The LaCrosse replaced the mainstream Buick Century and Regal for the 2005 model year as the lowest-priced Buick model, which makes its admittance into this premium group somewhat questionable. But a look at this top-of-the-line CXS model should dispel concerns. The LaCrosse sports a high-quality interior, on par with the premium-badge vehicles here, and shares its excellent powertrain with the Cadillac CTS. Add in traditional large-car strong points as a roomy interior (though the rear seat is quite disappointing for a car as large as the LaCrosse) and a comfortable quiet ride, and throw in handling capabilities that, while unable to embarrass the sports sedans in this group, is more than capable for a large car. The LaCrosse finishes in a mediocre 16th place because other vehicles here can outdo it in most ways. But it can still do most things well, and remains a solid value alternative in this class.

      The LaCrosse CXS has a firmer suspension than the base LaCrosse models, which eliminates annoying ride float without significantly harming the ride's absorbance. This firmer suspension also helps control body roll, but the LaCrosse never feels especially agile when compared to anything but a large family car. The steering is reasonably quick and provides adequate feedback. The 3.6-liter V6, while down 15 horsepower from the Cadillac CTS, still gives impressive acceleration and is very smooth and refined. Road noise is very well-suppressed, wind noise somewhat less so. The LaCrosse gets slightly better fuel economy than the CTS, though it's merely adequate overall by the standards of this class, though its use of regular fuel is a definite strong point.

       Inside, the  front seats are comfortable enough, but lacking in headroom, overly soft, and a bit too flat. The rear is disappointing for a large car; it lacks leg and headroom, and the seat cushion is too low, short, and soft. Accommodations are still adequate by the overall standards of this group, at least. The interior is surprisingly high-quality, with solid, upscale plastics, attractive and tasteful decoration, and impressive panel fit. The gauges are large and very clear, and the instruments are laid out very well. Drivers sit very comfortably, and have good visibility. Entry/exit is easy by the standards of this class, thanks to the large doors, but the sloping roofline makes rear access more difficult than other large cars. The trunk is roomy and well-shaped.

        The LaCrosse did not excel in crash testing. It earned Best Pick rating from the IIHS in its offset crash test, and five stars for both the driver and for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, but a poor three out of five stars for both the driver and for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test, though their test vehicle lacked the optional side airbags. The IIHS has not subjected the LaCrosse to its demanding side crash test.

        The LaCrosse reviewed here came loaded with virtually every available option, and is still the least-expensive vehicle in this group. However, even a fully-loaded LaCrosse does not include such features as torso-protecting side airbags or a navigation system. Nonetheless, it comes better-equipped overall than many more-expensive vehicles in this group, and is a solid value choice among large sedans as well as in this group overall.

       Overall, the LaCrosse's pros and cons need to be looked at both in relation to the group as a whole, and in relation to other large sedans. In neither examination does it stand out as a class leader, but it also does not fall short in either. The LaCrosse is not a top pick vehicle in this group because of its lack of agility and its mere adequacy in several other areas, and is not a top pick vehicle among large sedans because of its lack of a suitably sized interior in relation to those vehicles. But it is a good value, and a solid vehicle, and is worth a look for consumers looking more for value-priced luxury than for excitement in their premium sedan.

Pros:

-Ride Comfort

-Refinement

-Interior Space

-Acceleration

-Trunk Volume

-Features for the Money

Cons:

-Agility

Overall:

A well-priced and capable large sedan.

Version Reviewed:

CXS

Price of Version Reviewed:

$29,158

Powertrain:

3.6-liter V6