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Buick LeSabre wears a new face as the line's big-car bargain
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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When spotlights lit up the North American International Auto Show in Detroit during the first week of 1996, one of the future models on display in the exposition by the Buick Division of General Motors wore a 1997 model designation along with a fresh new face.
Looking slick and curvy with prominent tapered prow in wide stance and new notched sidepanels emphasizing the wedge-shaped profile, LeSabre in 1997 attire projected a sophisticated and classy image that obviously obscures its role in the Buick lineup.
LeSabre, you see, serves as Buick's full-size family sedan which delivers luxury trappings without busting a budget to do so.
In other words, it's Buick's bargain-priced big car.
Previous issues of LeSabre scored as the line's best-selling label and most popular full-size sedan in America.
For the future, Buick's designers chose a conservative path to change LeSabre's appearance with subtle suggestions in clean lines achieved by new flush-fit components for front oval grille, wrap-around halogen headlamp assemblies and the wide new side body-colored terrace of protective plastic moldings which deflect door dings and scratches.
The improvements continue inside LeSabre, where front seats of the base Custom edition have been reconfigured for comfort and a new trim treatment applies walnut texture to the instrument panel.
For added safety, doors were strengthened to meet federal standards for side impacts. Release buttons of safety belts were repositioned for convenience, and previous standard safety components -- such as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and GM's PASS-Key II anti-theft system -- were carried over to LeSabre's new editions.
The irony for Buick's debut of a 1997 LeSabre in the first week of 1996 is that it goes to market right now.
Implementing LeSabre's face-lift so quickly after the roll-out of the 1996 editions becomes an aggressive move by Buick that underscores the goal of ensuring that LeSabre continue as the best-selling big car in the country.
With its new features and prices clearly anchored near $21,000, LeSabre stands tire-to-tire in price competition against several popular mid-size family machines.
For more glitter and cushy perks, you could step up to Buick Park Avenue, which shares the same chassis as LeSabre but adds five more inches in length and a minor amount of more interior space -- plus escalated sticker figures.
LeSabre delivers almost as many comforts, plus plenty of passenger room and a surprisingly fine ride quality, all for very competitive dollar figures.
The net effect: Buick's big car begins as a very good sedan, yet when coupled to competitive price points becomes one of the bargains of the year.
What makes LeSabre so good?
It begins with that strong Buick platform that's torsionally rigid to hold rattles to a minimum, and long enough to stretch the wheelbase for a smooth ride sensation over road bumps and dips.
Add independent suspension to isolate each wheel, and LeSabre gains a noteworthy ability to handle well on twisty curves as well as straight-line freeways.
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering produces quick responses when turning, and the power brakes -- with front discs and rear drums, plus that anti-lock feature as part of the standard package -- stops LeSabre predictably.
For power, Buick installs GM's 3.8-liter pushrod V6 equipped with multi-point fuel injection.
Output runs to 205 hp in 1997 editions, with strong torque for aggressive acceleration when needed.
Considering the bulk of LeSabre -- it tips the scales at more than 3,400-lbs. -- the action from this plant feels lively, even from a standing start.
The electronically controlled 4-speed transmission shifts smoothly at every stage, going about its business so quietly that even the attentive driver will barely feel shift maneuvers.
Fuel economy figures also look good, which translates to another noteworthy point for defining LeSabre's position as a full-size sedan bargain. The official EPA numbers tally to 19 miles per gallon for city driving and as high as 30 mpg for highway cruising.
Then check out LeSabre's factors for comfort.
The base Custom edition doesn't go overboard on luxury, but in a test-drive you should note the inclusion of important comfort touches like air conditioning, tilting steering column and cloth-clad front bench seat with 55-45 percent split, reclining backs and fold-down armrest.
Also, standard features often included only as luxury options show up on LeSabre's base model -- power door locks, power windows, intermittent wipers, AM-FM stereo sound.
A second trim level -- Limited -- builds on Custom's niceties by installing a remote keyless entry device, 6-way power controls for front driver and passenger seats and a front armrest storage compartment with built-in cupholders, electronic cruise control, exterior power mirrors, helpful interior lights, rear window defogger and dual temperature controls for the climate system.
Personal Choice, activated by keyless entry fob that's standard for Limited and optional on Custom, permits two different drivers -- husband and wife, perhaps -- to activate pre-programmed interior preference settings, such as delayed door locking and perimeter lighting.
Of course, LeSabre offers options -- lots of them.
Expect the usual assortment of fine fittings, from upgraded sound equipment and CD player to sporty alloy wheels and plush leather upholstery.
Preferred options cluster in special packages.
The Convenience Plus package installs delayed exit lighting on the outside and theater dimming interior lamps, protection against battery rundown or lockout on power door locks, as well as various warning chimes.
A package of handling equipment, grouped under the Gran Touring label, attaches stiffer suspension components, larger 16-inch aluminum wheels and R-rated Goodyear Eagle GA tires, leather-wrapped steering wheel, even an automatic load leveling device.
1997 BUICK LeSABRE
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 BUICK LESABRE Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size sedan |
| Model Options: |
Full-size sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
110.8 inches |
| Overall Length: |
200.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 3.8-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
19/30 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 21,000 to $ 26,000 |
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