1995 Buick LeSabre Limited review from North America

Air conditioning stopped providing heat during a wicked cold snap (I've got the frostbite to prove it). Fixed by flushing the system.

ABS sensors in the rear wheels rotted out, causing them to seize as I came to a stop. Fixed by replacement.

The faux-chrome inside peels easily.

Cloth fabric is hard to clean and holds odours.

"Change Oil" gauge has no idea what it's doing.

I got the car from my grandparents the summer I turned 18, and have been eternally grateful every day since.

Buick gets harped for building "grandpa cars", but that's specifically what I like about it.

It's big, it's comfortable, it's powerful and it's mature. My friends always tell me that I have a wonderful car.

PROS:

The 3.8 litre 3800 Series I engine provides about 170hp to the front wheels, which won't win a drag race (0-60 in 9-to-10s), but provides plenty of power for passing.

The super smooth transmission pops into overdrive right at 80km/h (the speed limit on most Ontario roads) so fuel economy is very good (28 mpg hwy/18 mpg*), something important in a University commuter's car.

The hefty weight of the car makes it very stable in windy weather or on snowy roads. I often take her out just after a snowstorm to skid around in the snow and am pleased at how well the ABS works.

The cloth bench seats are very comfortable for cruising and allow up to six people to ride at once (seven if they don't mind riding in the very spacious trunk :D)

CONS:

Lamentably, however, the car is FWD only. While this does help traction in very snowy conditions it makes her front-heavy and causes under steer at high speeds.

The soft seats may get uncomfortable for an older person, as they are quite soft. However, an aftermarket support seems to help.

The boat-ride suspension that I'm so fond of in these big cars does not lend itself to going over bumps at high speeds. Practice swerving around the many potholes on Ontario roads, or stock up on struts.

I rather like the cheesy faux-wood panelling and fake chrome. It gives it personality. However, some may be turned off by it.

Steering feel is, well, somewhere. Very soft.

CONCLUSION:

The car was excellently maintained since birth and has given me no real trouble. She has lovely performance for a car her size. The 3800 series engine is very reliable. With regular oil changes I doubt she'll die for many years to come.

I would definitely recommend a 1995 Buick LeSabre Ltd. to all comers.

*Old MPG estimates.