2009 Buick LaCrosse Review
2009 Buick LaCrosse Review
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Used LaCrosse for sale
Appraise This CarBuick LaCrosse model years
Buick LaCrosse types
- Sedan
- Super
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth and quiet ride, decent performance from V6, strong performance with V8, available seating for six.
Cons
- Disappointing side-impact crash-test results, uninvolving handling for all but the Super model, noisy base V6, unsupportive seats, some low-grade interior materials, cramped rear legroom for taller passengers.
What’s new
For 2009, the Buick LaCrosse sees a few minor changes that include the dropping of the CXS trim (including its pleasant 240-horsepower V6) and the debut of Bluetooth connectivity.
Edmunds says
For traditional Buick customers, the 2009 Buick LaCrosse should prove comfortably familiar, with its calm but isolated motoring experience. Sadly, it lags behind most other family sedans when it comes to handling, cabin space, feature content and overall refinement.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Buick LaCrosse CX 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$199/mo for LaCrosse CX
LaCrosse CX
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Try bringing up family sedans at your next cookout and it's likely that the 2009 Buick LaCrosse won't be mentioned. Competing in the $25,000-$35,000 bracket in this class isn't easy, what with names like the Accord, Avalon, Camry and even Malibu being the deserving crowd favorites. Golden-agers, on the other hand, will likely be familiar with the LaCrosse and attracted to this Buick's hushed cabin, simple controls, plush ride and peppy performance.
After last year's slight face-lift (essentially a new grille) and revival of the "Super" nameplate (which dates back to the '50s), the Buick LaCrosse sees only minor changes for 2009. Among them are the dropping of the CXS trim (and sadly, its DOHC 240-hp V6) and the debut of Bluetooth connectivity. With its stately grille and shapely body, the 2009 LaCrosse is attractive without being gaudy. The aforementioned older demographic may recognize the modernized "portholes" that adorn the front fenders of the Super, which also sports a rear spoiler, chrome dual exhaust tips and big wheels.
But although the 2009 Buick LaCrosse makes a pretty good showroom impression, closer inspection reveals that the handsome cabin's blend of faux wood and chrome trim is offset by some cheaper plastic pieces. The base CX trim level in particular is pure rental-car fare. Seating comfort and rear passenger room are also marginal -- the softly padded seats will probably appeal only to the most traditional customers. And on the test drive, it's hard to ignore the numb steering and handling of the non-Super versions -- shortcomings that do little to breed driver confidence.
As for the LaCrosse Super, it is an entirely different animal. Sporting a 300-hp V8 and tuned suspension, this low-volume edition is intended for younger buyers or perhaps horsepower-loving seniors who like the idea of screeching their tires in a Ft. Lauderdale Publix parking lot. Nevertheless, front-wheel drive is not ideal for that much power, and the LaCrosse is a far cry from past high-performance Buicks. Those looking for a large, high-powered sedan should check out the Pontiac G8 GT or Chrysler 300C.
Although those used to driving Centurys and LeSabres will probably be happy with the LaCrosse, consumers looking for a truly premium experience will be put off by the Buick's compromised interior, uninspiring handling and lack of common high-tech features. Before signing the sales order for a LaCrosse, we suggest these shoppers check out more well-rounded alternatives, including the Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Pontiac G8 and Toyota Avalon.
Performance & mpg
The LaCrosse CX and CXL are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 200 hp and 230 pound-feet of torque, while the LaCrosse Super sports a 5.3-liter V8 that pumps out 300 horses and 323 lb-ft of torque.
All models are front-wheel drive and make do with an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission -- a liability in a class where rivals offer more modern five- and six-speed automatics, as well as continuously variable units.
Fuel-mileage ratings are thus respectable but not class-leading. The CX and CXL are rated at 17 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, while the Super rates 16/24/19.
Safety
The 2009 Buick LaCrosse features standard full-length side curtain airbags, OnStar communications and antilock disc brakes. Front-seat side airbags are not available. A stability control system is standard on the Super model and optional on the other two. Traction control is standard across the board.
In government frontal-impact crash tests, the Buick LaCrosse earned five stars (out of five) for driver and front-passenger protection. In side-impact tests, the LaCrosse received just three stars out of a possible five for front-occupant protection and four stars for rear-passenger protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the LaCrosse achieved a best-possible "Good" rating for frontal-offset crash safety, but only a "Marginal" rating (second lowest of four) in that agency's side-impact crash test.
Driving
Like its LeSabre and Century predecessors, the 2009 Buick LaCrosse was engineered to offer an agreeable balance between a supple ride and confident handling. On the highway, it rides smoothly and soaks up bumps with little drama, as you'd expect a midsize family sedan to do. But compared to more maneuverable and borderline-nimble entries like the Honda Accord and Pontiac G8, the LaCrosse's handling capabilities leave much to be desired. The more firmly sprung LaCrosse Super is a step in the right direction, but the other models exhibit excessive body roll and generally numb steering.
