2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL review from North America

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.

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!).