1997 Buick Lesabre Interior Review at Automotive.com
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1997 Buick Lesabre Review: Interior

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1997 Buick Lesabre Review

Rewarding the loyalists.
Interior
Behind the steering wheel, we noticed LeSabre's cluster of somewhat

small instruments beneath an otherwise graceful cowl. The tachometer and

speedometer are placed in a long, narrow space between small gauges for

engine temperature, oil pressure, and amperage.

In a car designed for mature drivers, we find this unusual. Big, easy-to-read

instruments would seem a must. The instrument panel leaves the overall

impression that the designers ran out of space for all the things they

needed to include. Though the wipers and cruise control switches are conveniently

located on the left stalk, the light switches, perched on the front edge

of the driver's door, are not.

Higher up on the dash there's a narrow line of warning lights that extends

all the way across the front of the car. This arrangment leads to a few

anomalies. For example, when we engaged the cruise control a green repeater

light blinked on in front of the passenger seat.

Buick product designers swear their thinking on this is drawn from the

preferences of current LeSabre owners, who are not enthusiastic about the

trend towards bigger displays, housed under rounded cowlings. However,

we note that Buick has ignored the owners on this issue in the new Park

Avenue, and hope to see the same changes in the next LeSabre redesign.

The cabin design imparts a feel of comfort and reassurance. Many armchairs

are not as plush and comfortable as the front seats of the LeSabre. Fold

up the center armrest and three adults can be fairly comfortable in either

the front or the back; the car really does hold six, as promised. Rear

seat space is simply vast.

Considering its price, the basic LeSabre's standard equipment list is

average, with air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt wheel and

power driver's side outside mirror.

The LeSabre Limited includes many other comfort and convenience features,

such as separate automatic climate controls for the driver and front-seat

passenger, dual power mirrors and keyless remote entry.

Almost every conceivable luxury feature is available, including 6-way

power seats, radio controls on the steering wheel and a head-up display

that projects vehicle speed and other information on the lower part of

the windshield so you don't have to look down. The luxury car touches extend

to the interior with a strip of woodgrain running all along the doors and

dash.

Safety features are up to date as well with dual airbags, standard antilock

brakes and daytime running lights. A low-speed traction control system,

a $175 option, can keep you going without sliding around on rain or snow-slick

roads.

A few details feel like minor lapses in thought and taste. Some small

sliding switches on the instrument panel for things like dimming the lights

feel less than solid. The mylar chrome switches for the windows and power

mirrors on the door blend less than ideally with the otherwise subdued

interior.

But in general the LeSabre's fabrics and components impart a very solid,

well-appointed character. Next Page



1997 Buick Lesabre