1998 Buick LeSabre Custom review from North America

The plastic manifold went around 60,000 and again at 111,000 miles. Both front struts were replaced, and then later both rear stuts were replaced after one was making a horrible squeaking noise over every road sensation. The alternator was replaced at 23,000 miles, and the starter at 57,000. I also remember at 22,000 miles the Twilight Sentinel automatic lights would not function and that had to be repaired by the dealer as well. Both bearings on the rear wheels have been replaced as well.

Pretty much the entire top-half of the engine has been replaced, and this car is only driven locally and given excellent treatment with routine maintenance. I believe we have spent almost 75% of what we paid for the car in repairs. Car also has a recurring stalling problem when pulling away from lights.

The ride is comfortable, but choppy over uneven surfaces. Very roomy, and the car is actually very agile in city traffic and probably the easiest full-size car I have ever parallel parked with.

However, I would never buy another Buick LeSabre again. This car has had way too many defects for a car of its stature and previous outstanding reliability history. This car was mainly used as a vehicle to get to the train station every morning, a distance of 12 miles round trip local driving, with the occasional highway trip, again in the area.

I am just amazed at the amount of service needed to keep this car running.

The dealer was not helpful and in fact is known for trying to rip-off customers. Servicemen were not helpful and the car was kept at this dealer, the only Buick one in the area, for unnecessarily long periods of time for minor problems without any loaner cars available.