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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  Lexus who?? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By edoggy - December 14 - 6:07 pm

  I owned a Lexus IS for some time and it seemed only natural that I would graduate to an ES or GS. I saw this and was visually impressed then I drove it and I was hooked. This thing is very fast and very quiet. I purchased the CXS with every option currently available and never looked back. So far so good. The car is a rocket ship in every sense, fast with lots of buttons and technology to support the rocket ship experience. Note: I dont think one can compare a CX to the CXS, its Night and day. To truly enjoy this car you need to move up to the CXS or at a minimum the CXL. And even, its noon and sunset for the CXL and CXS. Ill let you decide who gets to be sunset. Spend the extra $$.

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  gms great hope - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By aldinero - December 9 - 1:59 pm

  great looks very nice interior and lots of room. ride is quiet not too hard or soft too much torque steer. handling is very good, visibility decent.

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  CXL - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By JR - December 5 - 2:46 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I ever owned. I own a ES300 and we used this car more because of the comfort and the higher miles per gallon. The exterior is boring, but everything else about the car has been very good. Great power in the V6 and no mechanical problem over the two years I have owned the LaCrosse. I run about 30,000 miles a year and the car has 90,000 miles without any major problems, just change the oil, tranny fuel, gas up and go.

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  Absulutely Stunning Lexus Fighter - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Michael - December 4 - 11:13 pm

  We were in the market for a luxury car and decided to visit the Lexus dealership and Buick/GMC dealership both located here in town. We first went to to see the new Lacrosse which absolutely looked stunning parked outside. As soon as we laid eyes on the interior of this car we were incredibly surprised at the level of beauty, quality and fit/finish. Could not believe this was a Buick. We went to see the high end Lexus LS and although it looks elegant on the outside, the interior looked too plain and didnt feel special. The new Buick will be in our driveway shortly. Check Mate!

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  Great Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Miley - December 1 - 5:10 am

  I think Ive heard it before, but it is not your fathers Buick! The ride and handling are great. Its extremely quiet. My only knock would be not being able to purchase the 3.8L engine on the CXS model. The 3.8L was plenty of engine for my 01 LeSabre (for me) and got great mileage for a large car. If the LaCrosse holds up, it will be my best car so far.

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  Fine auto for a young family - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By LaCrosse Owner in NC - November 30 - 8:01 pm

  Wife and kids liked the Lacrosse better than the Lexus. Great looks that is enjoyable to drive too. A luxurious car without having to spend a fortune.

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  Its not my Dads Buick, ITS MINE...... - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - November 18 - 3:04 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Lacrosse after driving a VW Touareg for the last 5 years, the Touareg finally got the best of my bank account. The Lacrosse is the most comfortable vehicle that Ive owned and those cars have included Audi, Pontiac, Honda, Isuzu and BMW. This car has already been a really enjoyment in so many ways. So far my MPG has been above 23, the performance of the 3.6 V6 is fantastic and I havent found anything that I havent liked. If your in the market for a new sedan stop into your local Buick dealer, it will be well worth your trip.

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  A work of art - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lacrosse AWD - November 17 - 9:07 pm

  This car is a work of art. I truly mean that. Example: I dont know if this was the plan but it seems the Buick waterfall theme (Grill) is carried over to the center stack. The buttons under the Nav are curved and the center stack flows gently down the center console. You can almost picture running water. I have never seen such attention to detail. And the fit and finish is awe inspiring. As I researched the car I noted my Lacrosse AWD was made by the same company that makes the million dollar Bugatti Veyrons AWD. The exact same one as in the Saab turbo. Fully loaded at 38,000 I feel like I truly got my moneys worth. How many people can say that?

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  Very comfortable and luxurious - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Melissa - November 17 - 8:21 pm

  I just traded in my 09 Toyota Camry, for the Buick La Crosse. I had not been happy with my Camry after trading down from a Z71 Chevy Surburban, as a result of rising gas prices. The Camry seemed cheap and very uncomfortable. to the point my neck was beginning to hurt me for some time. The La Crosse is luxurious, roomy and extremely comfortable. Its fun to drive

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  LaCrosse LaCrosse - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By marymaep - November 9 - 10:27 am

  brought this car with 31,000 from a dealership. with about 40,000 miles it had to be taken in for some sort of air conditioning problem. it stunk when you turned it on. yuck. now im seeming to have a problem turning on the dang car but could be a minor problem. all in all ive been pretty happy with my buick lacrosse besides those things.