Behind the steering wheel, we noticed LeSabre's cluster of somewhat
small instruments beneath an otherwise graceful cowl. The tachometer and
speedometer are placed in a long, narrow space between small gauges for
engine temperature, oil pressure, and amperage.
In a car designed for mature drivers, we find this unusual. Big, easy-to-read
instruments would seem a must. The instrument panel leaves the overall
impression that the designers ran out of space for all the things they
needed to include. Though the wipers and cruise control switches are conveniently
located on the left stalk, the light switches, perched on the front edge
of the driver's door, are not.
Higher up on the dash there's a narrow line of warning lights that extends
all the way across the front of the car. This arrangment leads to a few
anomalies. For example, when we engaged the cruise control a green repeater
light blinked on in front of the passenger seat.
Buick product designers swear their thinking on this is drawn from the
preferences of current LeSabre owners, who are not enthusiastic about the
trend towards bigger displays, housed under rounded cowlings. However,
we note that Buick has ignored the owners on this issue in the new Park
Avenue, and hope to see the same changes in the next LeSabre redesign.
The cabin design imparts a feel of comfort and reassurance. Many armchairs
are not as plush and comfortable as the front seats of the LeSabre. Fold
up the center armrest and three adults can be fairly comfortable in either
the front or the back; the car really does hold six, as promised. Rear
seat space is simply vast.
Considering its price, the basic LeSabre's standard equipment list is
average, with air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt wheel and
power driver's side outside mirror.
The LeSabre Limited includes many other comfort and convenience features,
such as separate automatic climate controls for the driver and front-seat
passenger, dual power mirrors and keyless remote entry.
Almost every conceivable luxury feature is available, including 6-way
power seats, radio controls on the steering wheel and a head-up display
that projects vehicle speed and other information on the lower part of
the windshield so you don't have to look down. The luxury car touches extend
to the interior with a strip of woodgrain running all along the doors and
dash.
Safety features are up to date as well with dual airbags, standard antilock
brakes and daytime running lights. A low-speed traction control system,
a $175 option, can keep you going without sliding around on rain or snow-slick
roads.
A few details feel like minor lapses in thought and taste. Some small
sliding switches on the instrument panel for things like dimming the lights
feel less than solid. The mylar chrome switches for the windows and power
mirrors on the door blend less than ideally with the otherwise subdued
interior.
But in general the LeSabre's fabrics and components impart a very solid,
well-appointed character.
Comfortable, dependable, quiet transportation is what the LeSabre is
designed to provide. As a result, the car's handling is only adequate,
though the ride is plus. The 3.8-liter V6 engine, though, has been widely
praised as one of the finest V6's you can buy, as has GM's standard four-speed
automatic transmission.
As a result, the 205-horsepower LeSabre accelerates quickly enough to
satisfy most family sedan buyers. You aren't the last away from every stoplight
and overtaking a semi on a two-lane road is not an act of courage. The
shifting is nearly unnoticeable. The gas mileage for a car of this size
is extraordinary--19 mpg in the city, 30 on the highway.
You can spend a lot more without getting this kind of powertrain performance.
The LeSabre delivers a soft, quiet, comfortable ride that insulates
its passengers from the tumult around them. On the freeway, the miles can
slip by almost unnoticed.
It is far less at home on twisting, secondary roads. Even with the Gran
Touring suspension, the body rolled in sharp turns and bounced up and down
on uneven pavement.
Still, the LeSabre will get you where you are going as effortlessly
as any of its competitors. Which is the essence of the traditional front-drive
sedan.