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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  Love the car but have mixed feelings right now - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By hkm77 - November 29 - 8:45 am

  I really love the car but quality and reliability are questionable for me considering the problems I had in less than a month with a brand new car. The first car I got had the engine light on before leaving the dealer. The next day “service stabiliTrak” message was in my dashboard. Car was replaced for a new one. Everything was fine until the battery died with 20 days only. Car was towed back to dealer, battery replaced and nothing wrong, but a defective battery, was found with the car. Hopefully, I won’t have any other problem with it. Time will tell. This car is very comfortable, quiet and spacious. Trunk is on the small side but enough for me and my family (2 small children).

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  2012 Buick Lacrosse - Touring - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By alan51462 - November 29 - 8:38 am

  I have had my Lacrosse for just over one month. Pros: Excellent ride and comfort. Reliability great compared to my 2008 Cadillac. Cadillac in shop 3 times in first month of ownership. Buick running great (knock on wood). Workshipship is excellent - no rattles, doors, hood, trunk fit is fine. Fuel consumption is as advertised - over 27 on highway, averaging slightly over 17 in the city. Con: Reflection of the dashboard on windshield is distracting and blinding at times. Would recommend highly over the CTS - mine was an overpriced piee of junk.

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  Eassist buick lacrosse 2012 - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By bbeppler - November 10 - 10:03 am

  bought a new buick lacrosse eassist on the way home stopped for dinner and the front of the car is so ,low it dragged on the ground causeing 500 dollars in damage thought i was at fault took to body shop and had repainted when i got car back went out that night trying to be extra carefull with driveing and it draged again no damage this time dealer has been great but gm district contact was no help at all this after my being a gm buyer since the early 70s last 3 new gm products where a 96 eldorado 2001 deville and now this buick no wonder people go to outher brands wish i would have kept the 01 deville had it 11 years and it never saw the inside of a body shop

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  Beautiful, Feature Packed, Mixed Emotions - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By jamessam - October 9 - 7:36 pm

  2011 LaCrosse CXS black/black 19"wheels, Nav, Roof, nice power, very sexy car. However the trunk is puny, one set of clubs only. The interior ergonomics take a few weeks of ownership to pinpoint. The dash curves outward at the door just enough to bump your knee when exiting. The foot well is very tight for my size 11 feet. Im 61" and the center arm rest is too high and to far back making long trips uncomfortable. And theres no storage to speak of inside. Bought new 7/2010, my steering column was replace 11/2010. Last Monday the steeing gear was raplaced @ 17,500 miles! That was enough for me, traded it in Thurday, lost $ on it, but i want to be able to steer man Ive got kids to live for.

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  Plastic Side on Seats Jab You! - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By vicki7 - September 25 - 10:40 pm

  My husband and I were very impressed with the style if both the Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal. Typical of Buick, a nice smooth ride and the turbo in the Regal was snappy and fun. However, getting in and out of the car is a job, and can even be painful! Out being harder than in. The WIDE plastic side of the seats containing the seat controls jabs one in the leg or buttock! There is no way to avoid it. There is no cushioning over the plastic, nor is it a thin piece of plastic. Very UNtypical of Buicks of the past. If your expecting that old comfortable feel we use to have in Buick seating, you wont find it getting in and out of these cars.

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  Shhhh! This is not Grandpas Buick! - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By lurker7 - September 20 - 11:37 pm

  14k miles....The ride, handling & acceleration are great! Ive previously owned German, Japanese, Ford & Chrysler...returning to try GM. Cadillac, Lincoln and Lexus do not compare in ride, handling & price in this category. I test drove them. Driver comfort is great! The AWD is sweet in Winter, but drops the MPG all year. Large blind spots side & rear, so you need the rear camera. Camera only comes with antiquated GM Navigation system with old maps. No DC plugs in dash for phones or GPS. Fuel filler is on passenger side. Fuel tank is too small.

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  Buick and Their Dealerships Have Issues - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By austin1982 - September 20 - 11:09 am

  My 2010 Lacrosse had issues from day 1 and the dealership in Delaware OH would not assist. I had to take it to another dealership to get the answers as to why the car pulled so badly. It had been dropped when taken off of the car carrier. They said this was common for that dealership. Once that was fixed the electrical system started to go. The sun roof just stopped working, the phone came on for no reason and the radio would change stations on its own. But none of this was consistant and never happened when left at the dealership. The quality of this vehicle was poor and the dealerships unresponsiveness is unexceptable. Im done with GM products.

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  headlights turn off then on at will - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By ann6701 - August 28 - 9:21 pm

  I have a 2007 Buick Lacrosse, bought a few months old, with 6,000 miles on it. No problems except replaced the cabin air filter, & battery. It now has 23,000 miles on it. Then a month ago, the headlights started going off, then back on about 10 minutes later. How many have had that problem? I was told it was the BCM, a few hundred dollars. Any other ideas that have worked? This is scary!!!!

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By loveit2007 - August 27 - 11:49 pm

  Love this LaCrosse. Have had to barely spend any money on it. Very reliable, comfortable, and it still looks really good---cant tell its a 2007!!!

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  2011 LaCrosse CXL not bad - could be better - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By vakmere - August 23 - 11:04 am

  This is my 2nd Lacrosse. I had a 2007 prior to this one. Not a bad car to have as long as you donÂ’t try to go on long trips with lots of luggage. The incredibly small trunk is annoying. My golf clubs just about fit. What were they thinking? However this shortcoming is compensated buy the roomy interior and comfortable seating. Maybe I can put suitcases on the nice leather back seat? Steering wheel will turn when riding over bumps, hold on to it. Dash is laid out well and the accent lighting is very becoming. The sunroof slides back evenly with the roof unlike my 2007 which tilted up on an angle and was noisy. Gas mileage is average and the ride can be a little noisy depending on the surface you are driving on. The ride is no longer that cushy ride I had in my 2007 Lacrosse. ItÂ’s a little stiffer and bouncier. Why did I buy it? Looks great, the price was right, holds is value longer, engine is better than the 2007 Lacrosse, and it just felt like a very solid well built car.