History: The original LeSabre, a concept car created by General Motors Styling and Buick Engineering, was unveiled in 1951. It wasn't until the 1959 model year, however, that Buick put the LeSabre nameplate on a production car. Styling on the 1959 car was not as exciting as the 1951 dream car, but the huge tail fins were dramatic, and a sign of the times.

For the past four decades, LeSabre has been a mainstay at Buick, rolling up total sales exceeding six million. For the past six years, LeSabre has been the number one-selling full-size car in the U.S., winning numerous quality and "best buy" awards along the way. Completely redesigned for the 2000 model year, the LeSabre boasts a fresh look and a number of innovative safety, comfort and convenience features.

The Test Vehicle: 2000 Buick LeSabre Limited

Vehicle Type: six-passenger, four-door full-size sedan, front-wheel drive

Price: $26,695

Trim Levels: Custom, Limited

Engine: 3.8-liter,V6, 205 horsepower

Transmission: 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway

Safety Features: The issue of safety got a lot of attention in the design of the 2000 LeSabre. Safety-cage construction encompasses all occupants in a rigid survival capsule. Driver and front-passenger airbags, plus seat-mounted side-impact airbags, further protect those seated in front. The driver and front-passenger airbags address issues such as unnecessary low-speed frontal-impact airbag activation and use "green" and recyclable inflators. All four airbags offer "safer" deployment; the driver's side bag encasement is designed to reduce injury to smaller drivers positioned very close to the steering wheel. The new "Catcher's Mitt" front seats help absorb crash energy in a rear-end collision. They're called "catcher's mitt" seats because the design allows them to "pocket" a properly positioned passenger's pelvis and lower back. Additionally, the headrest automatically positions itself to catch the driver's head in such a crash, reducing the chance of whiplash. For those in the rear, shoulder and lap safety belts are now provided for all three rear seats. Other standard safety features on the LeSabre include four-channelABS anti-lock brakes, daytime running lamps, automatic door locks, rear-door child security locks and child seat tethers for all three rear-seat positions.