🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

LeSabre

Year:

2001

Trim Levels Covered:

Custom, Limited (Note: Specific trim details may vary based on manual content.)

Vin Prefix:

1G (General Motors North America)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Sedan (often referred to as 'large' or 'premium' sedan within its segment)

Target Demographic:

Families, older drivers, those seeking comfortable and spacious transportation.

Key Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid

Platform:

GM H-body platform

Design Philosophy:

Comfort-oriented, quiet ride, spacious interior, durable powertrain.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Reliable V6 engine known for longevity and smooth operation.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Geographic Coverage:

Primarily North America (USA, Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 250-300 pages (Typical for this model year and vehicle type)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Digital Format:

PDF Download

Digital Compatibility:

Windows, macOS, Linux compatible

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3.8L V6), Transmission (4-speed Automatic)

Chassis:

Brakes (ABS), Suspension, Steering

Electrical:

Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System, Battery

Body And Interior:

Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control, Airbags

Operation:

Starting, Driving, Parking, Fueling, Locking/Unlocking

Maintenance:

Fluid checks, Tire pressure, Wiper blade replacement, Bulb replacement

Troubleshooting:

Warning lights, Minor operational issues

Safety:

Seat belt usage, Airbag system explanation, Child seat installation, Towing considerations

Do It Yourself:

Basic checks and fluid top-offs, likely wiper and bulb replacement

Diagnostic Level:

Basic owner-level troubleshooting; does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures.

Repair Scope:

Focuses on operation and basic maintenance, not comprehensive repair or overhaul.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing.

Physical Equivalent:

Stapled or perfect bound (typical for OEM manuals)

Physical Equivalent:

Standard paper (not glossy or heavy cardstock)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L36 (3.8L Series I V6)

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)

Configuration:

V6 (90-degree)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Induction:

Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change

Recommended Viscosity:

SAE 3.8W-30

Oil Filter Part Number:

AC-Delco PF1218 (Example, always verify for specific build)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)

Type:

Not applicable for this model year LeSabre.

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 12.1 US Quarts (11.4 Liters) total fill, 5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters) drain and fill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

203.7 inches (5174 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches (2850 mm)

Passenger Volume:

106.0 cubic feet (2.99 cubic meters)

Trunk Volume:

16.7 cubic feet (0.47 cubic meters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg) depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4700-4800 lbs (2132-2177 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5 Stars (for 2001 model year, based on available data)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5 Stars (for 2001 model year, based on available data)

IIHS Front Small Overlap:

Not rated (Vehicle predates widespread use of this specific test)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional (often bundled with higher trims or specific packages)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger. Optional side-impact airbags available on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. Lap belts for rear center, three-point for rear outboards.

Child Safety:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Premium sound systems may have offered more speakers.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard. Optional 'Comfort-Grip' automatic climate control system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors ('Park Assist') may have been available.

Telematics:

OnStar telematics system availability depends on specific vehicle options and subscription status (though likely phased in and not standard).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. 3,000 miles (5,000 km) for conventional oil or severe driving conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or with oil changes.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or as indicated by fluid condition/driving habits.

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron compatible)

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of Dex-Cool (orange) or equivalent orange long-life antifreeze and distilled water.

Head Gaskets:

While the Series I 3800 V6 is generally reliable, early models of this engine can be prone to intake manifold gasket failures, leading to coolant leaks. The 2001 models are less susceptible than earlier versions.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators can be a common failure point in GM vehicles of this era.

Idler Pulley:

Serpentine belt idler pulleys can wear out, leading to noise.

Transmission Shifts:

The 4T65-E transmission can sometimes exhibit rough shifts if fluid is old or the valve body has issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, refined, and spacious American sedans, often targeting a more mature demographic.

Gens Of Lesabre:

The LeSabre nameplate existed for many decades, evolving from large, rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans to the front-wheel-drive platform used in 2001.

2001 Model Year Context:

The 2001 model year represents a refinement of the eighth generation LeSabre, which debuted in 1992 and was significantly updated in 1997.

Assembly Location:

Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA (Primary)

Production Years Eighth Gen:

1992-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Buick LeSabre (specifically the 3800 V6 engine) was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best list for its engine, but the LeSabre model itself was not always explicitly named, but rather praised for its powertrain integration.

Jd Power Ratings:

Customer satisfaction and initial quality ratings from J.D. Power varied by year, but the LeSabre generally performed well within its segment for comfort and reliability, particularly for its powertrain.