Although noisy and unrefined for this class, the standard V6 in CX and CXL models offers a pleasing blend of performance and fuel economy. Asphalt-burners will want to slide behind the wheel of the V8-powered Super, which leaps when the throttle is booted. But bear in mind that the old-school V8 has a gruffer delivery than rivals with V6s that are more modern and nearly as powerful.
Interior
For those who need to carry more people, the five-passenger LaCrosse is also offered in a six-passenger seating configuration. Its broad, flat seats make ingress and egress easy, but lack support for taller adults. Rear-seat legroom is tight for larger individuals, too.
The dash design is clean and elegant, with a long expanse of faux wood trim sweeping across its length, interrupted only by a simple gauge cluster located directly in front of the driver. Tasteful chrome accents along the dash and around the gear selector add a splash of style. Although the leather upholstery is soft, the plastics used for the door panels, console and most controls have a low-grade appearance and feel. To its credit, the cabin offers lots of storage bins and cubbies, and the trunk volume measures a generous 16 cubic feet.
2009 Buick LaCrosse models
The 2009 Buick LaCrosse is a midsize family sedan offered in three trim levels: CX, CXL and Super. Five-passenger seating is standard, but an available front bench seat in the CX and CXL increases that capacity to six.
The base CX comes well-equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, a power driver seat with memory functions, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, remote vehicle start and a six-speaker CD stereo with satellite radio and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The more upscale LaCrosse CXL adds alloy wheels, leather upholstery, wood grain trim, heated front seats and a driver seat power lumbar adjustment. The latter two items are optional on the CX.
CXL options include a sunroof, rear park assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power front passenger seat and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system with an MP3-compatible CD player. An in-dash CD changer is available as well, but a few popular high-tech features, such as a navigation system and an auxiliary audio jack, are not.
The top-of-the-line Buick LaCrosse Super offers most of the above features as standard and adds V8 power, 18-inch wheels, a performance-tuned suspension, larger brakes and leather seating with unique woven inserts. The only options on the LaCrosse Super are a sunroof and a CD changer. All Buick LaCrosses may be optioned with Bluetooth connectivity.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#15 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Buick LaCrosse from 2008-2022.$447/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.81x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.7%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Buick LaCrosse.
5 star(54%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(7%)
68 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love it so far!
spinmytires, 08/07/2012
2008 Buick LaCrosse Super 4dr Sedan (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I just bought an 08 LaCrosse Super, and so far, I love it.
It is roomy, and the heated seats feel great after a long day at work.
I like how it isn't over the top with gizmos and gadgets on the dash, but has enough to make me feel I am getting what I paid for.
The ride is smooth, and it isn't jumpy when accelerating.
I like the shorter stopping distances.
I have seen a lot of reviews … elsewhere that seem to think this is a sports car.
No, this is a luxury sedan.
I'm not in my 80's I'm in my 20's, and enjoy all of the comfort, and all of the horsepower.
I don't intend on using this car to run the Daytona 500, so, who cares about RWD vs FWD?
It's big, comfy and should be great in snow
2.5 out of 5 stars
Buick lights
carhawk77, 02/19/2015
2009 Buick LaCrosse CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
There is a problem with the lights circuity design. You can find many stories of the problems. It relates to low beams not working and also daytime lights also fail at the same time. Model years affected, 2006 thru 2009. After a massive number of complaints, Buick had no choice to post a recall notice. So even though officially recalled, Buick has not yet found a fix. The problem is … where they located the relay box. It actually gets so hot that it melts down at which time you are left only with your high beams. "GM Recall N 140291 issued 11/25/2014. Title: Low Beam Headlamp". :Recall Status: Remedy Not Available as of 02/16 2015". So why aren't dealers telling potential buyers about this??
4.75 out of 5 stars
Super Lux
lacrosse2008, 06/08/2012
2008 Buick LaCrosse Super 4dr Sedan (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
With the Supers being so rare, I had to go check it out when I saw the classified ad at a local dealer. It was love at first sight. I always thought the LaCrosse was sharp, and the Super takes that a step further. Being black with the tasteful chrome trim, including the optional chrome wheels, it gets compliment after compliment. Wasnt sure how I felt about the dark brown interior but it … has grown on me. Love the power and ride, but after only a couple of months of ownership, the transmission has had to be completely overhauled. Since its still under warranty, Im taking it in stride. Other than that I have been nothing but happy with it.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Solid, Smooth, Quiet
Greg B., 08/30/2009
2009 Buick LaCrosse CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
This is a vastly underrated car. It is very well-built, with excellent fit and finish, no rattles, and an incredibly quiet ride. It is a fabulous highway car. The 3800 V-6 works well and the ride and handling, while not a sportscar, is perfect for those who like their cars smooth and quiet. The leather seats with power lumbar adjustment are exceptionally comfortable. It has a huge trunk … and 4 people can travel in comfort. I like the exterior styling, especially the side view thanks to the design of the greenhouse. People who criticize Buicks for being old persons cars really are missing the point. This is an excellent example of a traditional American car, smooth, quiet and comfortable.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Buick LaCrosse, so we've included reviews for other years of the LaCrosse since its last redesign.
2009 LaCrosse Highlights
Sedan
CX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,640 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $199/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the LaCrosse include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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