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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  Owner, 4 day"s - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Charles Skaggs - January 16 - 1:53 am

  Ive driven this Buick 100 miles,itis the quietest car I"ve ever driven. Ride is excellent.

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  My Last Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Austin - October 17 - 6:06 am

  I had rave reviews for this car when I first bought it. That has changed after a month of ownership. I will start off by saying that this car would be owned by Buick right now, if I was not pressured into taking $500 to waive the 60 day buy back program. Two days after I bought the car it started pulling to the left. The dealership in Delaware OH) said they didnt have the equipment and told me to try back in a few weeks. The dealership then refused to return any calls. Another dealership tried to fix the pulling and have not been successful. Now the Sunroof doesnt work and the sun shade works when it feels like it. And they wont buy it back! Thanks GM-you lost 1 more.

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  Not another Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Grandpapaul - October 9 - 5:37 am

  My wife wanted a Lacrosse and bought this car 3 years ago with 28K on it. Three months later she bought a Honda Accord and couldnt sell this piece of junk. I had a recall on my Grand Prix and got an email from Buick suggesting I consider a Buick for my next purchase. I replied that I I have an 05 Lacrosse and it junk. After a year of back and forth emails they quit responding. 1. Climate control utilizes air conditioning 100% of the time. I turn it off every time I start it to save gas but it as it comes back on when restarted. 2. Replaced hood struts. 3. Replaced rear window regulator which is rarely used. 4. Drivers mirror quit working. 5. Head lights dont turn off until driving in daylight for an hour. 6. Outside temp takes a couple of miles before going to correct temp. 7. On occasion the engine runs rough. Shut it off and restart and its fine. 8. Dash cracked four times in the first year and looks like varicose veins. 9. Wipers quit so I replace the motor. Poor design as the entire mechanism must come out. 10. When there are riders in the back I can hear the wheel bearings grind. Lots of road noise so I believe most of them need replaced. 11. Rear suspension squeaks. 12. Piece of plastic broke in power seat mechanism. Six ways power seat is now four way. All these problems in the first two years of ownership. I drive it on occasion and now has 49K. Putting miles on my 01 Grand Prix then will put an estimated $1500 in it when I retire. I am not the type to pass on junk to others so will keep it since it is paid off. IF I EVER BUY ANOTHER CAR, IT WONT BE A "BUICK". Bring back Pontiac Grand Prixs! I do like the 3.8L engine. Not sure why they changed. It shifts sooner and RPMs are lower that my older Grand Prix for better gas mileage.

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  is the new Lacrosse just a Chevy Impala? - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By D Kay - September 26 - 8:52 am

  Went to see the and drive the new Lacrosse and was impressed with the cabin and the engine BUT, the sheet metal looks like a Impala with those ugly lines over the rear wheels/quarter panels and the front looks like a 2003 LeSabre; dont get why they would do this, should have been an eye popping wonderfully upscale looking car, What happened to that awesome looking concept?; I absolutely do not like the styling and will not buy a car that looks like it is 10 years old right when it comes out. Wheres your creativity Buick?

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  2010 LaCrosse 3liter cxl - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By 1st Time Buick Owner - August 17 - 5:46 pm

  This is an impressive auto and in my area it was only appx $4K more than the Accords and even closer in price to the new Malibus list so I got the Buick. Insurance same as the Malibu. Appears large on the inside but sporty and stylish on the outside. This is due to the small trunk which some have panned but which I think was wise. Ext dim is somewhat wide and you sit tall (if desired). The steering is very responsive and smooth. The acceleration is not linear or quick. Its slow at first (weight?) but will then kick in. Eventual high speed very easy. Everything seems very tight and made of quality. Currently 17.7 mpg mixed. Back seat is too large for me. Rear auto sun screen is nice.

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  too much like your farthers Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By fastphil - August 6 - 11:13 am

  manual shift on transmission is BAD; performance is weak at best; passing on 2 lane road and the damn thing up shifts at 4500 when the pedal is still to the metal; manual up shifts are so slow that you have to begin the process at 5000 otherwise it will dump you into the dreaded "overspeed" shutoff of any and all power; cannot imagine what a twisty road would be like in this unit, even if one petal to the metal it is like the Buick field mice have a conference to see if and when it might happen

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  Far better than any import!! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Import Killer!!! - May 21 - 3:33 am

  The quality of this car is far better than any Honda or Toyota! No cheap plastics like the imports! The comfort ans styling of this car are just awesome! Anyone giving this car a low rating must work for toyota or something because this car is incredible for the price! No other car compares to it in the same price range. Even my wife is going nuts over this car (and she not easy to please when it comes to cars)!

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  LaCrosse CX - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By alydar - April 17 - 7:06 pm

  i havent had this car long but the most impressive thing is the quiet tuning. The lack of road noise and solid feel of my CX have made my work commute very relaxing.

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  Buick Scores a Hat Trick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By GW Cooper - April 7 - 7:53 pm

  LaCrosse (Allure in Canada)is an endless delight. Beautiful, well proportioned exterior and sumptuous interior with excellent ergonomics combine to create a refined driving experience. Form, fit and finish are well integrated to create a unity of purpose that is first class. Powertrain performance is superior and seemless. Flat torque curve, smart safety features, agile suspension system together instill confidence in treating the CXS as a true sports sedan. Quiet tuning and a superb sound system combine to offer distortion-free sound studio quality and listening pleasure be it jazz (Diana Kroll), classics ( Vivaldis Four Seasons with Perleman), folk-rock (the Eagles, Beatles, Pink Floyd.

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  2005 LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By JAY HARTZ - April 3 - 10:06 am

  For the size it is one of the best buicks going. I have driven it 1500 miles with no noise, very smooth handleing. Quiet cabin. Nice leather interior. It should have ABS brakes std. on the CXL Model. Lots of good passing power. YA YA