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:

• 

  Still Mixed Feelings - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Scott - July 25 - 4:07 am

  I have owned my LaCrosse CXS for a year now and like it but have a few issues. My wife really likes it and drives it daily. Fuel mileage is less then expected. With mostly town driving we get 19mpg. Power is great. Transmission is not a smooth as others in this class. Truck is difficult to open. Two issues - drivers side window rattles at high speed and CD player rattles when hit bumpy roads. I like the car but Buick needs to work out some details in design and quality.

• 

  Best car for the money - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dick Lee - July 23 - 8:23 pm

  This car is at the top of the heap as for as Im concerned. Quiet the word here. Plenty of power from the proven 3.8 V6 engine. 28 mpg. Styling, comfort, roadhandling, all excellent. A ton of car for the money. $24k sticker and lots of GM incentives make this a spectacular investment. Finally GM has got it right with this one! A lot of thought to details went into this vehicle. Leasing is a very afordable option to owning this great car. We just love this vehicle of all the previous cars we have owned.

• 

  Couldnt be happier! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Herbert W. Hallman - July 20 - 5:05 pm

  My wife and I love this car. We traded a 97 BMW 528i that we purchased new and initially had some trepidations about our chioce. No longer. Other than somewhat skimpy leg room in the rear and a shallow rear seat, I can think of no negatives. It drives and handles superbly. We love the uncomplicated, staight-across dashboard, the quiet engine and feel of solidity the car engenders. Moreover the car offers exceptional value, in my opinion, when you consider all the extras (6-way power seat on front passenger side, remote engine start, OnStar, XM radio, heated front seats, etc.)

• 

  Premium American Style - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Al in Virginia - July 18 - 4:09 pm

  We are completely satisfied with our Buick LaCrosse. It is an excellent value for any person in the market for a sedan.

• 

  Wonderful - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jules - July 12 - 9:02 am

  Very fun car, have owned Infinitis, BMWs, and Mercedes, and this blows themn out of the water in style, performance, and luxury. Love the dual zone air conditioning. Had to floor the car to avoid getting in an accident on the highway and it was very responsive. Got a fully loaded CXL for 28,000. Thats what you pay for a base Infiniti. Opt for this.

• 

  New - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By BC - July 10 - 6:40 am

  Bought brand new looks great runs good 200 miles on it now hope the brand new feel stays around so far the only thing I wish is that fog lights became standard for better visibility but I am surprised at how quiet it is.

• 

  Excellent Auto - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By DonBoltz - July 6 - 10:16 am

  This is my fourth Buick and they have all been good cars and I would buy another one in three to five years. GM has improved their construction of the cars and they are togather as good as the Japanese autos. I still believe in the autos of USA.

• 

  Steering - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By tanker 31 - July 5 - 7:27 am

  Car steers like a truck. Car floats along the highway at posted speeds.Moves from side to side. Gas mileage on highway about 26.5. Have to take out coolant bottle to check the power steering fluid? Raspy noise and some rubbing coming from steering section when I back up, can feel it on the steering wheel. Still have to manually adjust the seat back. Over all just un-impressed with car for the bucks I had to put out. Will not purchase another GM car period.

• 

  My 2006 Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jim Houston - July 4 - 12:06 pm

  I find it comfortable to drive and be in for long periods of time. Responds well in traffic and has good power and economy.

• 

  Quality car - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By jim wojciechowski - June 25 - 12:42 am

  Much improved over Century, attractive interior, quiet ride and lots of convenient gadgets, fun to drive has all comforts and feel of larger car. Very solid, excellent finished product.