36/100
1987Large CarsRegular

1987 Buick LeSabre

EPA ID: 3458
16
City MPG
19
Combined MPG
19MPG· Below Avg
25
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1987 Buick LeSabre achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.8L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this large cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1987 LeSabre produces approximately 468 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this LeSabre has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,000 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassLarge Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3.8L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions468 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,150
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,000

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
19.1
Impact vs EPA
$-13
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$737/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$20,000
45.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$13,816
31.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$10,000
22.6%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$44,216

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #06E043000·2006-10-18
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Campaign #89V102000·1989-07-20
critical
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.

Campaign #88V067000·1988-05-13
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

LOW TORQUE OF THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS COULD CAUSE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND/OR POOR PEDAL FEEL IF ATTACHMENT LOOSENS.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF BRAKEHYDRAULIC UNIT FROM ITS MOUNTING BRACKET AND RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONAND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS.

Campaign #87V135000·1987-09-16
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THE IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THEPLASTIC WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET MAY, UNDER A HIGH RESISTANCE LOAD,MELT DOWN AND IGNITE THE WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET RESULTING IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.

Campaign #87V093000·1987-07-10
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.

Remedy: THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Buick LeSabre configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1987 Large Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,150
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,000

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City16 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined19 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

93.5 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 116 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.8 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.