Target Audience:
Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and reliable transportation, often families or those prioritizing comfort and value.
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler Concorde/LHS, Dodge Intrepid.
Primary Selling Points:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, quiet cabin, strong V6 engine, reasonable price point, established dealer network.
Notable Features 2003:
Revised styling cues, improved suspension tuning, enhanced sound insulation, available OnStar system.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, maintenance, fluid specifications, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, wipers, horn, power accessories, instrument cluster.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), power windows, power locks, mirrors, seating adjustment, keyless entry, infotainment system.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), anti-theft system, door locks, lighting operation.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, shifter operation, cruise control, parking brake.
Basic Maintenance:
Oil change, tire pressure checks, fluid level checks, wiper blade replacement, air filter replacement.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Information on routine inspections and replacements based on mileage or time intervals.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on understanding dashboard warning lights and simple operational issues.
Operation Guidance:
Detailed instructions on how to operate all vehicle features and systems.
Safety Information:
Proper use of safety restraints, airbag system explanations, child safety seat installation guidance.
Diagnostics:
Limited to driver-level diagnostics via warning lights and system indicators. Does not include OBD-II code interpretation or repair procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Not covered. This is an owner's manual focused on operation and basic maintenance.
Specifications:
Provides essential specifications like fluid capacities, tire sizes, and lubricant types.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF document.
Printability:
Printable, allowing users to generate physical copies of sections or the entire manual.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of original factory manual content, quality dependent on source scan.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download).
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital download).
Engine Code:
3800 Series II L36
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800 cc) V6, naturally aspirated
Bore X Stroke In:
3.80 x 3.40
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves (2 per cylinder)
Horsepower Hp:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Central Port Injection (SCPI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (Regional variations may apply)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating:
Five-star (Good)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact Rating:
Five-star (Good)
NHTSA Side Driver Impact Rating:
Four-star (Acceptable)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact Rating:
Four-star (Acceptable)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not standard.
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags (often referred to as 'head curtain' or 'side torso' airbags depending on deployment).
Seat Belts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear three-point seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seating positions.
Anti Theft:
Standard PASS-Key III theft-deterrent system.
Audio System:
Base AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Optional premium Bose sound system, steering wheel audio controls.
Display:
Central dashboard display for radio, climate, and clock. Driver information center in instrument cluster.
Navigation:
Not available.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Not available.
Headlights:
Automatic headlamp control system (optional on some trims), halogen headlamps.
Onstar:
Available OnStar telematics system (subscription-based service).
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil). Check manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect/replace as needed, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Dex-Cool coolant).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Refer to manual. Often around 100,000 miles for 'lifetime' fluid, but periodic checks and changes are recommended by many technicians.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting GM specification GM6094M)
Engine Oil Capacity Qt:
4.5 (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
GM Gen II Extended Life Coolant (Dex-Cool), Orange
Coolant Capacity Qt:
13.2 (with reservoir)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent Dexron VI)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Qt:
4.5 (dry fill), 9.5 (total)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/VI)
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 V6), power steering pump leaks, window regulator failures, dashboard cluster failure (pixelation), alternator failure, exhaust manifold gasket leaks, coolant leaks from upper intake manifold gasket.
Potential Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, wheel bearings, front struts/shocks due to vehicle weight and comfort-oriented suspension.
Oil Filter Example:
AC-Delco PF2 or similar (e.g., Fram PH3506, Mobil 1 M1-102)
Air Filter Example:
AC-Delco A3168C or similar (e.g., Fram CA8374)
Cabin Air Filter Example:
AC-Delco CF171 or similar (e.g., Fram CF8767A)
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, quiet, and refined American sedans, often positioned as a premium domestic marque.
Lasabre Lineage:
The LaSabre nameplate has a long history with Buick, dating back to the 1950s, evolving through various segments. The 2000-2005 generation, based on the GM H-body platform, was one of the last large, front-wheel-drive sedans from a domestic manufacturer before the market shifted.
H Body Platform:
Shared with Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Grand Prix, this platform emphasized a comfortable ride and spaciousness.
Production Years:
2000-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
Sales Performance:
The LaSabre was a strong seller for Buick during its run, consistently ranking among the top large sedans in sales.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated as average to above average for predicted reliability in its class for its era, with specific commendations for ride comfort and powertrain.
Jd Power Ratings:
Typically received average to above-average ratings in J.D. Power studies for initial quality and dependability within the large sedan segment.
Fuel Economy Mpg Est:
City: 17-19 MPG, Highway: 25-28 MPG (EPA estimates, may vary).
Epa Fuel Economy Rating:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified.