2005 Buick LaCrosse Trims and Specs

The elegant, mid-size 2005 Buick LaCrosse CX is the base model of this new entry into the refined Buick market. With a 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6 engine and 4-speed automatic, the five-passenger sedan comes with a lot of bells and whistles for a base trim. Full power features include a power driver's seat, and remote entry, a CD player, cruise control, OnStar, intermittent wipers, and multi-zone climate control are all standard. ABS brakes and traction control are optional, but the 2005 LaCrosse CX does feature dual front airbags, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and 16-inch wheels. Front and rear side impact bags are extra.

Memory settings, a sunroof, satellite radio, leather trim, a security system, and a front bench seat to accommodate six passengers are available options on the 2005 LaCrosse CX. Owners like the stylish new looks and the quiet ride of the 2005 LaCrosse CX, and say the interior is upscale and comfortable. The biggest complaints are poor acceleration and so-so gas mileage, at 19/27 mpg. It does earn high safety ratings for frontal impact and top marks from the IIHS.

A step up in luxury distinguishes the 2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL from the base model CX. Though it shares the 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6 engine and 4-speed automatic, the CXL adds on features that are only optional on the CX. In addition to full power features, OnStar, cruise control, and keyless entry, the 2005 LaCrosse CXL offers memory settings for the power driver's seat, automatic climate control, leather trim on the steering wheel, a security alarm, and 16-inch alloy wheels in place of the CX's steel wheels.

Rear seats fold down to open up the 16 cubic foot trunk. ABS and traction control are still optional, but the 2005 LaCrosse CXL does come with dual front airbags, daytime running lights, and automatic headlights. Options include an upgraded audio system with MP3 playback, a sunroof, satellite radio, and a front bench seat. Additional options beyond what the CX offers are heated mirrors, a power passenger seat, auto-dimming mirrors, heated seats, and rear parking assist sensors. Drivers say the luxurious CXL is easy to drive, very quiet, and very comfortable, though the backseat is somewhat limited. More acceleration power is desired, and some owners have had to replace the brake rotors early.

Dubbed the sportier version of the new mid-size luxury sedan, the 2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS features a stronger suspension and a 3.6-liter, 240-hp DOHC V6 mated to a 4-speed automatic. Unlike the other trims, the 2005 LaCrosse CSX comes standard with ABS brakes and dual front-side airbags, Magnasteer power steering, and traction control. Stability control is optional only on the CXS. Other safety features include automatic headlights, OnStar, foglights, daytime running lights, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of luxury, the 2005 LaCrosse CXS offers leather seats, but otherwise is much like the CXL with its power driver's seat and memory settings, automatic climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, leather wheel trim, CD player, and full power features. There is a long list of options, including upgrade audio with MP3 playback, a sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, satellite radio, parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power passenger seat. Overwhelmingly, drivers mention how smooth and quiet the ride is (thanks to Quiet Tuning) in the 2005 LaCrosse CXS, with effortless handling and high-end comfort.