2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS 3.6L DOHC V6 from North America

Summary:

This year of the Lacrosse has too many downfalls

Faults:

- Power steering leak at fitting onto the pump.

- Driver's side window switch defective.

- Sunroof seal leak.

- Massive oil blow-by leaking through PCV-Less system into air intake and causing the MAF to get dirty.

- Aluminum rims causing air to leak out.

- Warped brake rotors.

- Transmission is starting to "buck" when it is warmed up.

General Comments:

The DOHC V6 3.6L engine is flawed in this year and certain years. It has massive blow-by of oil. This is not uncommon. Apparently there are problems with the steering also on this model, which I have not experienced. Personally, I think the way the car steers is a road hazard. The Lacrosse of this year is really uncomfortable to steer in general.

Overall, the car has not left us stranded. Although it does have its problems.

The gas mileage is absolutely terrible. 17 MPG average. Sometimes about 20 MPG. This is with a full tune-up and a cleaned MAF.

I would not recommend this car or any GM car with the 3.6L DOHC engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2013

2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 3.8 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

It is the best standard car the GM can design to date

Faults:

Our Buick pulled to the right quite badly when we first bought it. It turned out that the factory had not fixed a problem with the steering after design and produced it "As Is". But, with a quick run to the dealership, they had it fixed in no time.

Still, cars are not supposed to come out of the factory with imperfections. Just ask the people who produced the Beetle, for they would disassemble an entire car if there was a dent in the dashboard.

The only other problem is that the technical controls (e.g. electric chairs, air conditioning buttons, etc.) have either worn out considerably or are in the process of having the paint wear away.

Also, an annoyance arises with the radio. It automatically turns the volume down when the car slows and the exact opposite when the car speeds up! It is a novel idea on safety that turns into a great nuisance after a few tries at the knobs.

General Comments:

It is a well built car and is perfectly suited for long road trips or interstate driving. It performs brilliantly in a straight line. However, once you throw some corners at it, you are in for a real shock. It feels like the whole car is going to tip over if you take a hard corner over 25 mph!

The cabin is very comfortable and roomy for a mid-sized sedan. The suspension makes it feel as though you are riding on a boat (which, you could say, the car is).

Then again, I do not believe the car had the option for AC vents in the back, and it shows. The car was typically designed for the midwest or the northeast. We live in the Sonoran desert; so, if you have passengers in the back, the AC must be on full blast during the summer months; which effectively drowns out the music if the radio is on.

Now, to the gentleman who quoted this car as a new "Youth Oriented" model, I have some dire news: IT IS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE. I am a teenager, and I do think the car is quite beautiful. But don't kid yourself, its curvy features, quadruple headlamps, and severe lack of handling only appeal to the elderly population. My family just bought it because of sentimental reasons.

All in all, though, it is stubbornly reliable, has more than enough power to get it going, can return an average of 28 mpg depending on driving conditions, and will last at least half a century (You can't prove it won't happen!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2009

29th Jul 2009, 17:14

I am only 24 and I think the LaCrosse is a very nice car, but you are definitely right, most guys my age would never consider one. At one time the average buyer was 69 (the oldest in the industry). I considered a new one when I traded my '99 Park Avenue last year but decided on an '05 Park Avenue with 17 thousand miles. I personally like the looks of the LaCrosse better than the larger Lucerne. I have never driven a Lucerne but know someone who was intending on buying a LaCrosse and decided on the Lucerne after test driving both. The LaCrosse CXL I test drove didn't drive quite as smooth as my grandma's '03 Century but overall was quite comfortable. Unfortuantely the trend is towards less floaty suspensions, I love that floaty ride like in my Park Avenue and will definitely miss it. It saddens me to see the upcoming '10 Lacrosse. It looks like a Camry clone and will probably lose even more Buick customers. I know I wouldn't buy one.