Overview & Reviews

During the course of two generations, the Buick LaCrosse has been a large, five-passenger sedan. That's really where the similarities end, though, as they are radically different cars indicative of much different eras for the Buick brand.

The first LaCrosse was the epitome of old Buick, in more ways than one. Bland to look at, blander to drive and with a cabin filled with subpar materials, it was a decade behind the times. Its large size and simple controls at least made it popular among senior car shoppers. The current-generation LaCrosse, however, is a far more modern, stylish and overall impressive automobile that is not only one of the better full-size sedans you can buy, but even gives certain luxury-branded large sedans a run for their money. Regardless of your age, it's definitely worth consideration.

Current Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a large sedan that blends modern styling and surprisingly accomplished handling with traditional Buick traits like light-effort steering and a cushy ride. The base engine consists of a mild-hybrid setup dubbed "eAssist" that pairs a 2.4-liter 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine with an 11-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Fuel mileage estimates for this roomy sedan are impressive, at almost 30 mpg combined. A 3.6-liter V6 with 303 hp is also available. A six-speed automatic is the lone transmission choice either way. Front-wheel drive is standard, though V6 buyers can also opt for all-wheel drive.

There are four trim levels: base, Leather, Premium 1 and Premium 2. Even the base is well equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar, Bluetooth, a USB/iPod interface and smartphone integration. Moving up through the trims provides an ever-growing standard features list -- a rearview camera, heated and ventilated front seats and xenon headlights among them -- culminating in the Premium 2, which counts 20-inch wheels and a navigation system among its standard niceties. Packages are available that add options that include blind-spot, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the LaCrosse's appealing dual nature. Those looking for a traditional, plush Buick ride will be pleased. At the same time, so will those looking for a more engaging full-size sedan, as the LaCrosse is surprisingly nimble and sure-footed given its size. It's not a sport sedan, but it is on par with the Lexus ES 350, and gives up nothing in ride comfort. Spirited acceleration makes the 3.6-liter V6 the obvious choice for those who demand some old-fashioned grunt from their big sedan, though the high fuel efficiency of the eAssist powertrain makes its sluggish acceleration a lot easier to tolerate.

The LaCrosse also impresses in non-dynamic respects. The backseat is roomy and comfortable, and the front seats offer firm support that's more German sedan than American land yacht. The dashboard design is sleek and sophisticated, and materials quality is good except for some rough plastic edges and superfluous chrome here and there. Buick's Intellilink electronics control is dominated by a large touchscreen that does a fairly good job of controlling infotainment tasks both simple (changing a radio station) and complicated (entering a navigation destination). One of our few complaints involves the 13-cubic-foot trunk, which is unusually small for this segment. The hybrid's trunk shrinks even more -- down to 10.8 cubic feet -- to accommodate the battery pack.

Used Buick LaCrosse Models
The second-generation LaCrosse debuted for 2010 and was offered in base CX, midlevel CXL and top-of-the-line CXS trim levels. Initially, there were two V6 engines offered: a 255-hp, 3.0-liter V6 and a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Later that model year, a 182-hp, 2.4-liter inline-4 became the base engine, but it's quite underpowered and we'd avoid it. The smaller V6 was dropped the following year and the four-cylinder version gained a new electric power steering system. The eAssist hybrid replaced the base four-cylinder for '12.

These LaCrosse models sold prior to 2014 had slightly different exterior styling and Buick's previous-generation interior electronics controls that featured a great many buttons and could be confusing to use. Intellilink's smartphone integration features as well as electronic safety features like lane change alerts and rear cross traffic alerts were also unavailable prior to '14.

The first-generation Buick LaCrosse was produced for the 2005-'09 model years. Its basic platform was similar to that of a few other General Motors products, including the Pontiac Grand Prix. Its highlights were available six-passenger seating (with a front bench seat), a large trunk and a soft, isolated and quiet ride.

There were three trim levels for most of the original LaCrosse's run: CX, CXL and CXS. The Super model joined the lineup in 2008. The CX and CXL were powered by GM's venerable 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower V6, while the CXS got a 3.6-liter V6 good for 240 hp, and the Super was motivated by a 5.3-liter small-block V8 providing 300 hp. All engines routed their power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The CX came with basics like air-conditioning and full power accessories, while the CXL stepped up to leather upholstery, automatic climate control and more upscale exterior trim. The CXS added the peppier V6, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a quicker steering ratio and a split-folding rear seat. The top-of-the-line Super featured a broad-shouldered V8, a sport suspension, unique front and rear styling and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

In reviews, our editors found the first-generation Buick LaCrosse to be a mixed bag. On the plus side, the car offered Buick's traditional soft, quiet ride, and acceleration was fine, particularly with the Super's V8, a rarity in a front-drive luxury car. The gauges were easily read, and storage space was ample thanks to the roomy 16-cubic-foot trunk.

However, we thought the soft seats unsupportive on longer drives, and found the car's faux wood trim and standard "mouse fur" upholstery a bit hokey. Furthermore, there was an abundance of cheap plastics on the center console, and the backseat offered rather tight accommodations for a car this size. As you might expect, the LaCrosse was "LaConfused" when driven through corners with any gusto, displaying significant body roll and lazy steering response. The four-speed automatic was another liability, as competing cars typically offered more efficient five- and six-speed units.

