1996 Buick LeSabre Review
Price Estimate: $1,035 - $1,567
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
The Series II engine becomes standard on LeSabre. Order the Gran Touring suspension, and get the same magnetic variable effort steering found on the Park Avenue Ultra. Now standard on the Custom is an electric rear window defogger and storage armrest. Limited trim levels get Twilight Sentinel, dual automatic ComforTemp climate controls and a rear-seat center armrest.
For sale near Salt Lake City, UT
Vehicle overview
The Le Sabre is the most popular full-size car sold in America today, and has been for three years running. It isn't hard to understand why. The award-winning Le Sabre has a reputation for trouble-free, comfortable motoring with accommodations for six-passengers, front-wheel drive and a torquey V6 engine pulling the whole package around town.
Le Sabre 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.
For 1996, Buick has bestowed a host of changes upon its popular sedan. A more powerful standard engine debuts this year. The Series II 3.8-liter V6 gives the Le Sabre newfound vitality. A new Personal Choice remote system allows two drivers to program lighting and locking to their individual preferences. Three new colors are available, and new standard equipment includes a rear window defogger and front storage armrest on Custom models. Dual automatic front and rear ComforTemp is standard on the 1996 Limited, as is Twilight Sentinel.
Custom buyers can now order traction control, Twilight Sentinel, and full analog gauges. New lighting makes entry and exit easier, and features theater dimming. Five-year/100,000 mile coolant is standard, as are long life spark plugs. Antilock braking has been improved for better pedal feel.
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.
Priced in the 20's, Le Sabre competes with such cars as the Buick Roadmaster, Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, all of which offer V8 power, larger interiors and rear-wheel drive. We like the Gran Touring model of the Le Sabre, but sporting drivers may prefer the Pontiac Bonneville or Nissan Maxima.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Utah
$194/mo for LeSabre Limited
LeSabre Limited
vs
$200/mo
Avg. Large Car
Buick LeSabre Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Reliable Comfortable Ride
4.38 out of 5 starscrowbarcharlie, 03/30/2013
1995 Buick LeSabre Limited 4dr Sedan
I acquired the '95 limited last year from my dad and at first I was skeptical about driving a 17 year old car with 125,000 miles. At 138,000 miles last week the brake lines, front wheel brake pads and rotors, and a stabilizer bar were replaced. In its lifetime there haven't been any big money issues. A water pump, spark plug wires/ plugs, and passenger climate control have been fixed. … The fuel economy is decent. I have gotten 28+mpg on interstate trips with a fully packed car. I get ~16mpg with city only driving. It has been a reliable car for me.
244000miles and still going
4.5 out of 5 starsBob, 02/28/2009
1995 Buick LeSabre Custom 4dr Sedan
After owning this car for 5 yrs. the only thing costly was the fuel pump ($400) inc. labor. The amazing thing is all of the factory exhaust is still in excellent condition,I had the trans fluid changed evey 40,000 mi and never had a problem with it. January cold weather in Mass. can take its' toll and that is when the rear brake line went out after a panic stop from a fool not paying … attention with his snowblower went out into the road, but the safety system worked impeccably, the car stopped far away from him. the car still uses no oil 1/2 qt. between changes. Hate to part with it,still no rush issues.but how much can you expect from a car with this situation? Am looking for a newer one.
Best damn car made today
4.88 out of 5 starsBobo, 06/22/2002
1995 Buick LeSabre Custom 4dr Sedan
This fine automobile has comfort, style
& class. It's quiet and smooth
shifting. And has the power when you
need it. Will ALWAYS buy Buick.
stu's buick
5 out of 5 starsstu, 04/08/2002
1995 Buick LeSabre Limited 4dr Sedan
Very dependable, No major repairs,Does
use some oil but has since it was
new,in 7.5 years only had to replace
tires once has 95000 miles on it.Finish
is as good as new.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Buick LeSabre, so we've included reviews for other years of the LeSabre since its last redesign.
1996 LeSabre Highlights
Limited
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger3 / 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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