2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS
Base price: $28,335
Price as tested: $32,750
There’s a brand-new Buick mid-size offering in 2005 called the LaCrosse — complete with great looks, premium luxury features, a new engine and very good ride and handling characteristics.
LaCrosse is Buick’s serious attempt to reclassify its somewhat dated mid-size Regal and Century lines into an exciting, baby-boomer attraction. After driving the LaCrosse for a week, we feel Buick is poised for some very nice returns on its investment.
The LaCrosse sedan debuts in three front-drive versions: the well-equipped CX, the stylishly appointed CXL and the performance-based CXS. Our CXS tester featured the new 3.6-liter aluminum V-6 engine with variable valve timing that produces 240 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. The impressive horsepower output notwithstanding, estimated fuel economy of 19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway make LaCrosse an economical performer. This engine has dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, resulting in better overall efficiency.
The “old reliable” 3.8 V-6, which first appeared as far back as 1987, powers the CX and CXL. We’d like to see the new 3.6-liter engine in all the LaCrosse models, and another transmission in addition to the standard four-speed automatic. How about a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic?
On the highway, LaCrosse combines a smooth, quiet ride with the performance that today’s consumers demand. A GT suspension, standard on CXS, has larger stabilizer bars for more controlled handling. The quiet ride is partly the result of a new aluminum engine cradle and mounting system that aids in smoother performance.
On the safety side, our CXS featured enhanced body reinforcement, dual-stage air bags and available side-curtain air bags ($395). LaCrosse also has a new four-wheel disc-brake system and standard 17-inch wheels and tires on the CXS. The result is a car that thrives with confident road-holding traits regardless of highway, from freeway to mountain roads. Add Buick’s three levels of traction control — including GM’s StabiliTrak stability enhancement system, a first for a midsize Buick — and you’ve got a Buick that can do it all.
Inside, Buick’s attention to detail results in a clean, ergonomic design, with chrome and woodgrain accents creating a graceful aura. LaCrosse also has more hip and rear legroom than previous midsize Buicks, thanks to a 1.5-inch increase in wheelbase. The CXS comes standard with premium leather seats, which were very comfortable and gave good side-to-side support, and a great-sounding CD/stereo system with six speakers. We especially like the intertwined analog gauges.
Our tester had the optional Gold Convenience Package, which includes rear park assist, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-way power passenger seat for $1,150. Other notable options are chrome-plated wheels ($650), XM Satellite Radio ($350), heated front seats ($295), remote starter ($150) and a chrome appearance package ($295). With the $660 destination, the final tally came in at $32,750.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 110.5 inches, 3,568-pound curb weight, 16 cubic-feet of cargo space and a 17.5-gallon fuel tank. LaCrosse is available in either a five- or six-passenger configuration.
We think Buick is going to be pleased with consumer response to its new LaCrosse. We give it an 8.5 on a scale of one to 10.
Likes: Looks, performance, new V-6 engine, ride.
Dislikes: Drop the old 3.8 V-6; stability control available only on CXS; no transmission choice.
