2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS 3.6L DOHC V6

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

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super 5.3L

Summary:

The last V-8 Buick

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

This car is very fast for what it is. If you drop the hammer, it'll light the front tires and make smoke all day. Surprises most people who think it just has the 3.8L V-6 (which isn't a bad engine either).

The super package adds 18in wheels and larger front brakes, bigger sway bars, dual exhaust. The exhaust note isn't as harsh as the Impala/Monte Carlo SS, but is still satisfying inside the cabin. Apparently there is a 3 hp loss from this quieter exhaust (300hp vs 303hp), but I don't miss it.

The interior has too much plastic, but it looks OK. The "wood" dash trim is a special darker colour for the super model. The 18in wheels look fantastic, but steel wheels are not offered for winter tires.

The 5.3L can be hard on fuel around the city. On the highway with cruise I touched 30 mpg.

The only complaint I have is after 45min-1hr of driving, the special leather seats become very uncomfortable. The test drive is never long enough to know this, and I've made some progress in almost finding the right position, but it has been very frustrating. I miss the seats in my 1998 Olds Aurora dearly.

Overall, a sweet ride, but having 2011 Buicks pull up beside you knowing that the V-6 in them is almost as powerful as the V-8 chugging under your own hood, makes gas station visits just a bit more painful. The '11's also look pretty sweet too...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2011

31st Aug 2011, 07:53

This is not the last V8 Buick. The 2011 Lucerne has the Northstar V8.

31st Aug 2011, 16:51

I stand corrected. The last PUSHROD V-8 Buick.

10th Oct 2013, 05:33

You got near 30 MPG? My 3.6L DOHC V6 gets around 17 MPG. I should've bought the 5.3L...

11th Oct 2013, 07:41

"near 30 mpg"?

The reviewer's instant MPG readout "touched 30 mpg" when the car was coasting downhill.

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS 3.6 V6

Summary:

Buick, you hit the bullseye when creating this car

Faults:

Problem free.

General Comments:

Wow, what a beautiful car!! When my husband and I first saw the commercial for this car, we immediately fell in love with the car. So we went to our local Buick dealer and looked at them. We loved the new body style of it. So we traded in our 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SLE for it. We chose the CXS model with all wheel drive. It is silver with grey leather interior.

When we brought it home, our neighbors came over just to see the car. They fell in love with it.

The exterior is absolutely stunning. It is way better than the previous version. The neighbors thought that this was a Lexus. What you hear on the commercial about this car and comparing it tho the Lexus ES model sure is true!! Yes we test drove the Lexus, but this car sure does come close in comparison. Again, the commercial is true about this car.

When we first saw the interior of this car, we were in shock up on how stunning it looks. It truly is gorgeous. It rides beautifully on the road. Our son and daughter in law love it too.

So if you saw the commercial and really fell in love with it, you truly need to go to your local Buick dealer and take if these for a test drive. Chances are that you will love it, and buy one.

Buick, you did a fantastic job of making such a beautiful car!!! We strongly recommend it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2010

10th May 2010, 08:49

This looks like a really nice car. Good luck with it, and I hope you have many years of enjoyment.

Wouldn't it be cooler if the Lexus was compared to the Buick though and people didn't like it because they thought it was a Lexus? Maybe someday. When that happens, we'll know American cars have finally caught up to the imports in perception as well as the quality level. I think the quality level has already met the imports and surpassed them in some areas. Now the consumer needs to be convinced. This car is a good start!