Notable changes during the original Buick LaCrosse's run began in 2006, when head-protecting side curtain airbags and antilock brakes became standard on all models. The Super joined the lineup for 2008, while Bluetooth was added (and the CXS model dropped) for 2009, the last year of production.

User Reviews:

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  Beautiful Car - Wish I Could Drive It - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By dc - March 24 - 8:20 pm

  This is an absolutely gorgeous car. I also own a Lexus ES350 and I am still undecided which is better from a design perspective. From a quality and reliability perspective Lexus beats this car and GM hands down. I purchased the CXS just over a week ago and I have only been able to drive it three times. The rest of the time it has been at the dealership. After purchase, I was not on the road for 5 minutes when I started getting warning messages. The dealer now informs me that the computer is bad so I have not been able to drive the car. I wish they could fix this problem right away because as I said it is a dream to drive and the G6 I have as a loaner is very disappointing.

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  Great Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By doc15 - March 23 - 10:17 am

  If youre looking for quiet and comfort the Lacrosse has it. Outstanding ride. Shuts out outside noise and bumps. Have receive many compliments on its looks on the street. Not tiring after long drives. Back seats very comfortable for adults. I would recommend this car if style and comfort are your main objectives.

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  Decent car but there are better options - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Josephine - March 18 - 11:21 am

  Was a loyal Toyota fan. I needed to replace my Avalon for 2010. I bought this car through the suggestion of a friend that loved this new car. Overall, I cant say Im displeased, but I should have looked at more options. The drive is kind of uninspiring, in traffic. I dont feel that there is enough steering feel as well as engine power to drive safely in this crowded area of Los Angeles

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  Awesome - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By MR BUICK - March 13 - 8:11 am

  I have driven a lot of nice vehicles in my life, but the LaCrosse outshines them all. I have been stopped many times asking if this was a Buick. Great in bad weather (did wonderful in the snow) and comfort to spare. How quiet it is will blow you away. Do yourself a favor and get one.

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  Great Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom - March 12 - 11:52 am

  Quiet and comfortable. Locks out road noise. In my opinion, ride is on par with Lexis 350. Ambient (Ice Blue) lighting is great. Controls easy to use. Seats are comfortable, not tired after long drives. Overall, Looks like Buick got it right with the Lacrosse.

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  Look out Lexus! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By shkspier - March 5 - 9:33 pm

  Ive only had my car for a few weeks but am LOVING it. Im a youthful 43 year old man and never thought Id own a Buick. This vehicle oozes class, style and performance, all for about $10K less than a Lexus. The ride is comfortable, but tight -- nothing like the "marshmallow" suspension Ive always associated with Buicks. A bit nervous about the reliability of a GM but willing to give it a shot with the new upgraded warranty (finally). Ive always owned Toyotas, Lexus, etc but glad to say I own an American vehicle now.

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  Overall outstanding car with few flaws - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - March 3 - 4:24 pm

  Ill sum up the good points first: 1) Style: This car looks better than a lexus, mercedes, audi, or bmw. Hands down. 2) Interior style: I love the accent lighting, the displays, the information center with radio 3) I love the bluetooth for cell phones. Totally worth it dont skip it. Trust me. 4) Engine: I love the power and the auto-stick feature. Fun! What I dont like: 1) Drivers seat is not deep enough. It also has a hard plastic portion that sticks out. Youll bruise your thigh getting in an out if not careful. I learned the hard way. 2) Small trunk 3) USB/Power outlet in center console 4) Gas tank on wrong side (can be good for busy gas stations)

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  Not your fathers Buick! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By GM 3.8 fan - February 23 - 9:42 am

  I bought this CXL with the legendary 3.8 engine. It had 37,000 miles and was lightly used. I have driven it 7,000 miles. I love the 3.8 engine and GM got it right with the last of the series. Great around town mileage and good highway mileage. The original tires are about shot and I intend to upgrade with premium rubber. GM needs to put better original tires on its premium models. No problems and my mechanic has raved about the good deal I got from a VW dealer. The car depreciated to where a guy with two kids in college can afford a top line car for the cost of a tin can. My only complaint is that I wish the front leather seats were as nice as the European-style seats on my 1994 Bonneville.

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  This aint your daddys Buick! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By jbprice92 - February 17 - 4:26 pm

  Wow! I have had 10 cars in my life and only one did I love--a Mazda Millenia--this blows it out of the water. My husband and I went to the car show to look at cars--I was set on another Mazda until I saw the interior of this car. It is unreal. Beautiful and elegant and Oh what a ride!! I am 45 and feared the stigma of the "old person" Buick--but I got over that very quickly. I cant wait to get in this car and drive it. It is simply amazing. I compared it to the Lexus and it didnt even come close! If you are considering other models--go look at the interior of this car and then drive it. I guarantee it will blow you away.

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  Comforable and quiet ride - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By MarkZ - February 8 - 11:07 pm

  Have drive car 54000 mile with no problems. Very advanced handling and braking system. A pleasure to drive long distance in the front seat rear is a little tight for adults for more than couple of hours. Could have made rear seats and leg room more accommodating. take front the long front end of car or add couple inches to vehicle, Wish I had bought the lacerne. Love the heated seats in colder climates and cool mornings. Would like heated front window orwipers snow and ice collect under windshield wipers. Previous cars Buick Park Ave,Toyota Previa,GMC savannah. Gas mileage could be better(24MPG)200HP traded for power. High performance tires noticeable improvement in ride and handling.