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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  2011 LaCrosse - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By phil Sullivan - March 5 - 5:23 am

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  2007 La Crosse CXL - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Art - February 19 - 9:22 am

  We have had this car one month and love it. We looked at the Accords and Camry, but this car afford all the quailty and reliability with the benefit of added interior room. The 3.8 engine provides tremendous torque and we can get 31 mpg highway. It is very quiet and comfortable on the road.

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  Ownership experience - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Glen L. Wright - February 12 - 11:08 am

  I get 29.5 mpg highway and 19 city. Consumer reports says 17 mpg overall. All Japanese cars are rated higher so why does GM allow this. The engine is much quieter than many cars including Japanese so why does Consumer Reports say engine is coarse. The car handles beautifully and is fun to drive. The back seat could use a bit more head room and the trunk lid needs a handle. Overall, this car is excellent. I have owned three Buick Lasabres and they all got 30mpg or better highway driving. I drove from Mcintosh, FL to Franklin, NC a distance of 540 miles on one tank of gas. The fit of doors, trunk lid and hood is excellent . This heavy car is safer than many Japanese cars in a crash

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  It has it all. - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Sylvia - February 3 - 7:35 pm

  LaCrosse is a beautiful, reliable, pampering friend of mine. This car quickly became a new member of the family if you will. I love how it just takes care of me. It is very quiet, comfortable, it behaves well on the road (it does not float the way oldie Buicks used to but it wont treat you to a nasty choppy ride either) and it is very safe (tested great on the government crash tests). Plus, you have added security and convenience of OnStar, XM radio, handsfree phone right on the steering wheel. I even found a comfy seat setting for my back - something that didnt quite happen even in Audi A6. The steering is just right, not too hard, not too wiggly and it adjusts to your speed.

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  18K later - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By neshapop - January 17 - 10:19 am

  Here is my feedback after 18 K mi./28K km. So far the car was problem free, had bearing assembly replaced a few weeks after the purchase but it was a minor issue. Great fuel economy on the highway but a bit thirsty in the city. Great ride and build quality, very satisfied with the vehicle. Outstanding value for the money.

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  Beautiful, Competent, Comfortable - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve Rau - January 17 - 3:26 am

  I am thrilled every day to look at this car in the driveway, especially to hear it running (it has the remote start feature) and get into a cool car on a hot day. Yesterday, I was able to get into a toasty warm car with warm seats, because of the seat heaters that also automatically came on when I pressed the remote start button from inside my house. All the great gadgets work perfectly! Ive had the car over 18 months, and have had no problems, despite the wealth of technology.

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  My Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By 2006 LACROSSE CX - January 2 - 1:32 am

  This is my third Buick after 1996 Century and 2001 Century models. The 2001 was a vast improvement over the 1996 model but I feel the 2006 LaCrosse is not much better over my 2001. The handling and road ride is much better and improved on the 2006. The big difference I noticed is the standard options were reduced on the 2006. I thought in keeping up with the great Buick name that a safety option like heated mirrors would have been standard, also dual controlled heating and air would have remained for a standard option. A problem with my car is when I first start out and then turn my front tires/wheels make a sort of growling sound and then it goes away after Im moving.

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  Buick LaCrosse 2006 - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By LaCrosse CX - January 1 - 3:07 pm

  I enjoy my LaCrosse on the open road she gets good fuel mileage. Also very comfortable driving. No back problems with this one. Dont feel the bumps as much with this one. It is quiet inside. The coefficant drag is good in my opinion. Nice curves and good looks as well. I like the sound system you can adjust to differant types of music. good seating. Easy steering, good maintainability Not a lot of clutter under the hood. The engine could be much quieter than it is. Hope next model year this will improve. I hope for the Stabilitrac in future.

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  Car review - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Randi - December 29 - 1:36 pm

  This car drives very smoothly over any bump in the road. Its great with gas. Turns very nicely, the brakes work great and it has great pick up.

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  I like my Buick LaCrosse at 2,600 miles - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Wayne Knapp - December 28 - 8:31 pm

  Smooth riding auto, like a Buick should be. Floats a little, but not too much. Handles well but not like a Saab. My best gas mileage is about 27 mpg, is a little better if I do not use the cruise control. Probably drops 1-2 mpg on cruise control. Excellent braking and smooth shifting.