2005 Buick LaCrosse Review Summary & Specs
CX Sedan
New midsize sedan is smooth, comfortable, roomy.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
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.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Midsize Cars |
| Editor |
Jim McCraw |
| Model Lineup |
Buick LaCrosse CX ($22,835); LaCrosse CXL ($25,335); LaCrosse CXS ($28,335) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.8-liter ohv 12-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
200-hp 3.8-liter ohv 12-valve V6; 240-hp 3.6-liter dohc 24-valve VVT V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic overdrive |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
front airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
side curtain airbags |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-462-8782 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.gm.com/Buick |
| Base Price MSRP |
$22,835 |
Specs 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 |
| Destination Charge |
660 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Sunroof ($900); XM Satellite Radio ($325); chrome-plated wheels ($650); Gold convenience package ($1150); remote start ($150); StabiliTrak ($495) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$29,665 |
| Layout |
front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
240 @ 6000 |
| Torque |
230 @ 3200 |
| Fuel Economy |
19/28 |
| Wheelbase |
110.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
198.1/73.0/57.4 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
40.4 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.4/55.3/42.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.2/54.6/37.6 |
| Trunk Volume |
16 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
1000 |
| Front Suspension |
independent, MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension |
independent, tri-link, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance |
6.5 |
| Curb Weight |
3568 |
| Stock Tires |
P225/55R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/solid disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
17.5 |