feel safer in it than i do my 2010 dodge ram. brakes don't really cut it, you have to pay attention, sudden stops aren't its favorite.I named mine Victor.Best grand i ever spent
4.13 out of 5 stars
Excellent from an economic perspective.
esasllc, 09/28/2012
1998 Buick LeSabre Custom 4dr Sedan
I bought this car in February of 09 with 83K for approx. $2,900. An older gentlemen owned it and it was garaged and well maintained. Prior to this I owned an 04 Ford Expedition EB edition that was costing $600.00/month. I got rid of the gas guzzling money pit and since I have owned the Lesabre, I have spent less than $800 in total in almost 4 years.
I'm amazed that when I drive 235 … miles to visit my mother, it gets around 27-28 mpg and about 21-22 around town, but best of all, no car payments, fits 3 baby seats and keeps plenty of money in my pocket. At 135K, it has some quirks, but nothing major.
3.88 out of 5 stars
I adored the buick boat
stimely1987, 04/10/2012
1998 Buick LeSabre Custom 4dr Sedan
Bought the car 5 years ago from a family member.. had 113,000 now has 156,000.. Absolutely a tough car.. in five years i've only replaced a few sensors nothing over 50 bucks. Had to replace brake lines twice due to one garage being shady.. Water pump which was an easy fix. Muffler but PA winters are horrible and the biggest fix was the security system locked up. but it only cost 150 … bucks.. Instead of paying 2 grand for GM to fix it, I had a good mechanic bypass the security system by cutting a few wires and regrounding them down with cheap resistors from Radio Shack.. No regrets having the buick I love it.. But she's getting old so it's time for a new one soon...
4.63 out of 5 stars
Most comfortable car in the world.....at a price
bigboatlover, 04/17/2011
1998 Buick LeSabre Limited 4dr Sedan
I bought the car with 218000kms, fully loaded and aside from some surface rust on the usual LeSabre spots(near rocker panels) the car was immaculate.
Now the car is at 236000km and the car has giving me the following grief: starter, left ball joint, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, and now a main seal oil leak at 236000kms! The car is worth the same at the repair job for the oil leak, … i'm sorry by in 18000kms I have shoveled way too much into this car, the car has given me too much trouble after being perfectly fine 9 months ago.
1998 LeSabre Highlights
Custom
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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