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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  Nice wheels - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - September 17 - 1:09 pm

  A perfect car for the times. Not too large but plenty of room and great on gas.

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  This car turns heads - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By THOMAS - September 16 - 2:25 pm

  This is the best car I have had in years, ever time I go some were I always here someone say nice car, my car is black on black, over all this is one nice car.

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  A Jewel of a car / 05 LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By bill miller - September 15 - 2:06 pm

  This automobile drives and rides better than anything Ive ever owned. It is quiet, confortable, handles well in all driving situations, and is a joy to travel with on a trip. It doesnt pretend to be a trendy sports sedan with too much glitz and impractical compromises. The car is an extremely well made sensible car for grownups.

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  Black Buick CX - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom - September 11 - 12:19 am

  This is my first Buick. This is a company vehicle so I get my use out of it and drive many miles. 1200 so far and have had it 2 weeks. The CX is loaded with all the basics, ABS, Traction control, remote, etc. The only option was the aluminum wheels which I highly recommend for looks and value. This car rides excellent. mileage is claimed at 20/ 30 and I am getting about 28 mostly highway. The 3.8 has more power than a Taurus V6 and is adequate. The transmission is OK. Great mileage for a car of this size. Positives- Interior very well done, looks rich. Quiet. nice ride, not sporty but not boaty. The black looks like a lexus 300, cool! Very nice fitments. The stereo is excellent.

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  This Buick could be better - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom - September 8 - 3:41 pm

  I really like the interior and exterior styling and the fit and finish are very good. The ride is smooth and quiet. However, I drive for work and find the seat very uncomfortable after long rides day after day. It seems that along the sides of the seats there is not enough cushion to shield the driver from the metal structure beneath. It has made me think of trading in an otherwise great car earlier than planned.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By DADIRV - September 7 - 11:43 pm

  Lags when accelerating from one lane to another on the highway. Jars the teeth when riding over light road irregularities. Creeps when waiting for traffic lights to change. Mpg is poor. On the road without city driving may be 21 mpg. City driving gives me 15-16 mpg. My 93 Buick Park Ave gave me better mileage on the road. The thermometer inside reads wrong all the time. I would guess that there is some sort of electronic problem.

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  LaCrosse CXS - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By sscott1 - September 7 - 11:33 pm

  I bought my LaCrosse three months ago and traded a 99 Regal GSE. I loved the Regal, but the premium fuel was getting expensive. I expected to get 23 MPG on the LaCrosse and am getting 19. I expected a performance hit over the Regal and I got it. I got 22 MPG with the Regal with EPA rating of 18/26. The LaCrosse is rated 19/27 on regular gas. The car is quiet and comfortable with nice features. I can live with the performance hit, but the mileage is tough to take at $3 per gallon. Anyone considering a CXS should be aware of what you will be getting on mileage. So far I have had no warranty issues. This one is my tenth GM car and will be my last. All in all I should have bought a Toyota!

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  2005 Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By SDS - September 7 - 10:26 pm

  Excellent value. Outstanding handling and pickup. Looks classy, yet sporty. Cant beat it for the money. LOVE IT!

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  my LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Babs 4-3 - September 7 - 12:51 am

  I could not have bought a better car, the LaCrosse is just the right car for me. I also have the remote start, and living in OR. where it does snow and get cold, it will be great to warm it up, I have already used it when we have temps in the high 90s to cool it down. It works great

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  LaCrosse is wonderful - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By thedago - September 6 - 5:14 pm

  This is my 4th Buick. The LaCrosse is everything the advertisements say. I wanted it because of the quiet and smooth ride. Quite an improvement over the Regal. I have had my CXL for 2 months and i am quite satisfied. I already have over 3700 miles on it. At first I was disappointed in the gas mileage. But after my last road trip encompassing 600 miles I was stasfied. I averaged just under 29 MPG on the highway (which the sticker indicates). However, city driving drops the MPG considerably. I really love the way the car performed in rainy conditions, and the headlamps are nice and bright.Overall I have no complaints.