🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: LaSabre Year: 2001 Generation Third Generation Start Year: 1992 Third Generation End Year: 2005 Codes Platform Code: GM H-body 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Full-size sedan Target Demographic: Comfort-oriented, value-conscious buyers, often targeting older demographics Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid Key Features Brand Perception: Buick represented GM's premium offering in this segment, emphasizing comfort and a quiet ride. Standard Features: Typically included a V6 engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows/locks, and cruise control. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Languages: English Regions: North America (U.S. specific safety defect reporting) Page Count Estimated Pages: 150-200 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Format File Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Lubrication, Cooling, Exhaust Chassis: Brakes, Steering, Suspension Electrical: Instrument Cluster, Lighting, Locks, Security, Entertainment Systems, Power Accessories Interior: Seating, Safety Restraints, Climate Controls, Driver Controls Body: Cleaning Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks, fluid top-offs, filter replacement guidance Operation: Driver controls, climate, entertainment, lighting, locking mechanisms Safety: Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint information Troubleshooting: Basic diagnostic indicators (e.g., warning lights), customer assistance Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level maintenance and operation, basic troubleshooting, component identification 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution, searchable text Print Quality Reproducibility: Printable for personal use Binding Type Format Type: Digital Download (PDF) Paper Type Material Type: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Type: 3800 Series II (L36) - 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated Displacement Liters: 3.8 Displacement Cubic Inches: 231 Bore X Stroke: 3.80 x 3.40 inches (96.5 x 86.4 mm) Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Horsepower Hp: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque Lb Ft: 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Induction: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI) Fuel Information Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Octane Rating: 87 octane (AKI) recommended Engine Compartment Major Components Identified: Engine oil fill cap, dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, power steering fluid reservoir, battery, air filter housing, fuse box Accessories Belt Driven Accessories: Alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, water pump 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E) Gear Ratios: Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically around 2.96, 1.60, 1.00, 0.70) Fluid Type: Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Features Shift Modes: Drive (D), Overdrive Off (3), Low (L) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Inches: 110.5 Length Inches: 203.7 Width Inches: 74.5 Height Inches: 56.5 Front Track Inches: 62.1 Rear Track Inches: 61.1 Cargo Trunk Volume Cubic Feet: 16.4 Weights Curb Weight Lbs: 3500-3700 (approximate, depending on trim and options) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs: 4700-4800 (approximate) Towing Capacity Lbs: 1000 (typically without trailer brakes) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver: 5 Stars (1999-2004 models) NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger: 5 Stars (1999-2004 models) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for vehicles with side airbags, optional on some trims) Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Traction Control: Optional on some models/trims Passive Features Airbags: Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side airbags. Seat Belts: Front: 3-point with pretensioners. Rear: 3-point in outboard positions, lap belt in center. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard in 2001, but ISOFIX compatible points may exist. Manual will detail correct installation methods. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional), premium sound systems available. Display Type: Analog gauges for primary instruments, digital display for odometer and some warning indicators. Radio displays may be LCD. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons. Connectivity Phone Integration: No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Optional dealer-installed cellular phone kits might have been available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Coolant Flush Interval: First flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (or per manual's specific guidance for the coolant type used). Spark Plug Replacement: Refer to manual; often around 100,000 miles for iridium/platinum plugs. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Viscosity: SAE 3.8L V6: 5W-30 Engine Oil Capacity Quarts: 4.5 quarts (with filter change) Engine Coolant Type: GM-spec orange silicate-based coolant (or equivalent meeting GM6277M specification). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid Type: GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF Known Issues Common Powertrain Issues: Intake manifold gasket leaks (3800 V6), oil leaks (lower intake manifold, valve covers), power steering pump issues, starter failure (often integrated with transmission). Common Suspension Issues: Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts, and rear sway bar links leading to clunks and poor handling. Common Electrical Issues: Window motor failures, dashboard gauge cluster issues (segmented displays), fuel level sensor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures. Common Body Issues: Clear coat peeling on exterior paint, rust...
Owner-level maintenance and operation, basic troubleshooting, component identification
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text
Print Quality
Reproducibility:
Printable for personal use
Binding Type
Format Type:
Digital Download (PDF)
Paper Type
Material Type:
N/A (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code And Type:
3800 Series II (L36) - 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated
Displacement Liters:
3.8
Displacement Cubic Inches:
231
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 x 3.40 inches (96.5 x 86.4 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1
Horsepower Hp:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Fuel Information
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 octane (AKI) recommended
Engine Compartment
Major Components Identified:
Engine oil fill cap, dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, power steering fluid reservoir, battery, air filter housing, fuse box
Accessories
Belt Driven Accessories:
Alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, water pump
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically around 2.96, 1.60, 1.00, 0.70)
Fluid Type:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Features
Shift Modes:
Drive (D), Overdrive Off (3), Low (L)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Inches:
110.5
Length Inches:
203.7
Width Inches:
74.5
Height Inches:
56.5
Front Track Inches:
62.1
Rear Track Inches:
61.1
Cargo
Trunk Volume Cubic Feet:
16.4
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
3500-3700 (approximate, depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
4700-4800 (approximate)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
1000 (typically without trailer brakes)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
5 Stars (1999-2004 models)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
5 Stars (1999-2004 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for vehicles with side airbags, optional on some trims)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models/trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front: 3-point with pretensioners. Rear: 3-point in outboard positions, lap belt in center.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard in 2001, but ISOFIX compatible points may exist. Manual will detail correct installation methods.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional), premium sound systems available.
Display Type:
Analog gauges for primary instruments, digital display for odometer and some warning indicators. Radio displays may be LCD.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Optional dealer-installed cellular phone kits might have been available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
First flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (or per manual's specific guidance for the coolant type used).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; often around 100,000 miles for iridium/platinum plugs.
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts, and rear sway bar links leading to clunks and poor handling.
Common Electrical Issues:
Window motor failures, dashboard gauge cluster issues (segmented displays), fuel level sensor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Common Body Issues:
Clear coat peeling on exterior paint, rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels).
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example Part Number:
AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent
Air Filter Example Part Number:
AC Delco A2066C or equivalent
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for building comfortable, quiet, and smooth-riding vehicles, often perceived as a premium domestic brand.
Model Evolution
Lasabre Lineage:
The LaSabre nameplate has been used by Buick since 1959, evolving from a convertible to a large sedan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA (Various GM assembly plants)
Production Years:
1992-2005 (Third Generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Jd Power Ratings:
The 3800 V6 engine consistently received good ratings for reliability and performance from J.D. Power.