Against 446 other V6 cars rated 2003–2005, the LeSabre beats their 18.9 mpg average by 2.1 mpg, about $203 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 5.7L 8-cyl (1984–1985), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1986–1989), 17.5: $365 a year apart.
Every Buick LeSabre engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1984–1985 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16.8 / 25.9 | 1984–2005 | $1,930 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22 | 1986–1989 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Hyundai Sonata gets 22 mpg, the Chevrolet Impala 21.3 mpg and the Cadillac Deville 19 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2005 LeSabre.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2003–2005 | −$203 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,236 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Buick LeSabre gives up 9 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 18 in the city, $711 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the LeSabre changed over the years
The LeSabre peaked in 2005 at 21 mpg (18 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 18 — 3 mpg apart, or $304 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 26 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1991 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1988 | 16 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1987 | 15.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 24.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1985 | 16.5 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1984 | 16.5 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 28 EPA ratings of the Buick LeSabre — 3 engines across 1984–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,236. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Buick LeSabre get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the LeSabre has averaged 19.6 mpg.
Is the 2005 LeSabre more efficient than the 2004?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which LeSabre year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the LeSabre get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Sonata?
No: 21 mpg for the 2005 LeSabre against 22 for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, about $84 a year more to run.
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