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 surprising.
Big, easy to read instruments would seem a must. Though the wipers and cruise control switches are conveniently
located on the left stalk, the light switches, perched on the front edge of the drivers door, are not.
Higher up on the dash there's a narrow line of warning and status lights that extend all the way across
the front of the car. This arrangement leads to a few anomalies. For example, when we engaged the cruise
control and a green indicator light came on in front of the passenger seat. Buick product designers say they
are responding to the stated preferences of current LeSabre owners who are not enthusiastic, they say, about
the trend toward bigger displays housed under rounded cowlings.
However, the cabin design imparts a feel of comfort and reassurance. A lot of armchairs are not as plush
and comfortable as the front seats of the LeSabre. 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 vast.
The LeSabre's list of standard features remains modest for a car in this price range: air conditioning,
power windows and doors, tilt wheel and power driver's-side outside mirror. For 1998, cruise control was
added to this list.
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 six-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 wood running all along the doors and dash.
Safety features are up to date as well with dual air bags, antilock brakes and daytime running lights. A
low-speed traction control system, a $175 option, can keep you going without sliding around on wet or
snow-covered roads.
For additional peace of mind, the LeSabre offers GM's highly regarded OnStar system as an option this
year. (It costs $895 plus dealer installation, plus a $22.50 monthly charge.) A hands-free voice-activated
cellular phone instantly links the caller to a special center that can provide everything from directions to
an ambulance. Satellite tracking tells the center exactly where you are, even if you don't have any idea.
A few details seem like modest lapses in thought and taste. Small sliding switches on the instrument panel
for dimming the lights feel less than solid. The mylar chrome plastic switches for the windows and power
mirrors on the door blend less than ideally with the otherwise subdued interior. When you push the power
lock switches on the driver's door, the entire door panel moves a noticeable eighth of an inch or so.
But in general the LeSabre's fabrics, materials and components impart a solid, well-appointed character.
Comfortable, dependable transportation is what the LeSabre is designed to provide. As a result, ride
quality is very good, but handling is just average.
The 3.8-liter engine, though, has been widely praised as one of the finest V6s on the market. As a result,
the 205-horsepower LeSabre accelerates quickly enough to satisfy most family sedan buyers. It takes off briskly
from stoplights and overtaking semis on two-lane roads does not require an act of courage.
The previous-generation four-speed transmission was quite good, but GM says the new one has been redesigned
for greater durability. It shifts so smoothly it's nearly unnoticeable. The gas mileage for a car of this size
is extraordinary; it's rated at 19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.
You can spend a lot more for a car without getting this kind of powertrain performance.
When cruising, the LeSabre delivers a soft, quiet, comfortable ride that insulates its passengers from the
tumult around them. On the freeway, the miles slip by almost unnoticed. It is a little less at home on twisting, secondary roads. This is no sports car. 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. And that's the essence of the traditional front-drive sedan.