Overview:
The 2000 Buick LeSabre Limited is a full-size 4-door 6-passenger sedan. And with a base price of $22,890 – $26,695 it is pure American ingenuity. When we want to be competitive we can, and American cars continue to be the best value for your car-buying dollar.
I was among the first to stop buying American built cars back in the early 1960’s because they were overpriced and the free market place allowed me to buy a Datsun station wagon. They got better gas mileage, cheaper to buy and fun to drive. I must say, I was influenced by trips to Japan, but I was more impressed by the fact that I couldn’t justify spending more for transportation. A house was priority one back then.
But stepping into this Buick, just when my memory was fading, I pulled up to a stop right behind a 1956 Buick Roadmaster, blue with a white top. Boy, what memories were stirred up. Of course back in 1956 when that car was made we called them “Road Hogs”. But Buick is following suit with the more sleek lines of today’s aerodynamic designs, and I suspect we’ll never see “Fins” on cars again either.
This “year 2000” version of the LeSabre has exterior measurements that are even a bit shorter and narrower than the 1999 model. Isn’t it weird to be talking about a 2000 model? But even with the narrower exterior, the interior is actually roomier. There are other subtle changes such as less chrome and more body-color molding, giving LeSabre an even more up-to-date look. The new dashboard includes large, easy-to-read gauges for people with failing eyesight. Just kidding. I’m not saying that this is an older person’s car even though that’s the group Buick used to appeal to. But times have changed, and the baby boomers weren’t around to know that’s how Buick was perceived back in the “good old days”.
Speaking of the 1950’s, the LeSabre name was first used in 1951 on a concept car, and finally in 1959, the LeSabre name went on a production model, and sold 165,577. GM says since then, more than six million have been sold and it continues to be Buick’s bestseller.
LeSabre is available in two trims: Custom and Limited. They are available with front and side airbags and the 3.8L V6 205-hp engine is light years ahead of that old “Road Hog’s” big V8 that was truly the slug of its time. Remember the old Dynaglide transmission? That was the main reason for it being sluggish. Well, today’s 4-Speed Automatic transmission is nothing like that boat anchor. It is a good companion to the new V6 engine, and together they produce outstanding power and performance. And another plus for we Americans is that it is assembled right here in the United States. What a novel idea; an American car made in the USA.
The Competition:
Chevrolet Impala $18,705 – $22,365, Chrysler Concorde $21,640, Dodge Intrepid $20,020 – $22,865, Ford Crown Victoria $22,005 – $24,120, Toyota Avalon $24,698 – $28,708, Volvo S70 $27,385 – $33,520.
Good News:
Luxurious roomy comfort, at compact prices, and compact fuel economy to boot.
Bad News:
I didn’t find any…. So I guess that’s more good news.
Standard Equipment:
3.8-liter V6 205 horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic trans, dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), daytime running lights, child safety locks, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, intermittent wipers, security system and AM/FM stereo system.
Gas Stats:
19 City and 30 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $$22,890 and the upgrade of dual-zone climate control, an air-filtration system, dark walnut trim, a driver information center, power front seats, a premium stereo system with cassette, and 15-inch aluminum wheels, a rear stabilizer bar, higher rate springs, variable effort steering, and 16-inch aluminum wheels brings the price to $26,695.
