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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  Best Vehicle I Have Purchased - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Hitman1970 - October 1 - 8:27 am

  Buick got it right this time in a big way. I am a 35 yr old male, and love just about everything about this car. The value, price, appearance, ride, and performance were exactly what I was hoping to get in my next auto purchase. The sleek black exterior with chrome appearance package is very sleek. The gapping on all the panels inside in out is up there with the best in the industry. The CXS trim competes with and beats comparable Lexus easily. The Harmon Kardon sound system is awesome. Satellite radio is fantastic too. The ride is smooth and tight on corners. So glad I considered a Buick. They are superior vehicles.

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  Pros and cons - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - September 30 - 8:10 am

  Pros: firm road feel, 400 miles to a 17 gallon tank (23.6 mpg), quiet and spacious interior, comfortable cloth seats, attractive exterior colors available. Effective and quiet A/C and heating. Cons: whats with the drab instrument display? Steering wheel could be set a bit further from dash. Inferior audio in base model. A/C vents with diffused air only.

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  The good,the bad & the ugly - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jack - September 27 - 8:11 am

  The Lacrosse CXS is fun to drive. Very comfortable seats. Lots of power from the new 3.6 variable-valve-timing V-6. Love the XM satellite radio. Good fit and finish, both inside and out. Good handling car. Much better driving and more comfortable seats than previously owned 2006 Lucerne CXL V-6. Poor gas mileage on the 3.6 V-6. Some kind of reflection appears in both sideview mirrors (suspect from bright moulding at bottom of front side windows?) Dont like GM forcing customer to buy their OnStar system. I could live without it. Rear seat leg room barely adequate. The rear view is rather ugly, especially with the 2 big tin can mufflers.

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  Well pleased - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By jimj - September 25 - 8:17 pm

  Now have 600 miles on car and remain generally pleased. Car is a great value, rides too good. At 65mph, feels like 40 mph. Hope it does not get me too many tickets. Some improvements could be added. Trunk has no handle to open lid, requires fingernails be placed under lid to open. Power steering pump requires coolant bottle be removed to check fluid level. Love the trip computer, but need to figure out how it works. Car should have fuel range of 510 miles with a full tank, but computer says about 375 at fill up, then increases as I drive. I guess its reacting to how fast/economically I am driving, but I would prefer it to go the the full range at fillup and then reduce available miles as I drive

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  Very happy owner - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By bob raskin - September 19 - 1:07 pm

  Effortless driving, smooth transmission. It handles well on curves and at hiway speed. Very quiet inside, zero road noise. No repair issues after 1 year of use

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  Love my Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By BearSgt - September 14 - 10:30 pm

  Had my LaCrosse now for a bit over one year. The only problems associated with this vehicle are the rotors and wheel bearings. Only have 14,000 miles on it and had to have 3 rotors and wheel bearings replaced. It needs to get better gas mileage and a handle to assist in opening the trunk. Otherwise, I love the car. Its very quiet and has a smooth ride.

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  First ever Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Norman Kairns - September 12 - 6:28 am

  Been a GM person most of my driving life, and this is the first Buick Ive owned. Nice car. Clean finish and very comfortable to drive. However, the car could use a little more head room in all seating positions.

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  Talk about value! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kirk - September 8 - 4:42 pm

  I put a great deal of time and research in before deciding to buy this car. I looked at 300, Impala, Saturn Azura, and the Grand Prix. I am a GM discount buyer, but even if I wasnt, this would have been the car I would have bought. 4 year 50,000 warranty a plus. It has rear head airbags standard, a $700 option on some cars! I traded my BMW 740i in for this car. The more I drive, the more I like it. Compare and youll see the value. OnStar is great to have. The rebates easily made this a hands down winner.

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  I Love My New Car! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Debbie - September 6 - 8:37 pm

  I have only had my car a few days, and really love it! It looks great, the drive is really quiet and comfy, and I am very satisfied. I get great compliments on the looks also. To anyone who thinks a Buick is a "grandma car" I say they need to take a new look at the Buick line, especially the sporty look of the LaCrosse!

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  First Experience - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bob Bennett - July 29 - 7:53 am

  This is my first Buick in my 43 years of driving and owning many different cars. I am amazed with the comfort, style and the price for so much luxury. This vehicle is actually fun to drive. With the cost of gas, the fuel ecomomy for the size and roominess of this vehicle is better then stated both in city and on the highway without cutting power. The new Buick is now for all ages and it came at the right time. Buick did their homework and they get an "A" with me.