Segment:
Full-size Sedan, formerly a staple of Buick's lineup, known for comfort and quiet ride
Competitors 2005:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler 300
Distinguishing Traits:
Comfort-oriented ride, spacious interior, V6 engine power, quiet cabin, distinctive Buick styling
Vehicle Purpose:
Designed for comfortable daily commuting and long-distance travel, emphasizing a smooth and serene driving experience.
General Information:
Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, DIY Activities, Towing, Safety Considerations
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 250-300 (typical for this model year and coverage)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, fluid level checks, park assist system (if applicable)
Chassis:
Braking system operation, steering system, suspension system basics
Electrical:
Lighting systems, power accessories, instrumentation, warning lights, battery maintenance, fuse locations
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, audio system, power seats, power windows, door locks, security system, keyless entry
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, child restraint systems, ABS operation
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, windshield washer), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Diy Activities:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, replacing engine air filter (basic), replacing cabin air filter (basic)
Towing Information:
Towing recommendations, trailer wiring, weight limits, towing equipment installation guidance
Emergency Procedures:
Breakdown assistance, hazard warning operation, safe vehicle operation in adverse conditions
Depth Level:
Operator-level understanding and basic owner maintenance. Focus on 'how-to' for common tasks and explanation of vehicle systems.
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800) Series III V6
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T65-E
Optional Transmissions:
N/A (Only 4T65-E offered)
Shift Modes:
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allowing manual selection of gears (e.g., '3', '2', '1')
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Length:
203.0 in (5,156 mm)
Width:
74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height:
56.2 in (1,427 mm)
Wheelbase:
115.3 in (2,929 mm)
Front Track:
61.6 in (1,565 mm)
Rear Track:
60.2 in (1,529 mm)
Passenger Volume:
106.0 cu ft (3.00 m³)
Trunk Volume:
17.0 cu ft (0.48 m³)
Curb Weight:
3,564 lbs (1,617 kg) - Varies by trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) - Varies by trim
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models/trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point seat belts for rear occupants
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, premium sound system (Bose) available on higher trims
Climate Control:
Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system with remote key fob
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic blend oil), or 5,000 miles / 6 months (conventional oil)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (original equipment spark plugs, typically iridium)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
GM Recommended Orange 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III ATF
Common Lesabre Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (early 3800 engines), fuel pump failures, power steering pump leaks, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, occasional ABS sensor issues.
Brand Legacy:
Buick, established in 1899, has a long history of producing comfortable and reliable vehicles, often associated with a more mature demographic.
Lesabre History:
The LeSabre was introduced in 1959 as a premium, full-size model. It evolved through several generations, consistently offering a spacious and comfortable ride. The 2000-2005 generation (third generation) was based on the GM G platform, shared with the Park Avenue and Riviera.
Production Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA (General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly)
Production Years:
1959-2005
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Historically received average to good ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction, particularly for the powertrain.
Jd Power Initial Quality Study:
Typically performed moderately well in IQS studies for its segment during its production run.