|
Introduction
|
|
Market Position
|
|
Segment:
|
Full-size, front-wheel-drive luxury/near-luxury sedan, often considered a competitor to models like the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and entry-level luxury sedans from other brands.
|
|
Competitive Analysis
|
|
Key Competitors 1997:
|
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid (later in the generation), Chevrolet Lumina. Positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and value-oriented American sedan.
|
|
Key Features
|
|
Comfort Focus:
|
Known for its quiet and comfortable ride, spacious interior, and smooth powertrain.
|
|
Design Era:
|
Represents the traditional American large sedan design of the era, emphasizing passenger comfort and a substantial road presence.
|
|
Manual Coverage
|
|
Systems Covered
|
|
Powertrain:
|
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation.
|
|
Chassis:
|
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires.
|
|
Electrical:
|
Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, battery, fuses, relays.
|
|
Body & Interior:
|
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, interior trim.
|
|
Safety & Security:
|
Airbags, seat belts, child restraints, locking systems, alarm.
|
|
Procedures Included
|
|
Operation:
|
Starting and operating the vehicle, gear selection, parking.
|
|
Maintenance:
|
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, filter replacement guidance.
|
|
Diy Tasks:
|
Limited do-it-yourself tasks such as checking and topping fluids, changing wiper blades, bulb replacement, basic troubleshooting.
|
|
Emergency:
|
Changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, basic emergency procedures.
|
|
Towing:
|
Proper towing procedures and considerations.
|
|
Technical Depth
|
|
Depth:
|
Consumer-oriented, focusing on safe operation, routine maintenance, and basic understanding of vehicle functions. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions.
|
|
Safety Features
|
|
Ratings
|
|
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
|
4-star (1997 model year testing)
|
|
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
|
4-star (1997 model year testing)
|
|
Active Features
|
|
ABS:
|
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
|
|
Traction Control:
|
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) available on some trims.
|
|
Passive Features
|
|
Airbags:
|
Driver and front passenger airbags.
|
|
Seat Belts:
|
Front and rear seat belts, with driver and front passenger pretensioners.
|
|
Child Seats:
|
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system not standard; relies on seat belts for child seat securement. ISOFIX anchors may not be present.
|
|
Security
|
|
Locks:
|
Power door locks with remote keyless entry available on higher trims.
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
Service Intervals
|
|
Oil Change:
|
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).
|
|
Tire Rotation:
|
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km)
|
|
Coolant Flush:
|
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
|
|
Transmission Fluid Change:
|
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), or as recommended by driving conditions.
|
|
Fluid Specifications
|
|
Engine Oil:
|
SAE 5W-30, API Service SG or SH, meeting GM specification GM6094M.
|
|
Coolant:
|
Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (orange) or equivalent. Mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water.
|
|
Transmission Fluid:
|
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.
|
|
Brake Fluid:
|
DOT 3 or DOT 4 motor vehicle brake fluid.
|
|
Power Steering Fluid:
|
GM Type A power steering fluid or equivalent.
|
|
Known Issues
|
|
Common Complaints 3800 Series Ii:
|
Head gasket failures (especially on earlier Series II engines, though the L36 is generally more robust), intake manifold gasket leaks (3.8L V6), and power steering pump leaks. Transmission issues (e.g., solenoid failures) can occur with high mileage.
|
|
Common Complaints Suspension Brakes:
|
Wear on control arm bushings and ball joints, potential for warped brake rotors leading to pulsation.
|
|
Common Complaints Electrical HVAC:
|
Climate control module failures, blower motor resistor issues, and evaporator core leaks can affect AC performance.
|
|
Vehicle History
|
|
Brand Heritage
|
|
Buick Legacy:
|
Buick has a long history in the American automotive market, often associated with comfort, quietness, and a mature customer base.
|
|
Model Evolution
|
|
Lesabre Lineage:
|
The LeSabre nameplate has been used by Buick since 1959, evolving through various platforms and designs. The 1997 model is part of the eighth generation (1992-1999), which transitioned from the C-body to the H-body platform, sharing mechanicals with the Pontiac Bonneville and Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
|
|
Production
|
|
Manufacturing Location:
|
Primarily assembled in Detroit, Michigan, USA (Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant).
|
|
Production Years 8Th Gen:
|
1992-1999
|
