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:

• 

  Look Elsewhere - 2016 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve H. - October 23 - 6:51 am

  The Lacrosse was a potential candidate to be a retirement gift to myself in a year or two. I decided to rent one for a week to take on a 1,000 mile trip. It is now off my list. The first shortcoming is the cramped driving position. Im 6 foot, 190 lbs and the position is much tighter than it has to be. The console flares as it approaches the dash reducing valuable seating real estate. My right leg was constantly fighting the console trying to get my foot squarely on the accelerator pedal. The foot well size is reduced by the intrusion of the wheel well. The seat went back far enough, a big plus. The dash seems to be close to the seating position and it curves as it approaches the door. I hit it the corner twice during exiting. Then there is the road noise. It is unacceptable for a car of this supposed caliber. The noise is intrusive starting about 35 mph on anything but smooth asphalt. At highway speeds, it is a constant nuisance. Thankfully, the wind noise is minimal, as it should be. Handling was very excellent and the ride was OK, nothing worth noting. Brakes, OK. The climate control worked very well and the controls were easy to understand. The entertainment system was another weak area. The screen was a nice size, but distracting because of the scarcity of buttons on the dash. The screen is tilted and so is the bezel which made is difficult to push the smallish station preset icons. Everything has to be done via the two knobs and a couple of buttons or the touch screen. Either way, it causes the driver to divert their attention from the road. The sound was excellent and it was not the premium radio. The powertrain (V6) was excellent, as was the gas mileage. I averaged just over 30 mpg (calculated) for highway (mostly), suburban and in-town driving. The trunk was nice and big and the fit and finish were excellent. By contrast, Im leasing a 2015 Verano which is superior in several areas. It does not exhibit as high a level of road noise as the Lacrosse and the entertainment system is easier to use because it has buttons for things like the radio presets. The drivers position is not as cramped, even though it is slightly smaller overall and the pedal feel of the brakes is better. However, it is smaller and does not have the same ride comfort as the Lacrosse which runs 10-20k more. Maybe the redesign will improve many of these deficiencies which would put the Lacrosse back on my list.

• 

  I should have got a Century - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By david cowan - October 9 - 3:36 pm

  I have a CX LaCrosse model. The A/C light comes on every time I start it and must be shut off manually even when it is 30 degrees outside.. Seats are slab type and not as comfortable as the Century... Buick forgot their market is people that want a smooth ride and leave the stiff ride to pontiac etc. I test drove the Ford 500 and others in price range and found them just as quiet and smoother ride.. Driver shoulder room tight due to overly large door panel thickness.. Bought the LaCrosse out of loyalty and not logic..

• 

  Good value for retired folks - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Richard Stewart - September 12 - 3:48 pm

  Being retired, I was looking for a quite comfortable roomy car with easy to use controls and lots of safety features for my wife and me to use for travel. The Lacrosse fit the bill. I was impressed with all the safety features (love the heads up display) and the ease of use of the entertainment and navigation systems. Most luxury cars dont have touch screens, which to me was a distraction. The simpler the better. The trunk on the Lacrosse is huge so no problems getting luggage stowed. On the road the Lacrosse is very quiet and comfortable with plenty of power when you need it. I was impressed with the overall mileage on the first fill up at 29.4 mpg with a 200 mile trip to PA and the rest mixed driving. Some things I found troubling was there was no sunglass holder in the overhead (can use the space under the shifter, but still...), the visibility is not as good as I would have liked out the front when making turns and parking, and the transmission hunts a bit at low speed going up twisty hills. People complain about the electronic shifter, but I found it easy to use once I got used to it. Overall I find the Lacrosse to fit my needs just fine and look forward to many miles of comfortable quite travel.

• 

  LACROSSE TEAM IN CT - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Ramsdell - March 21 - 2:07 am

  Awesome awesome awesome vehicle!!! Before this car, we owned a 1997 Buick Riviera. We loved that car to death. But the engine blew, so we decided to buy another used car. We looked at six different kinds of cars and SUVs. Not only did we tend to steer clear of other Buicks, just for a change, it didnt work. The minute my husband got behind the wheel, it was love at first sight/drive!!! Lol so in conclusion, we stayed with Buick because we knew we were getting a great car for the money.

• 

  Love the new LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By DAN M. - March 17 - 1:50 am

  This is what I have waited for in a vehicle. It is so good looking and stylish, and it handles so well that I cant wait to drive it. It really has all the features that I wanted in a vehicle, plus the Buick quality that makes it not your Grandfathers Buick, but todays Buick that is for every generation. Way to go, Buick! Youve outdone yourselves on this one.

• 

  My Lacrosse First 1100 miles - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Charles Skaggs - February 14 - 4:23 am

  The first thing is the close fit of the doors, hood, trunk. The quiet ride.No wind noise. When I say quiet, I mean quiet, when I can talk to my son in excess of 100 MPH.Thats quiet. It is unbelievable how quiet.