Target Audience:
Buyers seeking comfortable, spacious, and reliable American luxury sedans.
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Caprice, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
Comfort And Ride:
Known for its exceptionally comfortable and quiet ride, characteristic of Buick's luxury focus.
Interior Space:
Spacious interior offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers.
Engine Power:
V6 engine providing adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission operation (automatic), driveline components
Chassis Systems:
Braking system (including ABS), steering system, suspension system
Electrical Systems:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, basic troubleshooting
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation and basic maintenance
Interior Features:
Seating adjustments, door locks, windows, audio system, seat belts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, fluid checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), tire pressure checks
Do It Yourself Tasks:
Wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, fluid top-offs, basic cleaning
Safety Considerations:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint installation, safe driving practices
Towing Information:
Towing capacity, trailer wiring recommendations, weight distribution guidelines
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Basic troubleshooting guides for common warning lights and symptoms
Repair Scope:
Focuses on owner-level maintenance and operation, not advanced mechanical repairs.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Text Searchability:
Likely to be text-searchable if scanned with OCR technology
Digital Reproducibility:
High-quality digital reproduction, printable on standard printers
Binding Of Original:
Stapled or perfect bound (for the physical original)
Original Paper Type:
Standard paper stock, typically coated for durability
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800) Series I V6
Displacement:
3791 cc (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower Rating:
170 hp @ 4400 rpm (approximate)
Torque Rating:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Acceleration 0 60:
Approximately 9-10 seconds (depending on trim and conditions)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Central Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-Near-Plug technology
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic overdrive
Transmission Model:
GM 4T60-E
Optional Transmissions:
None offered for 1996 LeSabre
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable Normal/Performance (M40 Sport Package option may exist)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (dry fill)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front: Three-point automatic shoulder belts; Rear: Lap and shoulder belts
Child Safety:
Rear door child security locks, LATCH system not standard in 1996
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player, optional CD player
Display Technology:
Analog gauges and analog/digital climate controls
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry system
Cellular Integration:
Not applicable for this model year
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (recommended for original platinum/iridium plugs, consult manual for specific type)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or SH service classification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, green color (GM Goodwrench Super Coolant or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron-III ATF or specific GM power steering fluid
Common Troubles Engine:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on Series I 3800), possible O2 sensor issues
Common Troubles Transmission:
Torque converter shudder, transmission fluid leaks
Common Troubles Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mount issues
Common Troubles Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, alternator failures
Brand Focus:
Buick has historically focused on comfort, quietness, and a premium driving experience for American consumers.
Generation:
Third Generation (1990-1996)
Platform:
GM H-body platform, shared with Oldsmobile Ninety Eight and Cadillac Deville.
Design Philosophy:
Carried forward the tradition of spacious, front-wheel-drive sedans with emphasis on smooth ride and isolation.
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years For Model:
1976-2005 (various generations)
Platform Awards:
The 3800 V6 engine was frequently on Ward's 10 Best Engines list in preceding and following years, indicative of its robustness and refinement.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Generally good consumer satisfaction for its intended purpose of comfortable transportation.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets all applicable federal and California emissions standards for 1996.
