2005 Buick LaCrosse Review
New midsize sedan is smooth, comfortable, roomy.
(Continued)
Summary
Buick's long tradition of fine sedans is served and continued very well by the new LaCrosse. It is a very quiet car that surprises the new driver with its steering precision, road manners, and handling crispness. The interior has been given extra attention since Bob Lutz ordered a re-do, and that, too, has paid off handsomely.
We don't know that the LaCrosse will compete directly with the Accord and Camry, but it is certainly a worthy competitor for all the American-made competition in the $30,000 sedan class.
Jim McCraw filed this report from Pellston, Michigan.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | Buick LaCrosse CX ($22,835); LaCrosse CXL ($25,335); LaCrosse CXS ($28,335) |
| Engines: | 3.8-liter ohv 12-valve V6 |
| Transmissions: | 4-speed automatic overdrive |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | front airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | side curtain airbags |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Buick LaCrosse CXL ($25,335) |
| Standard Equipment: | air conditioning, dual-zone automatic; air filtration system; leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver's side 6-way power adjuster & 2-way power lumbar; defogger, electric rear window; cruise control; driver information center with compass, warning messages, personalization features; OnStar with 1-year Safe & Sound service; tilt/telescopic steering column; leather-wrapped steering wheel; split-folding rear seats w/center armrest; theft deterrent system, Pass-Key III; dual illuminated vanity visor mirrors; manual day/night rearview mirrors; delayed exit/entry lights & theatre dimming; lights, ashtray, glovebox, trunk, instrument panel, courtesy & engine compartment; remote trunk release; carpeted front/rear floor mats; retained accessory power; cargo convenience net; AM/FM/CD 6-speaker sound system; steering wheel mounted audio controls; power windows w/driver's express-down; power door locks w/lock-out protection; sport suspension, 17-inch tires and wheels |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | Sunroof ($900); XM Satellite Radio ($325); chrome-plated wheels ($650); Gold convenience package ($1150); remote start ($150); StabiliTrak ($495) |
| Destination Charge: | 660 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 29665 |
| Layout: | front-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 240 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 230 @ 3200 |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic overdrive |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 19/28 |
| Wheelbase: | 110.5 |
| Length/width/height: | 198.1/73.0/57.4 |
| Track, f/r: | 61.7/61.5 |
| Turning circle: | 40.4 |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.4/55.3/42.3 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 37.2/54.6/37.6 |
| Cargo volume: | 16 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | 1000 |
| Suspension, f: | independent, MacPherson strut |
| Suspension, r: | independent, tri-link, coil springs |
| Ground clearance: | 6.5 |
| Curb weight: | 3568 |
| Tires: | P225/55R17 |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/solid disc with ABS |
| Fuel capacity: | 17.5 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2005 Buick LaCrosse, click here: 2005 Buick LaCrosse.
