1998 BUICK LeSabre

Excellent from an economic perspective.

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

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.

I adored the buick boat

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

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...

Most comfortable car in the world.....at a price

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 2

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.

A great car for the money

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this car from a BMW dealer who had taken it as a trade in for a new BMW from a older lady. When I purchased it, it only had 27,000 miles. It now has just under 90,000 miles and has never had a major problem. It gets fantastic mileage. On one road trop to Branson I average nearly 34 miles to the gallon. It uses regular unleaded and yet has great performance. It has sleek styling, great comfort, and the luxuary touches you would expect from a much more expensive make. I would recomend this car to anyone seeking a reliable car, at an affordable price, with good performance and great gas mileage. I would definitely buy another Le Sabre. No wonder they hold their value so well.

1998 Buick LeSabre Custom Review

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Bought car new in June, 1998. The first major problem was the intake manifold at 96K. $1700 later, I was back on the road. Great highway ride and very stingy with gas avg 24-25 mpg. Trans gave way at 212K had it replaced for $1400. Then I decided to have the rusted out d/s rocker replaced for $300. P/S rocker has only a little rust. Had several other issues obviously, but nothing over $700. Thankfully, I have an honest mechanic who performs service only when needed. Engine still running great at 226K with mostly highway miles. Security light came on..not worth it to fix. Left turn signal indicator needs to be manually turned off. Minor problem. Change own oil at 3-4K. Drive it easy.

Another GM Mistake

Performance: 5 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

Has 2 piece plastic intake manifold, which cracked at 138,000 ( I later learned they all do after 125,000 miles) leaked coolant into engine spinning main bearing. No trunk lamp, know who wants a vehicle without a trunk? DUH Tensioner pulley disintegrated at 80,000 miles, more plastic crap. Seats are made of cheap soft foam you sink into the seat. Drivers window regulator failed at 78,000 miles cheap electronics. Battery failed at 60,000 miles 7 years old. Cheap center cup holder. Brake lines burst at 125,000 miles from corrosion, they were not properly coated with protection material and placement at left front of engine compartment exposed them to elements

Old school road trip king

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

30 plus MPG at 70 MPH on x-press way and quiet as a library...floats a little but smooth ride...handles better at lower speeds but just a great cruiser at 65 plus. * way power seats and tilt wheel in your lap for the best 1 finger road tripper to date.

Can Buicks come back

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

Buicks seem to be a great handling car. I've owned the 93 Buick Lesabre with leather seats.. had plastic intake problem and tranny giving up around 180k. Hub lock key a headache. 98 Buick Lesabre nice ride but motor went around 85k with head gasket gone. Replaced motor now 40k. Dashboard sensor engine lights on Buicks seem to be problem. My mom has same problem with 96 Skylark. They ride great. Hard to believe GM can't stand up with the Asian cars.Have had bad luck with GMC Truck auto transmissions as well. American automakers becoming kings of junk.

problem after problem

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Dealership told me whole engine was blown replaced re built engine for 2,000 dollars. tire rods, brakes, sway bar links and now as of today at 133,00 miles my positioner shaftsensor is out still dont know cost..adding on to that bushings and bearings and possible engiine mount due to transmission..i love this car with all my heart but put in as much money as the same price i actually paid for it..unless u know about cars i would not recommend this car to anybody unless u are willing to put that much time and money into this car

OK car, but don't pay much for it

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

This is maybe a good car if you live in a warm climate. Up here in the north, it has some serious flaws. The Lesabre is poorly designed for corrosion resistance. The left and right rocker panels have rusted completely through. The body shop manager said this happens on every Lesabre he sees. He attributes it to poor body design. The tires throw slush and salt into the rocker panels. The salt water can't drain easily, so it stays and causes rust. The inner wheel wells have the same problem. The front anti-sway bar often breaks in this model. Salt water accumulates at several points, causing it to weaken from rust. Mine was broken on both sides! The A/C compressor doesn't last long.

