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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  Young to Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By LS Feldman - August 14 - 4:34 pm

  After owning Hondas and Toyotas, all are good cars but I must say Buick gives you more for the money. Ride is quiet, MPG is 30 on the HWY and the car looks big and is roomy for four large guys for a golf day. I paided less than Honda and have more car and the OnStar is a great tool. Monthly service reports online via email. Go Buick, the LaCrosse is what it takes to win back the Honda Toyota buyer. I was reformed.

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  I love my LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By ABC - August 2 - 11:30 am

  The LaCrosse has high performance 3.8L engine, excellent suspension system, helpful computer gadgetry, and European elegance inside and out. Good job, GM.

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  Good value - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Art - July 27 - 5:26 am

  My LaCrosse CXL has real curb appeal and nice features such as the telescoping stearing wheel. Its very comfortable on the open road, although gas mileage is not as good as the LeSabre I traded in for it. The brakes are very good but acceleration is just ok. I wish GM had made the larger engine standard. The standard radio sounds surprisingly good and adjusts volume as you increase speed. Neat.

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  LaCrosse, Best in Class - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Florida Amy - July 22 - 5:02 pm

  We are absolutely thrilled with our LaCrosse. It is luxurious and exilerating. I look for reasons to leave the house just so I can drive the LaCrosse. The 3.8l V-6 needs no urging and jumps at the chance to run like the wind! It dives into corners with an unquenchable hunger and the traction control adds a new level of control. The car is almost alive in its ability to know how to get through the corners. You dont drive a LaCrosse, you command a LaCrosse! Weve never been so thrilled by a "luxury" sedan.

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  Look again Consumer Reports - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike Perry - July 19 - 8:32 pm

  Car magazines under rate this car, while owners rave about them.Lets start with the outstanding good looks of the vehicle, no other car can compare to it for looks. So I would advise those who test these cars to "look again" and rate them more fairly. If you had to buy a car for your own use you would want one of these.

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  Great highway car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jake - July 19 - 8:23 am

  I bought my Lacrosse last year and do a lot of highway travel. It gets great gas milage I can depend on getting 30 MPG on the highway. The ride is incredible and coupled with XM radio and the piece of mind of Onstar the miles fly buy. The remote start is nice during the winter, I like that the climate control will automatically turn on the defosters when using the remote start. I have yet to have anything go wrong with it.

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  One great buy - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By robert - July 17 - 2:04 pm

  My intentions were to purchase a Honda Accord for the gas milelege and resale. When I first look at the Lacrosse in May without the Chrome Package & it looked plain to me. I drove the car 1500 miles on vacation last week and what a ride. I want to commend Buick on the ride, performance, and most of all the gas milelege for a new car. Wow, 30MPG. What a great car. I never was so pleased

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  I like my car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By tracy - July 9 - 6:07 pm

  This car is great with two kids. No problem or issues of space and maneuvering around within the car. Im not a fan of the 2 blind spots off the front 2 corners of the vehicle but I have adjusted. The only other problem is that it feels like the transmission skips once in awhile. I believe that is what the recall is for. I just havent got it in. Ive owned the car 5 years I bought it used it was a rental vehicle. I never use the triptonic feature, I think its a silly feature and its just something else to break.

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  Best Car We Have Had - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mrs Brown - July 6 - 9:28 am

  Bought an 07 with little over 4,000 miles. We were impressed with the extras, remote start, dual climate control among many others. We get tons of compliments on this car. Only suggestion would be to add air vents in back for back seat riders. Overall, the best car we have owned by far. The ride is very smooth, the power is awesome.

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  Good but I would wait till GM gets it right. - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pat - June 14 - 3:30 am

  I had turned in my 2015 Impala and was looking for another sedan. I had driven the Chrysler 300 and the Lexus ES 350. My local Buick dealer let me take the Lacrosse for the weekend to give it a thorough test drive. While the car has many positive attributes, there are few major issues that kept me from buying it. First the good: The engine and transmission are a dream and provide smooth, quick, fuel efficient operation. The engine has strong exceleration and utilizes cylinder deactivation on the highway. I achieved an incredible 31 mpg highway which is very good for this size of car. The 8 speed transmission is the best I have ever driven and unlike other 8 speeds, it doesnt hunt back and forth for the right gear. It shifts so imperceptibly, there were many times I had no idea what gear I was in. Very Nice! Lastly, you can order Adaptive Cruise with an 18", 19" or 20" tire so you can get a comfortable, bump absorbing tire without having to be pushed into a package of options that includes hard riding 20" tires. Now the bad: I dont know who they are designing these front seats for but Im a small guy, 175 lbs and the seat was too narrow for my legs and thighs. Ive seen this in Cadillacs as well. Hello GM! Side seat bolsters are for THIGH SUPPORT, not to SIT ON or increase pressure on driver/front passenger legs! The bucket seat width narrows towards the seat back so much that my uppers legs were sitting directly ON the side bolsters. After 20 miles, the backs of my upper legs were hurting from the pressure. This absolutely killed the car for me which is too bad. The seat cushion itself was pretty comfy but the side bolsters were unbearable and my salesman said he had heard the same complaint from other potential customers as well. The next issue was overall quality with the car having a "cheap feel" to it. The rear, fold down seat back would not latch and lock in the upright position. The exposed, stationary latch mechanism attached to the back trunk wall (with grease all over it) was locked in the closed position so it couldnt engage with the seat back. I looked at it for several minutes trying to figure it out but could not get it to release. Looking into the trunk from the rear I saw polyester white foam stuffed in behind the trunk wall and the seat back that was coming loose and falling out. I have no idea where this foam was supposed to go or what its purpose was. The morning I was supposed to return it, the battery died and I had to charge it. Then an error light came on referring to a transmission problem. This car had only 700 miles on it and cost $43,000 +, you just shouldnt have these kinds of problems! My 15 Impala was perfect and trouble free for the duration of my 24 month lease. Its seats were wide, supportive and comfortable. The car was quiet, and had great build quality and materials. I wish I could take this advanced engine and transmission and put it in the 2017 model I ended up purchasing. The bad thing about the Impala (again, Hello GM!) is I got pushed into a 20" tire to get my adaptive cruise which I will be quickly trading out for more comfortable riding 18" tires. The 20" tires transmit every road imperfection and make for a very hard, uncomfortable ride. I know, they look very cool but to me, its not worth the sacrifice in comfort. Ive researched how the adaptive cruise works and talked to my engineering friends in the auto industry and contrary to popular belief, you can change tire sizes without any problems.