2005 Buick LaCrosse Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With more refined power under the hood and a contemporary interior, this replacement for the Regal and Century could go a long way toward reestablishing Buick as a premium brand.
Pros
Six-passenger seating availability, supremely quiet ride, powerful and refined engine in CXS model, attractive interior.
Cons
Stability control limited to CXS trim, base engine lacks refinement, only comes with a four-speed automatic.
What's New for 2005
The LaCrosse is an all-new premium sedan replacement for both the Century and Regal sedans.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Totally mediocre
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased this car used with 22,000 miles. Initially, I was very impressed with the design of the exterior and the interior materials. However, with time I have been mildly disappointed. No major complaints, just room for improvement. Like every other review, I am also disappointed with the fuel economy. Also, the 3.8 liter engine is not nearly as quiet or refined as other reviews suggest. The seats are unsupportive and stiff, although the leather is of very good quality. Have had an ongoing problem with the airbag light coming on for no apparent reason. Finally, the trunk lid has no handle to pull it up. Sounds minor but is very inconvenient.
Favorite Features
Quality of the leather interior, stereo has good sound, acceleration is more than adequate, very nice exterior aesthetically.
Suggested Improvements
More supportive seats, handle on the trunk lid, quieter powerplant, especially on cold winter mornings, roomier rear-seat
Not dissapointed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Buick LaCrosse CX 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this car a year ago and have been very happy overall. Trunk space holds our stroller, a pack and play and still has room for a few bags of groceries. The sound system is very good. Very quiet and comfortable ride, good gas mileage. Only complaint is the intermediary joint is needing serviced or replaced, but other than that I would have no problem buying another one.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, trunk space, sound system, comfort/lumbar support.
Suggested Improvements
Radio control on wheel needs to be able to switch from radio to CD. Intermediary joint issue.
First Year Flaws
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have now owned this Buick for 3+ years and have put 75k miles on her. She is still very docile, quiet and well mannered, just what you would expect from a Buick.
Favorite Features
I really like the body lines. The CXL with chrome package is very easy on the eyes.
Suggested Improvements
This is the second V6 I have owned, and both have pulled hard to the left under heavy acceleration. The suspension is not responsive (nothing to do with firmness) enough to give confidence in driving. Going over grates during a corner causes the car to jump around.
Better than expected
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is our first Buick. We had a 2001 Aurora before this. We have driven this car about 38000 miles now. Car is very quiet and handles great. Ride is very smooth. City gas mileage is 19-20 mpg, highway is 30-32 mpg. Like everyone else these days, I would like more mpg but this is better than most cars of this size. Have not needed any repairs except a battery replacement which is normal in southern Arizona. I'm disapointed that there is no tire pressure monitor system on this car, Buick sure missed the boat there. This was corrected in 2006. I do wish this car had a memory system for the seat and mirror settings. Over all, my wife and I both love this car.
Favorite Features
Back up alert, XM radio, OnStar.
Suggested Improvements
A little more power would be nice, memory package a must, more rear seat head and leg room.
Still impressed almost 3 years later.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
After having driven Japanese cars for almost 20 years, I purchased a GM car with trepidation. Amazingly, GM got it right with this car in 2005. When I turned in my Lexus in Aug '05 I felt deprived but the LaCrosse had all the luxury features and more!
Favorite Features
Remote backup sensors. Remote start. Huge trunk and hauling space because rear seats fold down flat.
Suggested Improvements
OnStar voice recognition never worked properly.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Buick LaCrosse
- 2009 Buick LaCrosse
- 2008 Buick LaCrosse
- 2007 Buick LaCrosse
- 2006 Buick LaCrosse
- 2005 Buick LaCrosse
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