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2010 Buick Lacrosse Photo

2010 Buick Lacrosse - Review

 
29 19,972 views July 16, 2009

The center stack layout and switchgear is solid, easy-to-use and attractive

Enlarge PhotoThat's not to say it's all peachy behind the wheel of the LaCrosse. Though you're being shuttled along in comfort with a pleasant view throughout the cabin, there's not a lot of motive force shoving you along even with the top-of-the-line 3.6L direct-injection V6 - the same basic unit found in the Cadillac CTS, though detuned a bit to 280hp and 261lb-ft of torque. There's also a good deal of tire noise, especially on the 19in-equipped CXS. It'll get to freeway speed just fine, and the jaunt from 50-80mph when passing is smooth and quick enough, but it lacks the urgency found in the V8-powered Infiniti M45 or the Lexus GS.

That may be a good thing, however, as the LaCrosse returns 17mpg city and 26mpg highway with the most powerful unit. The 3.0L V6 was also on hand to test, and we drove it paired with the optional AWD drivetrain. Rated at just 18mpg city/27mpg highway, it's not a huge step up in economy, but it's also not a huge step down in power or performance, taking 7.8 seconds to get to 60mph compared to the 3.6L's 6.8 second time. Observed fuel economy over a mixed set of fairly flat two-lane and highway driving was within the claimed range, with the 3.6L and 3.0L presenting very similar - almost indistinguishable - numbers.

In practice, the 3.0L unit feels more willing, presents a sweeter - if somewhat quieter - exhaust note and exhibits less vibration than the 3.6L unit, all adding up to an experience that many buyers are likely to choose.

Not yet available - it will enter production sometime in the fourth quarter - is a 2.4L four-cylinder engine rated at 180hp and expected to manage 20mpg city and 30mpg highway, though final numbers haven't yet been announced.

Getting back to the driving impression, steering feel is excessively light in normal models, but with the CXS package, the 3.6L engine is paired with a 'sport mode' setting that tightens damper settings and firms up steering to a level that feels just right - and makes us wish it was that way in every trim. Even in sport mode, however, the dampers don't provide a harsh or jarring ride, so buyers with the scratch for the CXS model would do well to give it a go before writing it off as too 'hardcore'.

Handling is as you'd expect from a slightly front-biased 4,000lb front-driver, with the inside rear wheel unweighting and the front diving into what would likely be terminal push past 0.7-0.8g. The AWD car helps to ameliorate this by sending up to 85% of the drive to the rear wheels and skewing the weight distribution rearward by another percentage point, but it's still not enough to make this car into a real performer.

Rear-seat legroom is excellent, and all four seating positions offer good back and leg support

 
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Comments (29)

  1. ma_brum08 avatar brum08 Posted: 7/16/2009 10:30am PDT

    The interior bugs me that it looks like a cadillac. I thought they were trying to get rid of redundant brands. Don't get me wrong it looks nice but just enough to say you've almost got a cadillac.
     
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  2. ma_vjqc11 avatar vjqc11 Posted: 7/16/2009 11:01am PDT

    So what! Is it really a bad thing. I mean think of it from a normal consumer's point of view. Do you really think they would get in this car and see all the high quality material,features and say "o im not buying this vehicle because the interior looks to much like a Cadillac CTS. The major hurdle I think Buick has to over come just like Hyundai and Kia is it's NAME. They have to do a lot of marketing and positioning to get rid of the old myths and stigmatisms that are tide to there name(old peoples car,slow,soggy performance etc) once they do that Buick I think will be a genuine competitor.
     
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  3. ma_Nelson avatar Nelson Posted: 7/16/2009 11:21am PDT

    Also, in person, the interior really looks almost nothing like the CTS. The depth of the dashboard and the instrument panel cluster are pretty unique. The photos don't show that off very well, but it's a hard thing to capture.
     
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  4. ma_solo84 avatar solo84 Posted: 7/16/2009 11:33am PDT

    that is VERY impressive. i'll have to stop by a Buick store and take a look in person.
     
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  5. ma_TrelinDTR avatar TrelinDTR Posted: 7/16/2009 11:48am PDT

    I see a LOT of an Acura RL in the rear of this car...far too much chrome...Buick believes luxury = chrome everywhere...
    Otherwise the styling isn't bad...

    I really hate to hate on a company that's trying so hard to clear the stigma from their name, and target a younger crowd...I'm 23, and I know Buick isn't shooting for my age, but I know that my parents (59/60) still consider Buick a car for Seniors...and I feel terrible for Buick because at my age, they will always remain a company that builds cars for Seniors...as long as I'm in the financial bracket to be able to really chose what type of car I want to drive, I doubt I'll be visiting a Buick dealer, let alone sit in a Buick if it's not taking me away to or from an airport, or if I'm driving with someone above the age of 75...

    The Enclave to me is a waste because you get more stuff for cheaper in an Acadia...You don't even get LED taillights on the Enclave and it's priced well-above the Acadia, which they're standard...

