Teresa’s View
What better way to test the all-new Buick LaCrosse than to take a road trip? So over the mountains and through the woods I sailed.
The LaCrosse gets style points for its sleek shape, and its pleasant interior offered the standard array of accoutrements. The cargo area more than accommodated my traveling togs.
Kudos for the supportive front seats, a “must-have” for long trips. I found the driver’s position comfortable and especially appreciated the extra length of seat bottom that propped up my thighs. Although they’re not the lounge chairs of yore, they are still cushier than many Asian- or European-built seats.
Two of the three trim levels, the entry-level CX and luxurious CXL, get a 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6. But it’s the all-new 240-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 found in the sporty CXS that proves the real road warrior. Steering in the CXS is sharp and precise. Larger tires and a sportier suspension provide a more modern, less cushy ride.
Both engines are mated with a single transmission choice — automatic.
Buick designers had the difficult task of designing a car that would appeal to current Buick buyers, whose ages tend to skew older, while attracting a slightly younger crowd. One way to appeal to both is by insisting on quality materials and workmanship — and both appear to be strides ahead of previous products.
What Is It?: The all-new midsize sedan from Buick is offered in five- or six- passenger configurations. Prices for the CX start at $23,500.
Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. The LaCrosse comes with the standard list of comfort features including air conditioning, CD player and remote keyless entry, plus power seats, windows, mirrors and door locks. Demerits for some small buttons and knobs on the audio controls. The optional satellite radio made my trip much more pleasant. There’s no static and I didn’t lose the signal in the middle of the state. Another neat option is the remote start feature. The key fob triggers the heating or cooling system, based on the outside temperature. The defroster and defogger are also activated, if needed.
Safety: Anti-lock brakes and traction control are options on all but the CXS.
The Roster: For those keeping score, the LaCrosse replaces the Century and Regal.
The Competition: The new LaCrosse not only faces the venerable Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but also new players the Ford Five Hundred and Pontiac G6, plus a redesigned Nissan Altima. And that’s just to start.
Cheat Sheet: Buick Motor Co. was established in 1903. Five years later, it was a founding member of the General Motors family.
Celebrity Spokesmodel: Tiger Woods
So, Where Are Ya From?: Final assembly for the LaCrosse is Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.