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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  Base LaCrosse CX - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bill T. - May 22 - 3:21 pm

  Great car--quiet, responsive even with base engine, reasonable gas mileage averaging 25 mpg in city/highway driving. Interior treatments give effect of more expensive vehicle. Basic plastic wheel covers needs to be improved since noise is evident when windows open. Headroom is tight, otherwise interior dimensions are more than adequate. Rear end is not in character with Buick. Needs taillight treatment across entire rearend as in recent Centurys, Regals, LeSabres. Right now, the rear looks too much like a Taurus. ABS/Traction Control needs to be standard on a car of this caliber (GM is including it on 2006 models). Recall is in effect but no dealers have parts to make repairs.

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  A Joy to Drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By 2005 Buick LaCrosse - May 21 - 2:55 pm

  We have about 2000 miles on this new car. So far we are pleased with it. On the highway we are getting in perfect conditions around 30 mpg. In town around 19/20 mpg. 1st new car where we havent had to go to the dealership for an adjustment for this or that. Completely happy with it thus far. Like the driver "screen" which tells you EVERYTHING! (MPG, Miles traveled on a trip, how many miles are left before next recommended oil change, etc) :)

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  I like it and I used to drive Park Aves. - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Ginther - May 20 - 6:44 pm

  I love the ride and how quiet this car is in comparison to larger wheel-base cars I have owned in the past.Tight finish. Solid feel Easy handling.

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  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By S.kmetz - May 19 - 11:06 am

  I love my LaCrosse. At this point, I would consider another one when my lease is up. Dont change the exterior design. It is beautiful. Would like car designers to take into consideration minor interior changes for the next model year that would add more comfort for a shorter person (52). The LaCrosse is geared more to taller people. See comments below. I love the smooth acceleration and the quiet cabin.

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  Just OK - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dean812 - May 18 - 11:25 am

  Numerous things you took for granted on other cars, arent there. For example folding side mirrors. In the garage they used to come in handy. Wipers very poor. Nowhere to hold to close downsized trunk. Last 7 cars were Buicks, but not next time!

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  Great Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Anthony Giglio - May 13 - 9:59 pm

  I have had my La Crosse for about two months and have driven it almost 5,000 miles. It handles beautifully and has the quietest ride of any vehicle I have owned in the last 30 years. I have had no need for warranty work at all. I am very pleased with this automobile.

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  LaCrosse is Very Good - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bud - May 12 - 1:10 am

  Negatives are few and mostly unimportant: engine is noisy on outside of car outside mirrors cannot collapse seatbacks recline by lever instead of power no tire pressure indicators (bad oversight) Overall mpg with a 75/25 city/hwy ratio is only 17 mpg (EPA rating is 20- 29). Thats it! Car is very quiet, has excellent buttoned-down ride, excellent driveability, very good acceleration, esp. at highway speeds and is a pleasure to drive. Fit and finish are excellent, and we like the styling and the interior layout - its clean. In short, we are very pleased with the 2005 Buick LaCrosse.

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  I like the car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By bowlerman - May 10 - 7:04 pm

  The auto rides very smooth and quiet. It is very comfortable to sit in and drive. I do not like the insert for ignition key. It is hidden. It has plenty of room for all to sit in.

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  LaCrosse - quiet ride - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By William Ray - May 9 - 2:24 pm

  The Buick LaCrosse has a very good feel for the road without making you think youre in a tight suspension sports car. The quiet ride is the most impressive of any car I have ever driven. You simply cannot hear other cars going by. The hands-off phone system lets you make phone calls by speaking rather than holding a cell phone to your ear. Compared to similar models from other companies, the LaCrosse is a bargain in the mid 20 thousand dollar range. Drive it before you buy a Honda, Toyota, Nissan or Acura.

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  Rides like a rock - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Scott H - April 28 - 6:25 am

  I have a crimson red premium with the 20" wheels and tires. What a mistake. I drove the 18" version prior to getting mine and it was a floater. This one, equipped with RE97s rides like a go kart. And in sport mode it feels like you have no suspension at all. Now true, Im a sporting sort of guy for an old geezer, but this car rides harder than a Vette or Z/28 that Ive owned and its not in the same universe as my Pontiac G8 GT. At 500 miles I replaced the tires (at my expense) with Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 and that helped a little. It still doesnt cure the issue that the suspension tuning is way off the charts. Its never still, never smooth. Going to the dealer service dept. tomorrow, but I highly doubt theres anything that can be done as its just the way the car is. True, big wheels, but still a 40 series tire just like the 19s" on my G8. Why can the G8 ride light-years better on far more aggressive tires (RE-11s)? Other than the above, no complaints. Update: I did take the car to the very helpful dealership because GM wouldnt talk to me unless I did. Checked out nothing wrong and to spec as expected. I also got a chance to drive another new one with the 20" wheels and tires with the hyper-strut and adaptive damping. It was just as bad if not worse (as it had the OEM RE-97s). Ive asked the service manager to run this up the ladder with GM regional service folks to see if we can get engineering to take notice. Hard to believe that they put this car out in the captured test fleet and this wasnt noticed, especially on Detroit streets. Update at 1,300 miles. Now that Im getting a few miles on it, the suspension isnt quite as brittle as it was before. Just got back from a 500 mile trip to the Detroit Auto Show where cruising at 80 mph up and back I got 30 mpg or just under. Detroit city streets took the edge of of the ride a bit. Its now in the range where I can tolerate it. Comfy seats for long trips and extreme quiet help. I got up there much more rested than past trips. I may end up liking this car after all.