Not the best looking, but great to own

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I recently was going through tough economic times and sold my 04 EB Expedition and bought a 98 Lesabre Custom with 83K. I am an auto technician so I performed all of the basic maintance(drive belt, run Mobil One, transmission filter and fluid to Amsoil, belt tensioner, tune-up, etc). The previous owner replaced the upper intake, brakes, struts & A/C compressor. The car has saved me a great deal of money from lack of monthly payments and getting great gas mileage. A drive to Grandma's(approx 235 miles) and the fuel mileage was 28-29 mpg. Mixed driving I get about 22-24 mpg which beats 11-12 mpg for the Expedition.

i cannot complain

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

i bought this car 3 yeas and 8 months ago. it was used and had a little over 100,000 miles on it. i presently have over 153,000 miles on it. since i have owned it, i had replaced the brake shoes, air filter a few times, tires, have yet to tune it up but it is getting to the point where it could benefit from new plugs. it still gets decent gas mileage, when i first got it, i got 29-30 mpg, now probably about 28mpg on hwy. i am looking for another one and keep this one as a spare car. i hope my next lesabre is as reliable as this one has been.

Member of the $1,000 Club!

Performance: 1 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

The WORST car I have ever owned, even beating my first vehicle, the 1980 Chevy Silverado Big 10! Bought 2004 Repear costs $1,000.00 average break down every 6 months other than normal maintenance repairs! Replaced:Senors- Fuel Cap/Engine,Alternator,Serpentine Belts(4),Brake Light bulbs(5),Water Pump and Belt Pulleys/Assembly,plenumn failed, now at 114k cruise contrl will not work, AC/Blower is not blowing out the vents, paint and plastic on steering wheel is flaking off(chrome as well)I have not mentioned normal ownership costs and maintenance, and lastly the worst A V6 GETTING 19 MPG both hwy and in city! My V6 thinks it is a V8! I have had my last BUICK!!!!!!!

Luv my buick

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is probably one of the best cars I have ever owned and my first Buick (1998). Had 57K miles when purchased (2005), currently has 135K miles. Has not been completely problem free but any problems have been minor. I do love this car and will purchase another soon.

I loved my buick

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car from my father inlaw for 3000 with only 68,000 miles on it. Car was the best i've ever had. I've never had to put any work into it, and it still got me home (150 miles) after hitting a deer at 75 mph. The car engine finally gave out at 198,000 miles. Much sadness.

Toying with the Past

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I was really scepitical about this car because of age and size. I really am fond of foreign whips as far as cars go. I am a domestic truck girl though! I was really super surprised with the fuel economy of this full-sized sedan. It gets nearly 30 mpg on the highway and 23-25 mpg in the city. This car has been rated the safest car in history and I see why; it holds the road very well and its sleek exterior design looks and feels safe.

Hoping for a new home

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

My wife inherited this car from her Father's estate and absolutely loves the thing. We have had the common intake maniford issue which cost several hunderd dollars to repair. I am waiting for a reprise of this problem because the replacement is also plastic. I find the ride to be the equivalent of steering a whale. Our Honda is far superior in all respects. I cannot believe the mileage I see in other reviews. We have been lucky to get 19-20 miles per gallon -- even on flat highways. I would trade this thing in a minute, but in interest of domestic tranquility that is not likely to happen.

The best for the money

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is a problem-free car. In the past 8 years all I've done is replace two tires, and the typical brake and oil change stuff. I get 26-28 mpg hwy, overall about 23.5. Plus, this is a gutsy car. We cruise about 70mph and have plenty left for passing. The 3.8 engine is one of the best engines ever designed. The features on the Ltd. are outstanding; auto-dimming mirrors, suto headlight, outside temp, keyless entry, and many other features. I can't imagine a time when I will get rid of this ten year old car.

Pile of GM Junk

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

There was a year we had to fix it every month. Water pump, fuel pump, oil pump, starter. Pieces fell off. Once we drove over something that fell off and we blew a tire and damaged the oil pan. Back end made a creaking noise, dealer couldn't figure out why. Once in a while wouldn't start, dealer couldn't figure out why. Rear windows wouldn't roll down unless I sprayed with WD-40. Seat, radio, cigarette lighter broke. Inside fell off passenger door. Interior surfaces peeled off. Recalled twice. Battery bracket broke, battery fell down and cracked, nearly new battery had to be replaced. Engine blew at 99,000 miles. What a pile of crap. Don't walk, RUN from this piece of GM junk.

OK Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

This vehicle has bullet proof GM 3800 engine. But the accessory drive components are so so. After I fixed all problems, this vehicle runs great. I am expecting no major repair untill it reachs 200,000 miles (at least engine and transmission)

what a nightmare

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Ran fine for a year. Six months ago the plenium cracked and broke, head damage, $1,000 to fix. A month ago, explosion, crunch and a piston connecting rod was shattered (it's about an inch thick of solid steel - imagine the force of that explosion!,) pieces through the engine-$1200 estimated to fix. My husband decided to tackle it - car was entirely apart when we got the recall from Buick that fuel adjustment guage was defective. We found fuel in the vacuum lines & that little part caused this. Since car is apart & we bought $500 in parts to fix, don't want to tow it to Buick. RUN SCREAMING from this vehicle.

