2005 Buick LaCrosse Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Looking to refresh its lineup in a quest for younger buyers, Buick scrapped its popular Century and Regal mid-size sedans and introduced...
Looking to refresh its lineup in a quest for younger buyers, Buick scrapped its popular Century and Regal mid-size sedans and introduced the 2005 Buick LaCrosse. With a wheelbase that's two inches longer, the LaCrosse features more interior legroom. Though it sits on the same Buick W platform used for years, Buick claims that 80% of its body parts are new and more heavy duty (thus more durable), and that the suspension has been retuned for better overall handling.
The 2005 LaCrosse comes in base CX, luxury CXL, and sporty CXS trims. The focus is on quality build, comfort, and subdued elegance, rather than blow-your-mind performance. To that end, the CX and CXL use the old 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6 that has been hanging around since 1979. The much sportier CXS features a 3.6-liter, DOHC V6 at 240-hp, plus a stiffer suspension and Magnasteer electronic steering. All trims come with a 4-speed automatic. Buick is touting its QuietTuning system in the LaCrosse, where they have added extra sound absorption, insulation, and thicker seals to reduce road noise for a quieter ride.
The mid-size sedan seats five, though if you add an optional front bench seat, you could fit six. Base CX comes well loaded with power features and cruise control, and as you move up the line, you get ABS brakes, traction, leather seats, and split-fold rear seats. Favorite options are remote start, heated seats, and a sunroof.
The redesigned 2005 LaCrosse seems to have won fans. Many owners say the handling is precise and cornering tight. The new 3.6 V6 engine is powerful, with good acceleration, yet smooth and quiet. There is plenty of front legroom to make long rides comfortable, and the overall look of the car is very high-end. Biggest complaints were the poor gas mileage and the lack of a handle on the trunk.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Buick LaCrosse generally have a positive impression of the vehicle. They appreciate its powerful and reliable 3.8L V6 engine, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. Many reviewers noted the car's excellent interior design and spaciousness. However, some drivers mentioned that the automatic transmission can be occasionally temperamental, which is a minor downside to an otherwise solid vehicle."
Overall the Lacrosse is an outstanding vehicle with the strong V-6 3800 engine that has existed as a staple for Buick. A nice bonus is the feature to fold down the back seats which allows the ability to carry long items with ease.
December 28, 2014Absolutely one of the best cars I have ever owned. Would highly recommend the car to anyone looking for power, luxury, comfort, and low maintenance costs. Definitely purchase the CXS model as I did because the power of the 3.6L engine (same as in the Caddy CTS) blows away the standard 3.8L engine found in all other models of the 05 Lacrosse.
April 24, 2014Has a ton of "sleeper" potential. The 3.8 is powerful and responsive but also easy on the gas. Very cheap to maintain and rod (if you can find the parts). It is very fun to drive and meant to be enjoyed.
February 2, 2010What owners say
Overall the Lacrosse is an outstanding vehicle with the strong V-6 3800 engine that has existed as a staple for Buick. A nice bonus is the feature to fold down the back seats which allows the ability to carry long items with ease.
December 28, 2014Absolutely one of the best cars I have ever owned. Would highly recommend the car to anyone looking for power, luxury, comfort, and low maintenance costs. Definitely purchase the CXS model as I did because the power of the 3.6L engine (same as in the Caddy CTS) blows away the standard 3.8L engine found in all other models of the 05 Lacrosse.
April 24, 2014Has a ton of "sleeper" potential. The 3.8 is powerful and responsive but also easy on the gas. Very cheap to maintain and rod (if you can find the parts). It is very fun to drive and meant to be enjoyed.
February 2, 2010Great car with the legendary 3.8 engine. Great performance for an automatic, but the transmission gets a little temporamental sometimes. Cheap to maintain, great on gas (26 mpg pretty much all the time), and great looks to boot! Excellent Investment!
April 9, 2009It has the venerable 3.8 v6 which is bulletproof, and its a well built, solid, dependable car, with a smooth quiet ride. Good value, all the way around.
February 21, 2024Good vehicle. My mechanic of 40 years says this is a great car, and at 111,000 miles, it’s “just getting warmed up”. Comfortable and a pleasure to drive.
April 26, 2022beautiful interior and exterior, excellent 3.8L engine.!
April 1, 2008great smooth fast car car for 3.8 great stereo nice moon-roof power everything ave 20 mpg large trunk space heated seats electric cost are cheap its really fun to drive love this car for life last car i will need to buy
June 29, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $33,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 280 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,130 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 182 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,690 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 182 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
