The 2006 Buick LaCrosse enters its second year relatively unchanged. It does get some much needed standard safety features, which were either optional or not available at all last year. These include side curtain airbags and ABS brakes across the line.
Trying to compete with upscale mid-size sedans, like the Camry, the 2006 LaCrosse packs a lot of features into the base model CX. Power seats, windows, and locks, cruise, control, and air conditioning are all standard. The luxury CXL adds leather seats and dual-climate control. Both the CX and CXL are powered by Buick's old 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6. For a more interesting and responsive ride, the CXS features a 3.6-liter, 240-hp V6, with sports suspension and bigger 17-inch wheels. It also has an exclusive option of Stabilitrak traction control. The 2006 LaCrosse seats five, with a split-fold rear seat in all but the base models. A front bench seat that holds three is optional, with the center seatback flipping down to turn into a console. For this reason, the dash has been made flat, rather than curved out.
QuietTuning is part of the 2006 LaCrosse build, and it seems to successfully keep out road and engine noise, according to owners. The ride is smooth and quiet, and though the old V6 has decent pedal response, the new 3.6 V6 is pleasingly powerful. The exterior styling is refined and elegant, say many drivers, but the interior is made out of cheap plastic, right down to the fake wood trim. Other drawbacks include uncomfortable seats, no exterior trunk handle, cramped rear legroom, instrument panel glare that makes it hard to read the gauges, and so-so gas mileage.