2005 Buick LaCrosse Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Buick replaces its Century and Regal sedans for 2005 with a slightly larger version of their basic front-drive design. LaCrosse offers 5-place seating with front buckets or 6-passenger seating with a flip-and-fold front center seat. Three trim levels are offered: CX and step-up CXL use a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6, the top-line CXS has a 240-hp 3.6-liter V6. It comes with a sportier suspension and 17-inch wheels vs. the others' 16s. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission. Every LaCrosse has 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS and traction control are standard on CXS, optional on the others. An antiskid system is an exclusive CXS option. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional on all; torso side airbags are unavailable. CXL and CXS have leather upholstery. Optional on CX and standard on the others are a tilt/telescope steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a split folding rear seatback. Remote engine start and a sunroof are optional on all.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

News

LaCrosse is new on the playing field, so few changes are expected in the next 2-3 years.

2005 Buick LaCrosse Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride (CX, CXL)	Handling (CX, CXL)

Ride/handling (CXS)	Rear-seat comfort

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
5	6	5.3

The 3.8 V6 provides brisk takeoffs, but lacks strong passing power in the 35-55-mph range. Expect about 8.5 sec 0-60 mph. CXS's 3.6 V6 has more available muscle at all speeds; clocked 7.1 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Transmission provides smooth shifts but requires deep stab of throttle to downshift for passing punch.

Fuel Economy

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
5	5	5.2

In a mix of city/highway driving, test CXL with 3.8 V6 averaged 21.1 mpg; test CXS averaged 18.3 in mixed driving, 24.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Base suspension absorbs bumps well, but tends to bound and wallow over ruts and humps at highway speed. Steady-riding CXS sport-tuned suspension eliminates these faults, but allows sharp bumps and potholes to register more prominently.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
5	6	6.1

Steering overassisted in CX, CXL, but otherwise direct, fairly responsive. Those models also exhibit notable body lean in turns, and tend to noseplow in aggressive cornering. CXS is much more composed through turns, though tar strips can upset traction. CXS also has variable-ratio steering that some testers feel is more responsive, others say is too artificial.

Quietness

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
7	7	6

Wind rush apparent at 65 mph. Notable body drumming over coarse pavement. The 3.8 V6 less gruff here than in other GM cars, but still not as refined as 3.6 V6, which approaches top import rivals for smoothness.

Controls

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
8	8	6.6

Gauges easy to see, read in any light. Most controls grouped in a simple center stack that's easy to reach, though some testers complained that climate system's buttons are too small and mounted too low. Well-assembled, soft-touch interior materials have quality feel, look.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Plenty of leg space, but taller riders may want more head room, especially with sunroof. Available tilt/telescope steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position. No opportunity to sample cloth-upholstered seats. Leather seats comfortable, have enough side bolstering to provide good lateral support. "Flip-and-fold" seat for third front passenger large enough only for a small child--and no child should sit up front.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Ample leg room and fine toe clearance beneath front seats. But seat cushion not long enough for adequate long-distance thigh support.

Cargo Room

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Trunk has low liftover, nonintrusive lid hinges, but opening too small to load larger boxes. The available 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks lay fairly flat, but a structural beam behind the seats limits the height of items that can pass through. Good interior small-items storage.

Value within Class

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
6	6	5.7

LaCrosse generates more division among our testers than most cars. All agree that no model matches Honda Accord or Toyota Camry for overall value. Some testers say the CX and CXL models suffer from poor road manners and steep prices, and that the CXS falls short of its sporty promise. Conversely, other testers like the CX and CXL for their traditional Buick room and comfort, and the CXS for its engine and handling.

Total Score

CXL w/6-passenger seating	CXS	Class Average
59	61	56.5

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71

2005 Buick LaCrosse Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 09/07/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CX 4-door sedan	$22,835	$20,894	$660

CXL 4-door sedan	$25,335	$23,182	$660

CXS 4-door sedan	$28,335	$25,927	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

CXL adds to CX:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

CXS adds to CXL:

Powertrain

3.6-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, Gran Touring Suspension, 225/55R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Silver Convenience Pkg.
CX	$1,150	$1,024
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, remote engine start, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, personalization features, illuminated visor mirrors, driver information center.

Gold Convenience Pkg.
CXL, CXS	$1,150	$1,024
Rear-obstacle-detection system, steering-wheel radio controls, heated power mirrors, 6-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, interior-lighting switch.

Chrome Appearance Pkg.
CXL, CXS	$295	$263
Chrome exterior trim.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
CX, CXL, CXS	$395	$352


Antilock brakes
CX, CXL	$600	$534
Includes traction control.

Antiskid system
CXS	$495	$441


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
CX, CXL, CXS	$900	$801
CX requires Silver Convenience Pkg.

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
CXL, CXS	$545	$485
Includes upgraded sound system.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
CX, CXL, CXS	$695	$619
Includes upgraded sound system.

Satellite radio
CX, CXL, CXS	$325	$289
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month.

6-passenger seating
CX, CXL	$195	$174


6-way power passenger seat
CXL, CXS	$350	$312


Driver-seat power lumbar adjustment
CX	$130	$116


Heated front seats
CXL, CXS	$295	$263


Split folding rear seat
CX	$275	$245


Driver information center
CX	$195	$173


Remote engine start
CX, CXL, CXS	$150	$134
CX requires driver information center.

Trunk liner and mat
CX, CXL, CXS	$145	$129


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
CX, CXL, CXS	$275	$245


Engine-block heater
CX, CXL, CXS	$35	$31


Alloy wheels
CX	$350	$312


Chrome alloy wheels
CXL, CXS	$650	$579

2005 Buick LaCrosse Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Buick LaCrosse 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.5

Overall Length, in.	198.1

Overall Width, in.	73.0

Overall Height, in.	57.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3495

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.5

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.6 /217	3.8 /231

Horsepower @ rpm.	240 @ 6000	200 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	230 @ 3200	230 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	19/27	20/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Buick LaCrosse 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Buick LaCrosse Photos

Also in the 2005 Buick LaCrosse Review:

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Buick LaCrosse Road Test

Buick LaCrosse Prices & Equipment

Buick LaCrosse Specs & Safety

Buick LaCrosse Photos

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