A big Buick sedan is still a common sight in many parts of the country. A pillowy soft ride, an airy cabin, a large trunk, and mechanical reliability appeal to those who want a low-cost, traditional sedan that never quits. The Lacrosse was Buick's last U.S. sedan before it switched to an all-crossover lineup and completely changed its design language—primarily to suit the Chinese market, where Buick was considered royalty. In the United States, Buick is not considered a luxury brand, and the LaCrosse is no BMW luxury sedan competitor, but Buicks are generally better made, better finished, and feel more upscale than Chevrolets and GMC trucks.
The LaCrosse replaced the Buick Century and Buick Regal in 2005. While it initially offered a front bench seat and was fitted with an engine that debuted in 1979, later Buick LaCrosse models featured innovative mild hybrid powertrains—a full decade before luxury automakers would adopt the same fuel-saving technology—and a front suspension system known as HiPer Strut, which reduced torque steer. The first- and second-generation cars have not aged well, but the final third generation is at least passable, with its contemporary exterior and interior styling. Buick’s basics don’t change, though; if you want a roomy, quiet, and plush used car for little money—and you care less about image and driving performance—a Buick LaCrosse will fit the bill.
Buick LaCrosse: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Buick LaCrosse Generations
- Buick LaCrosse Third Generation (2017-2019)
- Buick LaCrosse Second Generation (2011-2016)
- Buick LaCrosse First Generation (2005-2010)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Buick LaCrosse years are the best?
The final generation (2017-2019) has optional all-wheel drive, a touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, and an improved eAssist hybrid powertrain carried over from the second generation. Combined with very low prices, this generation is the most likeable.
Which Buick LaCrosse years are the worst?
The second-generation model, which introduced the eHybrid powertrain and had a solid chassis, is a decent car but suffers from a weak four-cylinder engine. Of them all, we would avoid the first generation, unless you want to feel like you’re living in the 1980s.
Is a used Buick LaCrosse a good deal?
Yes, as long as you pay less than $20,000 for one. Despite the final generation's upgrades, average prices are close to $30,000 which do not make them a good deal when compared with newer sedans.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quiet ride
- Very comfortable
- Mild hybrid technology
Cons:
- Early generations are gas guzzlers
- Bad styling
- Comparatively high prices for third-generation cars
Buick LaCrosse Generations
Buick LaCrosse Third Generation (2017-2019)
The LaCrosse went back to its full-size roots for 2017, ushering in a sleeker, sportier style than that of rivals from Toyota, Acura, and Lexus. With a 3.6-liter 310-horsepower V6 as standard—no more four-cylinder eAssist—the LaCrosse was sprightly and, with the Dynamic Drive Package on the 2017 model we tested, it was surprisingly pleasant on back roads. The chassis was shared with the Chevrolet Impala, an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (FWD) were standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) remained optional.
The interior used a "waterfall" theme, with a center console that dipped into an open storage area beneath the front seats, but there were a lot of flimsy plastic parts. A larger 15-cubic foot trunk, a bigger back seat, and upgrades such as a rear window shade, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a partially digital instrument panel brought the LaCrosse into the modern era. The base model, Essence, and Premium trim levels ranged from $33,000 to nearly $47,000 when it was a new car, which was very pricey at the time—especially considering the lack of basic features such as rear USB ports and auto up/down rear windows.
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse reintroduced eAssist to its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 35 mpg highway, while pairing the V6 to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Buick LaCrosse Avenir, which sat above the Premium, was the top trim level, and the Essence was now available with all-wheel drive. The 2019 model year was shortened, and the LaCrosse was discontinued midway through its cycle.
Average prices in this generation are listed between $16,000 and $21,000, which is still high for a Buick sedan that went out of style and technological vogue years ago.
Buick LaCrosse Second Generation (2011-2016)
A brand-new body with drastically modern styling downsized the LaCrosse from full-size to midsize for 2010. With the shrunken footprint came a smaller, four-cylinder engine and a 13 cubic-foot trunk that put the LaCrosse in compact territory. Drivetrain debuts of all-wheel drive on the CXL and a six-speed automatic on all trims made the LaCrosse more efficient and usable. The 2010 models came with a 3.0-liter V6 engine with specs of 255 horsepower and was dropped in 2011 for the 2.4-liter inline-four with only 182 horsepower. The top-grade 3.6-liter V6 on the CXS made a healthy 280 horsepower.
The styling was curvaceous for Buick, with swoopy door panels and a clean exterior, while the chassis was shared with the Cadillac XTS and the Saab 9-5. The HiPer Strut front suspension was able to mitigate torque steer—the tendency of a front-wheel drive car to pull the steering wheel left and right during acceleration—using a sophisticated control-arm setup, while adaptive dampers were available with the CXS. The base model received an electric power steering system in 2011.
The 2012 LaCrosse brought advanced hybrid tech, called eAssist, that combined a small lithium-ion battery and an 11-kilowatt electric motor that doubled as the engine starter. Fuel economy was impressive, at up to 36 mpg highway. The engine could shut off when the vehicle was stationary, then quickly start again, just like a full hybrid, but without the complex hybrid powertrain and cost.
There were no major changes for 2013. A refreshed exterior, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, upgraded infotainment system software, and rear cross-traffic alert became available for 2014. Buick added 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi for 2015, plus a backup camera, adjustable headrests, and Apple Siri Eyes Free. For 2016, a power driver's seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and updated IntelliLink infotainment were included, as was a Sport Touring package with a spoiler and 18-inch wheels.
Average list prices are between $7,500 and $12,000 for used examples.
Buick LaCrosse First Generation (2005-2010)
Buick and Toyota were the only automakers to sell a six-passenger sedan in 2005. The LaCrosse was the last vestige of old-time American cars, with a front bench seat, replete with a column shifter and brightly stained fake wood trim. While Buick created an identity crisis for itself after the GNX of the late 1980s—the brand was neither luxurious nor sporty, but it also wasn’t bargain-basement—the LaCrosse was straight from the past. With a 3.8-liter V6 first built in 1979 that made only 200 horsepower, this LaCrosse drove the same as the Century and Regal sedans it replaced. Without anti-lock brakes or traction control, the 2005 LaCrosse CX was more poorly equipped than an upper-trim Pontiac from the 1990s, while the same old four-speed automatic transmission was barely updated.
Stepping up to CXS brought GM's Magnasteer electronic, variable-assist power steering and a stiffer suspension, plus a modern 3.6-liter V6 engine with 240 horsepower. At this time, Buick was advertising QuietTuning—a combination of extra sound absorption, insulation, and thicker seals than found in other General Motors vehicles. Heated seats, sunroof, and remote start were options. The wheelbase was two inches longer than that of the old Century and Regal, which created more rear-seat legroom.
For 2006, Buick kept the optional front bench and added a key safety feature in the form of StabiliTrak stability control. In 2007, it changed the gauges in the instrument panel, improved the quality of the wood-like trim, and included a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. OnStar, with turn-by-turn directions, became standard and XM satellite radio was standardized on the CXS. Buick changed the front of the car for 2008, almost to make it look like a Mercedes E-Class and added larger wheels. A new 300-horsepower V8 was introduced for the Super trim, which also came with three chrome portholes on the fenders, dual chrome exhaust tips, and leather upholstery. Bluetooth became available for 2009 while the CXS was discontinued.
Average list prices are roughly $5,500 for 2006 and 2007 models.
