2006 Buick LaCrosse Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Buick's midsize sedan gains additional standard safety features for 2006. LaCrosse offers five-place seating with front buckets or six-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. CXS comes with a sportier suspension and 17-inch wheels vs. the others' 16s. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission. Every LaCrosse now has standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and curtain side airbags; those features were optional on most models last year. GM's OnStar assistance system is also standard. Torso side airbags are unavailable. An antiskid system remains an exclusive CXS option. Available features include rear obstacle detection, remote engine start, sunroof, and chrome wheels.

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

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

News

Buick will add a V8 LaCrosse Super in the first half of 2007 as an early '08 entry. It uses GM's 5.3-liter engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Buick says the Super should do 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds. Design and equipment are still to be finalized, but a prototype shown to Consumer Guide wore a "wide stripe" vertical-bar grille, unique front-end sheetmetal, and a dressier cabin. Buick says the Super is not intended as a pure "driver's car," but will have a firmer suspension than other LaCrosses. Meantime, sources say LaCrosse will be redesigned for model-year 2010 around the upcoming "Epsilon 2" global front-drive architecture engineered by GM Europe.

2006 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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
5	6	5.6

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-pass. 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. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

CXL w/6-pass. 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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
5	6	6.1

Steering overassisted in CX and 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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
7	7	6.2

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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
8	8	6.8

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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Plenty of leg room, 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 3rd front passenger large enough only for a small child--and no child should sit up front.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CXL w/6-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
5	5	5

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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Trunk has low liftover, nonintrusive lid hinges, but opening too small to load larger boxes. 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-item storage.

Value within Class

CXL w/6-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
6	6	6.1

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 outdated engineering and poor road manners, 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-pass. seating	CXS	Class Average
59	61	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70

2006 Buick LaCrosse Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CX 4-door sedan	$21,830	$20,629	$660

CXL 4-door sedan	$24,330	$22,992	$660

CXS 4-door sedan	$27,330	$25,827	$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, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 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, cloth upholstery, 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, leather-wrapped steering wheel, compass, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

CXS adds to CXL:

Powertrain

3.6-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt/telescope steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, sport suspension, 225/55R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
CX	$1,190	$988
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, cargo net, alarm.

Driver's Confidence Pkg.
CXL	$1,015	$842
CXS	$1,250	$1,038
Rear-obstacle-detection system, tilt/telescope steering wheel (CXL), heated power mirrors, 6-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, steering wheel radio controls, universal garage door opener.

Chrome Appearance Pkg.
CXL, CXS	$295	$245
Chrome exterior trim.

Safety
Antiskid system
CXS	$495	$411


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
CX, CXL, CXS	$900	$747
CX requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
CXL, CXS	$545	$452
Includes upgraded sound system.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
CX, CXL, CXS	$695	$577
Includes upgraded sound system.

Satellite radio
CX, CXL, CXS	$325	$270
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month.

Steering-wheel radio controls
CX, CXL	$120	$100


Tilt/telescope steering wheel
CXL	$100	$83


6-passenger seating
CX, CXL	$250	$208


6-way power passenger seat
CXL, CXS	$350	$291


Driver-seat power lumbar adjustment
CX	$130	$108


Heated front seats
CXL, CXS	$295	$245


Split folding rear seat
CX	$275	$228


Remote engine start
CXL, CXS	$190	$158


Trunk liner and mat
CX, CXL, CXS	$145	$120


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
CX, CXL, CXS	$275	$228


Engine-block heater
CX, CXL, CXS	$50	$42


Alloy wheels
CX	$350	$291


Chrome alloy wheels
CXL, CXS	$650	$540

2006 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.	225 @ 2000	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

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	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

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

< 2006 Buick LaCrosse Photos

Also in the 2006 Buick LaCrosse Review:

Buick LaCrosse

Buick LaCrosse Road Test

Buick LaCrosse Prices & Equipment

Buick LaCrosse Specs & Safety

Buick LaCrosse Photos

Buick LaCrosse Full Review

All Buick LaCrosses

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