2003 Buick LeSabre Review
Add your own review or comments

By John Rettie

Overview

The Buick LeSabre is America's best-selling full-size car in and has been for the past 10 years. For 2003, Buick is celebrating this market dominance with a special edition of the LeSabre called (what else?) the Celebration Edition. Distinguished by body-colored trim and a two-tone leather interior, the Celebration Edition comes loaded with luxury and safety features.

But for car buyers with traditional tastes, any LeSabre is cause for celebration. LeSabre offers a big, roomy interior, a comfortable ride, a big trunk, and it's packed with safety features. In short, the LeSabre brings all the traditional Buick virtues into a new era of fuel-conscious practicality.

XM Satellite Radio is now available for Limited and Celebration Edition LeSabres. New 16-inch aluminum wheels are available with the Gran Touring package and all LeSabres are available in new metallic colors. Other changes for 2003 are minimal.

Model Lineup

The Buick LeSabre lineup consists of the Custom ($25,020) and the Limited ($30,650).

LeSabre Custom comes with front and side airbags, air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), cruise control, power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette four-speaker stereo, eight-way power driver's seat, adjustable steering column, automatic level control, a theft deterrent system, a power trunk release, and 15-inch steel wheels.

The Limited model adds automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a driver information center, OnStar global positioning, an upgraded Concert Sound II stereo with cassette and CD, 10-way power seats with heat and leather upholstery, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and traction control. Traction control comes standard on the Limited, and Stabilitrak ($495) is optional. For sharper handling, add the Gran Touring Package ($285), with a rear stabilizer bar and 16-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60R16 tires.

Want some of the Limited's features without springing for the Limited? Most of its features are available a la carte for the Custom model by ordering various packages or standalone options.

The Celebration Edition ($1135) is a package for the Limited model that comes with OnStar, GM's StabiliTrak stability control system and a heads-up display plus all the goodies on the Limited model. Distinguished by body-color lower fascias and rocker panels, a blacked-out grille, a monochrome emblem, and chromed 16-inch wheels, the Celebration Edition is available in three exterior colors: Crimson Pearl, White Diamond, and Light Bronzemist. Inside, the Celebration Edition features two-tone leather seats with embroidered logos, embroidered floor mats, and Black Cherry wood grain on the instrument panel and doors. It also comes with turn-signal indicators in the side mirrors, which help better signal your intentions to drivers alongside or in your blind spot.

XM Satellite Radio ($325) is an option for Limited models, with 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including music, sports, talk, news, and children's entertainment.