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Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

I (sort of) have 'egg on my face' for telling everybody, for the past ten or so years, that the LeSabre was probably the best car on the road. Well, the transmission is about to 'blow'.

First and Last Buick for Me

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

The driver seat does not fit a tall body. Back support is too low, and the seat inhibits circulation. Despite meticulous maintenance this car has stranded me three times, on highways where it is 45-75 miles between towns. Transmission failed at 60,000 mi. ($2,000 repair). Manifold failed at 125,000 ($1000). Power steering bearing froze at 144,000, throwing the belt and leaving me stranded 45 miles out, on a Sunday, in winter. After five hours a super-honest country mechanic came,charging only $136 for the tow, the repair, and an oil change! Never drive without a cell phone if you own a Buick.

reliable US full size car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 2

the advantages are: cheaper than Japanese ones (avalon), very comfortable to ride, clean interior design and very fuel efficient GM engine: 3800. But the overall vehicle reliability is so so. I experienced lots of troubles from 53000 to 86000 miles range (ABS, trans solonoid valve, engine gasket, ignition wires and coils, AC blower resitor, etc.)

Great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Well Buick is great value and well a planed car. 3800 motor is strong and great mileage and the ride is great,and a lot of room and a big trunk.

Le Sabre

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My car had a dino ride. Ride smooths Drive smooth and was in perfect condition. Interior and exterior was in a1 shape.

Great Road Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After a recent 1,500 mile trip in two days, I can honestly say my husband and I were very comfortable the entire trip. Noticed another review for this model regarding losing coolant. Caveat, my son (an auto tech by trade) installed a new upper manifold in ours, specifically to PREVENT a future inherent problem with the coolant leaking into the engine. Buick corrected this problem in 1999 by installing both upper and lower manifolds. Like the car a lot!

great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

this car is a great car , i hope all of you buy it

Minor Problems overall OK

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Upon purchasing this vehicle at 81k I had to replace tensioner pulley. Now suspension is squeaking and car is loosing major amounts of coolant into engine (not external!)and this has caused it to knock. Not to mention paint peeling off center cap of wheels, and tail light bulbs falling out of socket. However, to be fair the car gets wonderful mileage and the room is very nice. Great acceleration.

Love that car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This 1998 Buick leSabre is the best car I've ever had. I've driven many brands and models , including Chrysler, Ford and GMC products over 60 years. I drove my first Buick in 1949. This has been the best.

'98 Lesabre Custom

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We have been very pleased with this car. After driving a Taurus for years, it's a very pleasant change. The vehicle rides SMOOTH, has good pickup, and is extremely comfortable. It corners like a large car.

Bad Supension!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I traded my Gran Prix in for a 98 Buick with 44,000 miles and the Buick is ok but it has some wind noise around the windows and on the interstate the front end bounces and it seems to want to leave the lanes, have to drive with both hands. It has ok power until around 80 miles per hour but then it lacks power. It seems to take the starter too long to kick the motor over. The seats are really hard and the back part of the front seats don"t seem high enough. I just don"t think it would be worth the price for a new one. Wishing I had my Gran Prix back!!!

Comfort Not performance

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The 98 Buick is a smooth riding, dependable car. The only bad thing is that it has a tendency to waddle on turns and when changing lanes.

Good Car But Watch Out for Unexpected $$

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

With less than 80K miles, I have a $1,284 repair bill because of an admitted design flaw (admitted by dealer's mechanic not GM). Per the dealer's mechanic, the plenumn on this car leaks allowing coolant and water to get into the engine affecting the function of the pistons which untimately causes the engine to lock. After the engine locks and you attempt to crank the car the starter will blow out. The dealer's mechanic said they had repaired at least 10 cars with similar problems resulting from this design flaw during the last year. GM has not issued a recall to correct this problem. I was told that this problem started with 1996 models.

1997 Buick Lesabre limited

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Fun to drive, great fuel economy, great climatic controls both air conditioning and heating. nice appearance, smallest looks, replace front struts at 80,000, has wind noise around front winds sometimes bad in a cross wind