1998 Buick LeSabre Roomy, quiet and affordable. By Trish Robb, New Car Test Drive .com

The Buick LeSabre is a car with a loyal following.

In the grand tradition of full-size American sedans, the LeSabre offers lots of room, plenty of power

and a soft, quiet ride. It offers many of the same amenities as prestige luxury sedans, but in a more

affordable package. And that's just what its cadre of dedicated drivers want.

The car has changed over the years. Modern notions like front-wheel drive, an electronically controlled

V6 engine, and traction control have crept into recent redesigns.

LeSabre owners, though, have not been clamoring for more major changes. After a major redesign last year,

Buick asked LeSabre owners what they would like to see changed. They did not get a long list of demands.

Instead, they were urged not to mess up a good thing. Buick listened.

The most noticeable changes from 1997 to 1998 are new plastic moldings that keep errant grocery carts from

dinging the doors and fenders, new halogen headlights and new end-release seat belts. There's a new transmission,

less-powerful second-generation air bags, and an optional telephone system that puts help just a quick call away.

But none of that changes the LeSabre's basic character.

It remains familiar, yet sophisticated, reliable and comfortable transportation. Buick likes to say the LeSabre offers peace of mind, and it does exactly that.