2008 Buick LaCrosse Review Summary & Specs
CX Sedan
V8 model brings Super name back from the past.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Buick's long tradition of fine sedans is well-served and continued by the LaCrosse. It's a quiet, comfortable car that measures up well against the best of the midsize sedans. Those who prefer a smooth ride and traditional Buick comfort will find it in the LaCrosse CX and CXL. Drivers who like sporty sedans will appreciate the CXS or Super, which deliver good acceleration performance, steering precision and crisp handling.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Pellston, Michigan, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles and correspondent Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Midsize Cars |
| Editor |
New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup |
Buick LaCrosse CX ($23,310); LaCrosse CXL ($25,310); LaCrosse CXS ($27,310); LaCrosse Super ($31,310) |
| 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; 300-hp 5.3-liter ohv 16-valve VVT V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
front airbags, side-curtain airbags, ABS, traction control, tire pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
StabiliTrak electronic stability control, rear park assist |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Manufacturer Phone |
800-462-8782 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.buick.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$23,310 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Buick LaCrosse CXL ($25,310) |
| Standard Equipment |
dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, interior air filter, six-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, power locks with remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, theater-style interior light dimming, leather-wrapped shift knob, six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with XM satellite radio, OnStar service with one-year subscription, remote engine starting, automatic headlights, alarm |
| Destination Charge |
685 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
sunroof ($900); P225/55R17 tires on chrome-plated alloy wheels ($650); Driver's Confidence package ($950) with rear obstacle detection, heated power mirrors, six-way power passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, rear map lights |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$28,495 |
| Horse Power |
200 @ 5200 |
| Torque |
230 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy |
17/28 |
| 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 struts with four-stage valving, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
independent, tri-link, Chapman struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance |
6.5 |
| Curb Weight |
3502 |
| Stock Tires |
P225/55R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/solid disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
17.5 |