Buick LeSabre
2000-05 models built after April 1999results also apply to: 2001-03 Oldsmobile Aurora | 2000-05 Pontiac Bonneville built after April 1999
MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville were redesigned for the 2000 model year, and the Oldsmobile Aurora was redesigned for 2001. All 2000 and later Buick LeSabre models manufactured after April 1999 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. All Bonneville and Aurora models include these same improvements (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a LeSabre with the structural changes in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.
The Oldsmobile Aurora was dropped after the 2003 model year, and the Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville were dropped after the 2005 model year. The LeSabre was replaced by the Buick Lucerne.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the shoulder belt housing.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that injuries to the head would be possible. Head acceleration from the shoulder belt housing hit was low.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
- The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.
- Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the head restraint and shoulder belt housing during rebound. Front lap/shoulder belts are mounted to the seats.
- The active front head restraints, new in the 2000 LeSabre, were designed to move automatically into position to provide protection from whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. However, the initial position of the head restraint (too far from the head of an average-size male) is inadequate to provide the intended protection.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front seat-mounted torso airbags (optional, 2003-05 models; standard, 2000-02 models)
- Electronic stability control (optional)
- Antilock brakes
- Daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom 4-door
- Class: Large family car
- Weight: 3,558 lbs.
- Side airbags: front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 112 in.
- Length: 200 in.
- Width: 74 in.
- Engine: 3.8 L V6
- EPA ratings: 19 mpg city | 30 mpg highway
