2007 Buick LaCrosse Review
The LaCrosse debuted for 2005 as a replacement for the Century and Regal. An upscale family sedan, the LaCrosse is designed to be both extra quiet and smooth, while delivering sharp handling. Emphasizing reliability over style, the LaCrosse has been criticized for looking identical to the rest of the Buick line. The LaCrosse has been added to Hertz's "Green Collection" of rental cars, for its excellent fuel efficiency.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Buick LaCrosse was designed to give you a luxurious car for a rather modest price. Engineered to appeal to Buick fans and new buyers alike, the LaCrosse does a good job with its quiet ride and beefy engine. But the LaCrosse is a flawed vehicle in several ways, from its poorly designed interior that leaves little headroom to some rather concerning side impact crash scores. All in all, it's not a bad ride, and it delivers on its goals, but the BuyingAdvice team thinks it falls short of its counterpart, the Buick Lucerne.
What's New For 2007:
$24,250
no
5
20/30
3.8L V6
200@5200RPM
230@4000RPM
4 Speed Automatic
FR/FWD
17
gasoline
48/50000
60/100000
72/100000
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The LaCrosse is too recent for long-term data to be available. J.D. Power gave the LaCrosse its highest five star rating for initial reliability. Reported issues with the LaCrosse have been limited to its debut model year, and included: Poor radio reception, brake noise, defective electronics, inaccurate fuel gauges, axle noise, and water leaks. The LaCrosse was recalled in 2005 for bendable brake pushrods. Expect average to above average reliability. The standard warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The LaCrosse earned a top five star rating in government frontal crash tests. Unfortunately, it only earned an average of two stars in side impacts. IIHS tests were similar, giving it their best "Good" score for frontal impacts, "Moderate" in side tests, and their worst "Poor" rating for rear collisions. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and full head-protecting airbags are standard. Stability control is optional on the CXS trim.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Quiet
+ Plenty of engine for the money
+ Good fuel economy for its size and engine power
Cons
- Pathetic side-impact crash test scores
- Looks like just about every other Buick
- Wonky interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The LaCrosse presents good features for the money in its class. The Audi A4 comes standard with a CD changer, and gets four more miles to the gallon on the highway, but also costs almost $6,000 more. Not only that, but the LaCrosse features a larger, 3.8-L V6 and a standard automatic. The LaCrosse also presents a better value than the Cadillac CTS, costing over $7,000 less, with a liter larger engine, and standard automatic. The LaCrosse also outperforms the sporty Saab 9-3. While the 9-3 has leather seats, the LaCrosse delivers much more for $4,000 less, including a much larger, six-cylinder engine, and a standard automatic transmission.
What Others Are Saying:
"It's all new, obviously, but it doesn't stand out in the crowd. Nobody will say it's bad looking, but the word gorgeous won't come up, either. It doesn't offend, certainly, but it doesn't excite. Two words come to mind - understated and unobtrusive." - The Family Car
"The Buick LaCrosse is an elegant and capable alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, champions of the midsize sedan category, but doesn't match their quality or refinement. It does, however, represent a monumental improvement over the boring duo it elbows from the lineup - the Century and Regal." - Forbes
"Though I liked the overall interior appearance, I was put off by wood trim that isn't wood at all; it's plastic. The instruments themselves are nicely designed and easy to read yet the number and small size of console controls is distracting." - About.com
Read more about the 2007 Buick LaCrosse at the Buick manufacturer web site.
Published on Thursday, April 26, 2007 - Email to a friend
Copyright 2006 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
SEARCH BY MANUFACTURER