    I'm sorry Buick...I know you're popular in China, but you're going to have a tough tough tough time ever getting someone in my age bracket to commit to any of your cars...In the US, Buick should've been shuttered and Pontiac should've survived...
     
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  6. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 7/16/2009 12:18pm PDT

    The young crown who has a degree and some disposable cash will flock to Buick when all is said and done. Buy American sentiment is at an all time high! As expected GM is on the move!!!!!!!!!
     
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  7. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 7/16/2009 12:19pm PDT

    young crowd!
     
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  8. ma_TrelinDTR avatar TrelinDTR Posted: 7/16/2009 2:16pm PDT

    a degree and disposable cash ultimately means people are going to flock to Buick...? How is GM on the move if only a month and a half ago they went bankrupt? I understand this whole GM-renovation is slowing making waves, but they're still offering vehicles that are sub-par compared to foreign brands and still duplicating unnecessary vehicles to clog the streets (Equinox/Terrain) only to remain on the lots of dealerships hoping to be passed over GM's next slaughter...

    I do care for the American brands, but none of them are really offering anything special that have caught my attention...
     
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  9. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 7/16/2009 2:29pm PDT

    Be awhile before Buick loses its old person stigma
     
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  10. ma_Nelson avatar Nelson Posted: 7/16/2009 2:40pm PDT

    Be awhile before Buick loses its old person stigma

    It absolutely will be. And Buick - specifically Sharon Docherty - acknowledges that. They have a hard road ahead to change minds about the brand.

    But with Buick positioned as one of the four remaining GM brands, they have to change that image, or they're dooming themselves to further failure.

    And even if they do get some people to see the 'new Buick', what of the brand's reputation? There's a difference in what others think when you tell them 'I drive a Lexus' versus 'I drive a Buick'.

    Personally - I'm 30, btw - I like the LaCrosse a lot, and only wish they'd make a higher-output (note: not necessarily stiffer or sharper, just more powerful) offering. Like throwing a turbo on the 3.6L unit and turning out 400+ hp. But that's another topic altogether.
     
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  11. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 7/16/2009 4:25pm PDT

    It's sad but Buick alone is responsible for its geriatric image due to cars like the Park Avenue, etc. of the '90s. However, Buick made some real screamers in the past; cars like the GNX and GSX were real performers in their day. Buick's Stage 1 455 had more torque than a Hemi for cryin' out loud! The GSX surprised more than a few Chevelle SS and GTOs (and it was clearly the superior car, and looked better!) I wish them the best, but it's gonna be a long, hard road. However it's not impossible, look at the recent turnaround of Hyundai/Kia.
     
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  12. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 7/16/2009 9:49pm PDT

    Be awhile before Buick loses its old person stigma

    It absolutely will be. And Buick - specifically Sharon Docherty - acknowledges that. They have a hard road ahead to change minds about the brand.

    But with Buick positioned as one of the four remaining GM brands, they have to change that image, or they're dooming themselves to further failure.

    And even if they do get some people to see the 'new Buick', what of the brand's reputation? There's a difference in what others think when you tell them 'I drive a Lexus' versus 'I drive a Buick'.

    Personally - I'm 30, btw - I like the LaCrosse a lot, and only wish they'd make a higher-output (note: not necessarily stiffer or sharper, just more powerful) offering. Like throwing a turbo on the 3.6L unit and turning out 400+ hp. But that's another topic altogether.

    Well you might get a turbo 4 cylinder would that make you happy?
     
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  13. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 7/17/2009 5:30am PDT

    Look you read the review Buick is back and to say, "I drive a Buick", will mean 2 things: you bought an efficient car and you are an American thru and thru! Let's face it driving a gas hog and driving a foreign car are both out of style!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
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  14. ma_TrelinDTR avatar TrelinDTR Posted: 7/17/2009 7:04am PDT

    I think it's comical how you believe with this one car, Buick is making a complete resurgence. At my age, I don't know what a great Buick is...I wasn't alive for the GNX or the GSX, which I hear were fantastic cars...I'm in the generation that Buick is petrified of...The one that the stigma of Buick as inflicted...As I get older, unless Buick does something over the top, I will NOT buy a Buick (not saying I won't buy a GM, but NOT a Buick)...

    Hahahaha...driving a foreign car is out of style and Gas hogs...Which foreign company produces gas hogs???...I really cannot think of one...It's the American brands that produce Gas hogs...
     
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  15. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 7/17/2009 7:36am PDT

    The double whammy of uncool would be a toyota tundra, not even highly rated lousy mileage and made in japan! The influx of Opel bread small and medium sized cars coming into Buick will give consumers a full line of well designed and well engineered vehicles to choose from. Much of the demand will be fed by reviews such as this one. Right now Buick interiors are top of the line in all their vehicles. Soon the lineup will be full of alternatives and with the fat trimmed at GM (through bankruptcy), they can compete on price with Korean and Japanese rivals! GM is lagging at this moment with gas guzzlers parked on the lots however they have advanced vehicles in the pipeline as a result of their huge engineering network.
     
