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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  Ds review - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Donn - August 8 - 2:56 pm

  I love this new car. The only item with a problem was a brake sensor recall. I am not completely satisfied as the brakes still seem to grab and are not as smooth as I would like although they do stop well.

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  Love My Buick Lacrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By decor1 - August 3 - 12:43 am

  Smooth is the best way to describe the LaCrosse. You can keep your SUVs, Im back in a sedan and loving it. Controls are well placed and easy to use (No tiny buttons to try and find). Seating position is comfortable..thanks to a telescoping steering column. And quiet.....so quiet.

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  CXL fun to drive - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Paul Colella - August 1 - 5:23 pm

  I have had my CXL nearly a month and already have 1800 miles on it. I love it. This is a big improvement over the Regal (I had 3 previous Regals). The ride is much smoother and quieter. I was disappointed in the performance of the 03 Regal and found it rather noisy. After reading about the new design and engineering of the LaCrosse I just had to try it. After 1 long test drive I fell in love with it. Although I passed on the heated seats option, it is a nice feature. My only regret is that I didnt get the CXS model.

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  LeCrosse Sport - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By diefer2 - July 31 - 10:10 am

  I love driving this car! On the freeway, its like Im being chauffered, but on turns and winding roads, it handles like a sports car. There are so many bells and whistles attached, that I spent my first weekend just reading and reviewing the manuals and CDs that came with it. Ive always liked Buick vehicles, but until the LeCrosse came out, I thought Id have to dye my hair silver-blue and move to Sun City Center because thats where all the LeSabre drivers were!

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  Excellent rating for Buick LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By nammtapp - July 30 - 1:21 pm

  This is an excellent automobile. It is a much better car than the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, or other Japanese cars. It is much quieter and much better built. It is not an old folks Buick.

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  Great Car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By thomas - July 30 - 12:23 am

  A very quiet auto. Fun to drive, and has lots of power. I rate it up there with Cadillac.

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  Typical Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By C .Sheppard - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  Very comfortable and quiet.Interior roomy,nice leather.Exterior style boring, especially the rear! CXS should handle bettera sports sedan its not!A handling disappointment over the Olds Intrigue I traded.

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  Typical Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By C .Sheppard - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  Very comfortable and quiet.Interior roomy,nice leather.Exterior style boring, especially the rear! CXS should handle bettera sports sedan its not!A handling disappointment over the Olds Intrigue I traded.

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  The 3800 engine is a proven keeper - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By James Crawford - July 18 - 8:04 pm

  On smooth pavement, this car is very quiet. The dual zone climate control works very well. Engine cruising rpms are surprisingly low. My new Buick has 1,000 miles on it and I can average 25+ MPG on the interstates of Florida & Georgia while set on cruise control at 75 - 80 MPH. The ABS brakes are very controllable for coming to a smooth, non-diving stop. All-around visibility (windshield, side windows, side mirrors, and a really wide view via the automatic day/night rearview mirror)is the best Ive ever had. The rear bumper resident back-up warning system helps give me back some of the sense of depth perception that Ive lost with age! Ive been in Fords for 30 years. Im in Buicks to stay.

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  Quietest car on the road - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Daniel Moore - July 16 - 12:27 pm

  I took this vehicle for a 2500 mile trip shortly after purchase and in all of my years of driving I dont believe I have ever had a car that performed better and offered such a pleasant non-tiring drive. It is interesting that the editors, who dont regularly drive this car dont rate it as highly as do the owners. I took this vehicle through the Eastern mountains and found it great to handle. The first day on the road, and this car was not really broken in, I got just under 33 MPG.