1997 Buick Lesabre in Sanford, NC - $3,999

The LeSabre product story is best summed up like this: the Buick LeSabre has been the best-selling full-size car in the United States for 12 straight years. The large Buick sedan is powered by a tried and true drivetrain that has garnered more than its share of awards and accolades -- the oh-so-sweet 3800 Series II V-6 married to a silky-smooth electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Built at General Motors' Hamtramck (Detroit), Mich., assembly plant, the LeSabre is available in Custom, Best-Seller Package and Limited trim levels. For those who desire a bit more, Buick offers the Celebration Edition.

Based on the Limited model, this package adds the following: two-tone Cashmere/Light Cashmere leather-appointed seats; embroidered Buick tri-shields on the front seats and carpet savers; memory driver's seat, outside rearview mirrors, climate controls and presets; Black Cherry simulated wood trim accents; blacked out grille; monochromatic facias and rocker moldings; 16' chrome-plated wheels; integrated outside mirror LED turn signals with driver-side auto-dimming feature; StabiliTrak and EyeCue heads-up windshield display.

Enhancements for 2005 include standard OnStar communications system with one-year of Safe & Sound service, available 16-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels and three new exterior colors: Cashmere Metallic, Sagemist Metallic and Dark Garnet Metallic.

With a strong family resemblance to other Buick sedans, the LeSabre is both handsome and conservative while sleek and refined. A long wheelbase allowed Buick engineers to develop a stiff body chassis with a tight turning radius for above average low speed maneuvers.

On the road, the large sedan is fast, quiet and solid -- relatively nimble at speed while delivering safe, predictable handling. The brakes are outstanding. The robust front-drive platform serves as the foundation for the four-wheel independent suspension system.

Up front, a traditional MacPherson strut layout is complemented with a 28-mm stabilizer tube. At the rear, a semi-trailing arm configuration works with two coil springs and electronic level control to help keep this car glued to the road.

Inside the cabin, displays and controls mimic the Park Avenue, while seat mounted front seat belts are easy to use and less likely to get tangled. The armrest features flip-out cupholders while the dashboard contains an additional power point for portable electrical devices such as a cellular phone or laptop computer.

Backseat passengers are treated to cavernous quarters with plenty of leg room -- comfortable for three adults. A rear armrest standard on the Limited has built-in cupholders and a lockable pass-through to the trunk.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 112.2; overall length: 200.0; width: 73.5; height: 57.0 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 3800 Series II 3.8L V-6 (L36) -- 205 hp at 5,200 rpm and 230 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically-controlled four-speed automatic w/overdrive.

EPA fuel economy: 20 city/29 hwy., using regular unleaded gasoline.

Cargo capacity: 18.0 cu. ft.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, battery rundown protection, lockout protection, PASS-Key III passive theft-deterrent system, automatic headlamp control, automatic power door locks, daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry and OnStar communications system. Limited adds alarm system, garage door opener, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, tire pressure monitor and traction control. Optional safety features include StabiliTrak stability control system and heads-up instrument display.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Buick LeSabre sedan starts from $26,545 for the Custom up to $32,205 for the Limited. Destination charges add $725.

As tested

2005 Buick LeSabre Celebration Edition sedan

Exterior color: Crimson Pearl

Interior color: Cashmere

Tire make/model: Michelin Symmetry

Tire size: P225/60R16

Base price $32,205

Destination charge $ 725

Crimson Pearl paint $ 750

Celebration Edition package $ 1,200

Total as tested $34,880

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