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  16. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 7/17/2009 7:48am PDT

    Foreign gas hogs: BMW, Land Rover, Toyota Trucks, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes, to name a few. Interesting that Chrysler has access to clean diesel technology and other Fiat fuel efficient offerings which those above mentioned luxury gas hogs will soon be utilizing. GM would be well served to hang onto Opel if at all possible to keep a design and engineering arm from Europe!
     
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  17. ma_gus avatar Gus Chyba Posted: 7/17/2009 7:52am PDT

    Excllent review Nelson. You hear about Buicks being world contenders, so this brings it home.
    I am still not a fan of FWD, and certainly don't need AWD, so this isn't on my radar, but it's good to know it's there...
     
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  18. ma_bepsf avatar bepsf Posted: 7/17/2009 12:17pm PDT

    Geez - Maybe I'm reading the wrong blog...
    ...but I'm in my mid-40's and I really like this car - If I were in the market for a large-ish $35K 4-door sedan, the CXL FWD would certainly be on my shortlist along w/ the Taurus LTD.

    ...but I don't need 4 doors, and I'd really like a big convertible that's not a Sebring or a Solara - Would it be so tough for GM to bring a $40-45K 5-seat hardtop-convertible based on this and call it Riviera? (and a $55-60K version called Eldorado?)
     
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  19. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 7/17/2009 1:26pm PDT

    54chevyman your posts are long and you post a lot of them
     
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  20. ma_stevesocks avatar stevesocks Posted: 7/17/2009 2:28pm PDT

    "I want to say one word to you...just...one word..... are you listening?"
    "Yes sir I am."
    "... plastics."
     
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  21. ma_solo84 avatar solo84 Posted: 7/17/2009 3:42pm PDT

    i.e.- "they have advanced vehicles in the pipeline as a result of their huge engineering network."

    when and where did you purchase your magic crystal ball?
    i would like to obtain one too.
     
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  22. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 7/18/2009 7:22am PDT

    Time will tell if GM has advanced cars in the pipeline and right now VW is leading the way globally. We'll see if Buick captures the late 20" early 30's market in a big way! Just remember you heard it here first!
     
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  23. ma_Automusings avatar Automusings Posted: 7/20/2009 7:01pm PDT

    Buicks: In 1970, Motor Trend tested a Stage 1 GS 455 Skylark that turned the quarter in the low 13s at about 106 mph, PURE STOCK. It was cleverly rated it 360 (SAE gross) horsepower, while actually cranking out about 450.

    By the way, my 31 year old daughter loves her previous generation LaCrosse, and we loved our 99 Century (3100), which consistently got 27-29 miles per gallon, and about 30 on trips. (The well controled suspension was much improved on the 99 over the rather wallowy 97 and 98 editions.) Buick makes excellent intermediates.
     
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  24. ma_mitzo avatar mitzo Posted: 7/28/2009 8:44am PDT

    How many generic big bulbous sedans can one market absorb?
     
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  25. ma_secrummy avatar secrummy Posted: 7/29/2009 12:09pm PDT

    Oh look, the Buick Camary! Oh boy, I'll just have to rush out an buy one. Buick hasn't made anything interesting the the GSX in the late eighties / early nineties and that was only because it was fast, they have not produced a good looking car since the late sixties. Why the Chinese continue to buy these things is beyond me... were it not for them GM, would have mercifully put this lame dog of a division out of it's misery.
     
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  26. By LawBoy26 Posted: 12/19/2009 10:59pm PST

    A great looking car and it looks out of place in the Buick showrooms. GM hurry up and get rid of the Lucurne. Buick's version of a Chrysler 300 without the HEMI. Buick's version of the Lexus ES350 without the brand prestige, resale value. Buick as a brand has work to do still but at least their cars are heading in the right direction.
     
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  27. By  art Posted: 1/10/2010 10:33am PST

    Interior and Exterior well done however you need to sit in the car. I'm 6'2" and could not see the hood of the car. In addition, the driver's compartment by width, is tight even for a slim build. I haven't test driven car but so far these factors alone will make it difficult to consider. What were the engineers thinking? Has anyone had similar experience?
     
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  28. By brian Posted: 1/15/2010 4:06pm PST

    I can relate to art's post regarding visibility. Even though I'm 6'4", I can't see the hood either, but I've decided that isn't that important to me. Also, if the car has a sunroof, tall people may not acheive the desired seating postion, because in addition to the already low roof, the headliner drops 2-3" to accomodate the sunroof. Also,the space is limited for the left foot of the driver due to wheel well intrusion. In general, visibility isn't good- high rear deck and wide pillars. Not enough of a problem to keep me from ordering one from the local dealer- way too many positives.
     
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  29. By Pete Posted: 8/5/2010 9:00pm PDT

    Although impressive, skip the Buick LaCrosse and buy the 2010 Saab 9-5... basically the same car but a little more cache
     
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