Buick's LaCrosse has been completely redesigned for 2010 and the result is a remarkably luxurious sedan with great styling inside and out, available all-wheel drive and a ride that is more responsive than you'd typically expect from this moniker.
The new LaCrosse is downright surprising. It's definitely not like your daddy's old Buick, so get over the Buick stigma. Once you slip inside the LaCrosse, you'll be greeted by a delicious cabin and pleasing ride.
While it's built in Kansas, the 2010 LaCrosse is truly a global car having been developed by engineers on three different continents.
The results are impressive. On the outside, I like LaCrosse's sculpted and contemporary stance. Buick refers to it as "modern elegance." I say that LaCrosse is better looking than any of its competitors.
Of course, it doesn't stop there. One of LaCrosse's most striking features is its elegant and tranquil cabin. My top-of-the-line
2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS tester's cabin was so quiet that the woosh-woosh noise you typically hear from the operation of the windshield wipers was not perceptible.
Buick's engineers designed such a quiet cabin that driving at highway speeds with the windows up you can hear a pin drop inside. Another favorite interior feature of mine is LaCrosse's ambient (ice blue) lighting that adorns the cabin at night. Everything looks and feels magnificent inside the LaCrosse, save for the cup holder area of the center console.
My other cabin complaints have to do with the somewhat small trunk (13.3 cubic feet for CX and CXL, 12.8 cubic feet for CXS) and poor rear visibility. Thankfully, though, rear parking assist is standard across the line. But those wanting a backup camera will have to choose either the midlevel CXL or top-level CXS, as it's not offered on the base-level CX.
You'll likely be quite pleased with LaCrosse pricing, which starts at about $27,000. A decked out CXS costs well less than $40,000. All LaCrosse models feature a long list of standard amenities as well as a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
The LaCrosse CX can be had with either a fuel-efficient 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 255-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6.
The LaCrosse CXL features the 3.0-liter V-6 engine and is the only trim level available with all-wheel drive.
The top-level LaCrosse CXS features a more potent 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a longer list of standard amenities, including chrome-plated 18-inch wheels, keyless starting, real-time activedampening suspension and a premium sound system.
The redesigned LaCrosse is much more engaging and delightful to drive. The ride my LaCrosse CXS tester delivered felt smooth and refined, yet very much under control when quickly changing lanes or taking cloverleaf-type ramps onto and off the highway.
LaCrosse, regardless of which trim level you choose, will be a delight for road trips of any length as well as for daily commuting.
The cabin is comfortable for a family of five or four large adults.
All LaCrosse models come standard with a long list of safety features, including stability control and GM's OnStar system.
Anyone shopping for an entry-level luxury sedan should put LaCrosse on their list of must-drives.
2010 BUICK LaCROSSE CXSENGINE: 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6
TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 17 city/27 highway
BASE PRICE: $33,015
AS TESTED: $33,960 (includes $750 for destination)
www.Buick.com