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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  My old Century had a softer ride and seats - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike - July 16 - 2:30 am

  I really shopped and already have an 04 buick century.. The LaCrosse is only slightly quieter, mainly the engine, but tire noise is there. Also the seats are not as comfortable as the Century and the ride seems stiffer... Power in the LaCrosse is smoother and more responsive, and fully loaded on vacation to Florida we got 28 MPG. If the Century is replaced, then the LaCrosse may take its place, but ride quality and seats are an area for improvement...

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  2005 LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L - July 15 - 10:57 pm

  The car is very good on the road. It has a very quiet interior, and you dont hear road noises. I believe the gas consumption is about 18 to 20 miles in the city, and on the road it is 25 to 27 miles to the gallon.

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  Solid car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Carolyn - July 10 - 9:26 am

  It has a nice exterior look, and it doesnt look like every other car in the parking lot. It has a very comfortable ride and take bumps well. As a person who has driven smaller cars in the past, it was easy to get used to.

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  LaCrosse vs Ford 500 - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Beach - July 9 - 2:53 pm

  This car reminds me of the Olds Aurora in design. The quaility of workmanship is fantastic.Its very comfortable to drive, with effortless steering and smooth acceleration. Great radio sound. We made a wise choice with the LaCrosse over the Ford 500, which is under powered.

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  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By RoccoM - July 7 - 4:11 pm

  The steering takes a little getting used to after driving for many years with power steering. The panel lighting is great, and the automatic lights on/off function is welcomed. I like the safety feature of the daytime running lights. A year of free OnStar is enough to get me to pay for it when it comes up for renewal even though it is rather expensive. Fuel economy could be better as could the rear seat room which is very tight especially in terms of head room. All in all a very good card with a great appearance (especially in cardinal red metallic).

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  Smooth and powerful - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By rwisem - July 1 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best Buick I have driven. The build quality is world class and the ride and handling are the best yet for a GM mid-size.

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  My Buick La Crosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jennifer McGinn - June 29 - 12:39 pm

  I am enjoying driving this car - the fourth Buick I have had and it is far superior to the 3 Regals I had before. Road quietness, comfort and ease of operation are just some of its outstanding qualities.

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  LaCrosse is a great value - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jeff - June 24 - 1:35 pm

  The Buick LaCrosse is a tremendous value in the mid-size near luxury segment. It offers elegant styling, fantastic interior comfort and an extremely quiet ride. The engine and drive train are perfectly adequate for commuter and highway driving. The cockpit is sensibly designed with all controls easily accessable. Climate controls, radio, and speed controls are on the steering wheel. The guages are easily readable. I particularly like the LED panel for the information center located in the middle of the speedometer. Very easy to read and use. The materials used in the interior are first rate, very near Cadillac quality. Very nice car..Congats Buick!

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  Poor Handling - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By milford jensen - June 24 - 12:58 am

  I find this car has poor handling on the highway at speed limits. It wanders from left to right and I have to correct the direction all the time to keep it on the road.It will not stay on center or netural position. It is very hard to enjoy driving this car. I also feel that it is not a safe car and could cause a accident. This car has had the alignment checked twice and set to specs.The dealer says they are all like this and cant do anything about.If you are considering buying one of these make sure you drive it on the main highway at speed limits and check to see if it tracks without wandering.

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  Excellent - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lane - June 22 - 12:01 am

  The ride is superb. Still has the Buick ride but quiet with a much needed style upgrade. Definitely a step up.