1994 Buick LeSabre Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The LeSabre does not indulge in dramatic styling statements; on the contrary, styling is very straightforward. There is a hint of the old Jaguar in the hood and grill presentation, but that is a design to which we are all accustomed by now. More LeSabre-like is the protective chrome and hard-rubber beltline that encircles the automobile. On the sides, it provides a more than adequate shield against other doors in a parking lot. In the front and rear, it is substantial enough to form the fascia of the bumpers.

Because of its clean, unencumbered design, there's not much doubt that this car is aerodynamically sound. The large door handles do stick out, but that is what we've come to expect from a Buick. On most cars, handles are recessed and hidden in the door. On the LeSabre, they stick right out, as if to announce there will be no nonsense involved in getting into this car.

The trunk offers a substantial 17.1 cubic feet of space with easy access at bumper level, and it's deep enough so that luggage can stand upright. A trunk net is a nice option to keep cargo from being tossed around. The trunk's interior was finished with a molded felt-like material that we wished was more substantial.

Large, attractive reverse lights and taillights span the rear of the car, split in the middle for the license plate holder.

One nice feature that has come to be expected on upscale full-size sedans such as the LeSabre is the electronic remote that allows owners to unlock the car doors, open the trunk or turn on the interior lights from approximately 30 feet away.

Interior Features

The LeSabre will seat six as honestly as any car that bills itself as a six-passenger sedan, but the front and rear seats in our test vehicle were bucket-shaped. Four passengers would be very comfortable traveling coast-to-coast. However, shorter trips to lunch or to the golf course would be as far as we would want to go with six.

The analog instruments have traditional black backgrounds with white numerals-very neat and easily visible. Controls on the driver's left armrest operate the power windows, six-way seat and outside mirrors. The dash curves deftly into the front door panels and contains headlamp and emergency blinker controls as well as heat and air vents.

Cruise control and wiper controls are set in the turn-signal stalk to the left of the steering column, an arrangement present in all GM vehicles and one we've come to dislike because it is cumbersome.

The sound system, including AM/FM radio and, in our option package, a CD player, are on the right of the instrument cluster, as are the controls for heat and air conditioning. All are within reach, have large controls and are easy to operate.

The LeSabre is a roomy, comfortable car. A tall person will find plenty of headroom even with the driver's seat raised to full height. A console storage bin between the front seats provides ample room for CDs, tapes and coins. The visors have vanity mirrors with adjustable lighting and double extensions-one to swing to the side and one to fold down. The height of the three-point seat belt is adjustable. Map or reading lights are available to front- and back-seat passengers. Visibility was good all around, except that through the rearview mirror we couldn't see precisely where the trunk ended. Our driver had to learn to make that judgment.