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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  excellent car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lynn Richardson - March 31 - 10:20 am

  Roomy,quiet smooth ride. Hugs the road, and handles better then my BMW. Costs much less then BMW.

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  Buick sets new benchmark in Luxury Sedans - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Firemedic1105 - November 16 - 7:22 am

  "I own the redesigned 2017 Buick LaCrosse, Premium/AWD. Previously I drove the 2010 LaCrosse, purchased new and redesigned that year. My satisfaction with the previous generation was outstanding, delivering exceptional service and reaching nearly 80K miles at trade-in. The NEW generation LaCrosse for 2017 undoubtedly sets a higher benchmark for Domestic Luxury Sedans! In addition to its superior comfort and quietness while in motion, this model simply excels in technology and efficiency. Loaded with every safety feature imaginable, this Buick also includes the most advanced 3.6l VVT 310hp V-6 engine, that includes Auto Cylinder-Deactivation and Auto Start-Stop technology. These features collectively assure impressive gas mileage without compromising on rapid acceleration. The latest available, 8-speed auto transmission, is operated by a very intuitive, shift-by-wire control knob. Gear transitions are flawless at speed. Being completely fair & honest with such low mileage currently, I choose not to rate my experience in reliability. However, if this model meets or exceeds my experience with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, I will surely give it a 10/10 as well. I have no doubts on the future of this car. Every Professional review that Ive researched, suggests that this Buick will indeed give most comparable Foreign Luxury Sedans a serious run for their money! "

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pat Manzo - September 17 - 9:06 pm

  This car is a dream to drive. The CXS model combines refinement and power to a top-notch level. Critiques on only having a 4-speed transmission, lack of an automatic seat lever, and a navigation option seem annoyingly demeaning to a superbly manufactured automobile.

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  Auto stop sucks - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jerry Adamson - July 27 - 7:30 pm

  This car has an engine auto stop program in it that shuts off the engine at every stop to save gas. The transmission jerks when it shuts off and starts up. It feels like someone just ran into the rear of the car when it starts up. This program will not let you come to a smooth stop before the engine stops. Then after the engine stops and it needs to start up again to operate the air conditioning, the car jumps ahead when the engine starts up again. Impossible to creep forward slowly. It is very annoying, aggravating and uncomfortable feeling. There is no way one can shut off this auto stop program. If I knew that this was going to happen, I would not have bought this car. Everything else in or on the car is great.

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  FINALLY GM BUILT A REAL CAR - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By JOHND - May 12 - 12:46 pm

  i have been in the car business buying and selling for 40 years and i have never driven a domestic car like the buick cxs lacrosse,unbelievable our country has finally built a real car and its aforadable,especially compared to the imports in the same class,everything about it is right,mine list for 39 with all the gingerbread im glad i gave this car a chance before i bought another lexus.

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  The Buick of Automobiles - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Coccio - April 5 - 2:56 am

  Well, after a month I must say this is one fantastic car. People are raving about its good looks. Family members who drive imports say "THATS a BUICK??? Well, its about time" That may be an indictment to GM recent past as a "car" maker, but this car has arrived. While there is road noise from under the car, it is generally quiet, the nav system works great, back up camera makes backing silly easy. Everyone who rides in back raves how comfortable it is. You can feel the bumps in the road, but it isnt a jarring feel. As far as handling, this car stays planted around corners, which says something for a 4000 pound plus car.

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  buick reborn - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By e alvarez - February 1 - 10:30 am

  This car is sleek rides well and very comfortable. The 3.6 v6 engine is powerful and has great throttle response. The sport suspension corrects the old stodgy buick handling.

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  My LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dmn - January 8 - 1:06 am

  I purchased this vehicle last November and drove it from New York to Florida for the holidays. This vehicle is comfortable, quiet and I got around 26 miles to the gallon. Thats pretty good for a brand new vehicle.

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  Fantastic! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Heidi - December 28 - 2:13 am

  I traded in my 2009 Toyota Venza after only 2800 miles on it for this. That car was starting to have squeeks and terrible rattling noise coming from the dash. My husband drives the 2006 Lucerne which is fantastic as well, the LaCrosse is just the little sporter version. Very happy with the "quietness" and wonderful ride. Good handeling and styling. Great quality, you get a lot more for your money with Buick products and luxury. We used to be Toyota and Honda buyers, have learned quickly about the quality and luxury Buick has to offer with a MUCH MORE superior product! Love it! Cant go wrong with either the Lucerne or LaCrosse!

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  2005 Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By E Nelson - November 30 - 12:56 am

  We just recently purchased the LaCrosse. less than 1,000 miles on it at this point, but so far we are pleased. It seems to be quieter than our 2000 Regal. Steering and braking is more responsive. The beige interior could be too light and harder to keep clean. This is the first new car that we purchased where we didnt immediately have to have something adjusted or taken care of at the dealership. Quality control seems to be good on this one.