of Buick's large chrome waterfall grille. A chrome strip running all the

way around the car accents the notion that this is well-to-do family transportation.

This is also one of the few cars left that still uses real chrome door

handles.

The thunk that comes when you slam those doors, or the car's sizeable

trunk, is a reassuring sound. This is a solid car, well assembled, with

high quality ratings. One senses it is also a car with few surprises.

The overall shape of the LeSabre is reminiscent of traditional full-size

American family cars. The hood is long, with far less slope than more aerodynamic

designs. The cabin is squarish with virtually no rake to the rear roof

line. A sizeable portion of the car extends forward from the front wheels

and back from the rear wheels. There's not much of Chrysler's cab-forward

design influence here.

But Buick did achieve a more contemporary appearance with the flush

wraparound headlights and trunk-wide rear lights and reflectors.

It comes in two models--the Custom and Limited. Prices start at $22,620,

including destination, and our LeSabre Limited tester, which included traction

control and the slightly stiffer Gran Touring suspension package, was just

under $27,000.