2016 Buick LaCrosse 3.6 litre V6 from North America

Summary:

Not bad for what is considered a "full size" car

Faults:

Quarter window trim on the driver's side rear door fell off.

Replaced knocking front struts and did the sway bar links while I had everything apart.

Both front inner wheel well liners fell off, not sure what kind of material is used but it is not durable.

A/C evaporator had a slow leak, never fixed, traded the car in.

Maintenance items; battery, tires, & brakes over the years.

General Comments:

Pros;

Engine is extremely powerful, acceleration & ride are smooth, although it doesn't absorb bumps and rough roads as soft as Buicks from the past.

The styling is OK for a typical modern sedan. Always thought the large chrome grill and semi-swooping body lines fit the car well. Interior materials were pretty good quality.

Cons;

Wasn't the easiest car to get in and out of. Head room was terrible, especially in the back seat. Too many blind spots with the wide A pillars and bunker-like back window.

Again I prefer the softer suspension on older Buicks.

Also the touch screen can be a hassle with too many buttons and unnecessary features.

If you're looking for what's left as far as an American luxury sedan, this car will do.

To me this is not a full-size car, we have owned a few LeSabres and Park Avenues in the past (rear & front drive versions on both models) and the comfort and interior space were greater.

Rumor has it that the 3.6 engine used in these and other GM cars had a reputation for timing chain issues, which seems common on a lot of modern engines with the VVT system.

Never had these issues, but then again this car was maintained on time by myself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2025

24th May 2026, 21:38

Yep, manufacturers don’t make mistakes; there is only consumer abuse and negligence. You’re the only one vigilant enough to change the oil on time.

In reply to 24th May 2026, 21:38

25th May 2026, 20:19

Can't fathom what you are trying to say but it seems as of lately, every car manufacturer today is making mistakes.

In reply to 25th May 2026, 20:19

27th May 2026, 22:02

My comment was sarcastic. I agree that every manufacturer is making some mistakes these days, as they all did throughout their respective histories. It just gets tiresome to hear people keep suggesting that they’re fastidious maintenance and “proper” treatment is the sole factor in alleviating both normal degradation as well as clear manufacturing defects. Sure, cars can quickly succumb to neglect and abuse, but the narrative that keeps getting repeated, that the happy owner is a hero and that all those whom experience problems are idiots deserving their fate, is reductive if not flat out off-base.

2016 Buick LaCrosse 6 from North America

Summary:

Amazing value for what you get

Faults:

Too new to say.

General Comments:

We have 5 vehicles already. No twins are the same. Just picked this one up. Wanted a large sedan with a trunk. Passed on Cadillac due to reliability of late. Lincoln was another consideration, but decided on Buick. Wanted a large comfortable daily driver to take anywhere without concerns with parking dents or scrapes, taking into work etc. A great all around value.

The newer ones have nice styling, but likely appeal more to the older set. We are now in that category and why not. We like the heads up display, push button start, climate control, back up camera, lane and accident avoidance, and the nice leather interior.

Very quiet and smooth ride. It’s hard to hear that it even started. A lot of amenities.

Reviews on newer ones show high reliability. Nice if you don’t like sitting in a dealer maintenance department.

If you like the idea of owning a large sedan, this is a nice pick. Amazing interior. MPG shows 22 MPG overall on ours. Haven’t had it long enough to comment on issues. There’s a lot of bells and whistles in this car.

If you are into doing oil changes, this appears easy. The oil filter is accessible in the front from the top.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2018

11th May 2019, 20:00

Actually did the above write up on the review car. Bought another for myself as I really liked my wife’s. Very comfortable. Mine is the Premium II with the 6. 20 inch factory wheels with magnetic ride! Handles better. Dual glass moonroof. White with white leather interior. Has a heads up display which the other has. MPG is less on mine, but I didn’t buy for that reason. I like the circular dash displays better on mine. Have an upgraded Bose system. Both have heated seats; mine also has cooling seats. There's a heated steering wheel on mine. These are great for daily driving for not much money. Take it on a trip, and rack up the miles knowing it can serviced most everywhere. A lot of people are buying crossovers. If you like a full size car full of great options with a great ride, this is a nice option.