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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  Buick go it Right - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Russ - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Its been about 20 years since Ive owned an American car. I looked at many cars such as Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc. but after several months of test drives and reviews I felt that the Buick LaCrosse had the best overall formula for being the winner & best value. I really like its styling and the new suspension with the 3.6 liter engine makes it a sporty car for its size. Its very quiet, steering is great, and it has a nice road feel versus the older Buicks mushy ride. The Sound system is great. Id rate it equal to the Bose system in my last car. The only thing I would recommend to change would be for more storage space for odds and ends such my phone,coins, et

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  2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Review - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Ding - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have 1500 miles on it already. I cant stop driving it. I never thought Id be back in a Buick, but I am. Got an admiring look and a head nod yesterday while driving home. Excluding lack of storage, the interior is excellent. Guess I dont need all the stuff Ive been carrying. The exterior is very nice. Very modern. Car does have a loud ping when starting and even when sitting in the driveway now too. Does anyone else have this issue? Sounds under the car right behind the drivers seat. Other than this, I love this car!!

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  1 Month Owner - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By GM/Toyota Fan - September 4 - 3:22 pm

  Great looking car that caught our attention. We have been Avalon owners for a while but the latest new model is not much different. Most of the comments online here are spot on about the LaCrosse (especially the negative items). Gas mileage a lot less than Toyota, interior and trunk is more limited than the Avalon. Exterior visablity is on the poor side (lots of blind spots). We target vehicles with a quite ride and this car provides it. Dont know about liability, but it is like my suburban it should be ok. We are very happy with the vehicle and cant really complain about the negatives because we knew about them going buy the car. Thanks to Edmunds and those that posted reviews.

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  Not your fathers Buick (2010 Lacrosse) - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By crankee - September 3 - 2:37 pm

  OUTSTANDING! The new Lacrosse is a reflection of the German platform design team and the Chinese interior & onboard intelligent systems team inputs. The engine & 6-speed transmission, with available manual shifting provides 29 mpg at 75 mph. The fit & finish, leather seats and lighting are all spectacular. 18" wheel option and H-arm rear provides great road manners and handling with triple seal doors resulting in QUIET RIDE. Stellar sales results are the consumers endorsement of the product. Great choice at a very competitive price point.

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  Good News for Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Larry - August 31 - 2:58 pm

  I picked this model to get the more powerful engine. It drives and handles like a sports car. The car is very comfortable and roomy. I traded in A Cadillac DTS and leased the Buick. The Buick is better equipped and handles better. It gets better gas milage and performs better than a number of competitive cars I tested.

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  Is This Really A Buick? - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By John 178 - August 31 - 6:02 am

  Drove away in my 2011 Red Jewell Tintcoat CXL 3.6 L V6 on 8/30/10. After comparing/contrasting with the Acura TL and Lexus 350, the LaCross won hands down. The LaCross is sporty, yet refined and priced just right- mid 30s. It is definitely a head turner.

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  Just an OK car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By justavet - August 25 - 2:21 pm

  Well I finally got to test drive the Buick Lacross that has gotten Rave reviews by the press and magazine authors.First look around I was surprized to see the paint on the rear bumper and gas door didnt match the rest of the car it was a really bad paint match,then on the test drive there was a bad rattle in the rear right corner panel that didnt go away then there was no place to rest your left foot then there was the problem of the gas pedal and the brake pedal being to close together and my shoe was always hitting the brake pedal instead of the gas pedal.When I did manage to get my size 13 shoe on the gas pedal it would glance off the brake pedal when I let off the gas to apply the brake

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  Head Turner - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By Terry Bommer - August 24 - 6:09 pm

  I bought the car primarily for the styling and price. GM loyalty and GM card credit made it a bargain compared to Lexus and others of similar size. After 1700 miles the mileage has been aroung 23 in the city, which is better than I expected. While in a restuarant recently I watched group after group stop to look at the car as they passed it. Have had many people ask me about it. I think Buick has a winner.

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  Issues with LaCrosse - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By j young - August 22 - 5:34 pm

  Agree with others, small trunk, visual impairments, however having issues with grinding noise turning steering wheel, a funny stuttering when stopping but not all the time, dealer couldnt find anything wrong but worried because none of this is normal with a new or even older car.

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  Lacrosse love - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pat - August 22 - 8:14 am

  My husband and I drove the 2010 Malibu and the Ford Taurus since these were the other two considerations for our purchase. Neither one held a candle to the Lacrosse. It didnt take long to decide after we took it for a ride. This is a beautiful car with the handling of a sportier car, which I like. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.