2010 Buick LaCrosse - Automobile Review

Buick and its nameplate have been around for ages. The traditional Buick models appeal to an older clientele by offering a cushy ride, average handling characteristics, luxury touches throughout the interior, and spacious accommodations. Buick has made cars to fit its clientele for years now. The company rarely breaks from the mold to produce a vehicle that younger buyers may show interest in, but it has done so with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.

The newly redesigned Buick LaCrosse offers an unexpectedly sporty ride from Buick. Sport and Buick are not typically two words associated together, but the LaCrosse attempts to tie those words into the LaCrosse.

The LaCrosse redesign starts with a fresh, modern exterior look. Gone are the port holes that have been a Buick trademark forever. Along with removal of the port holes, Buick shied away from the stodgy looks and produced a vehicle with an exterior that stands out from the crowd. In fact, the Buick LaCrosse's styling is perhaps more European than American and is more reminiscent of a euro sedan from the likes of Audi or BMW than it is of a traditional Buick product.

The LaCrosse comes in three trim line including CX, CXL, and CXS. The base price for the Lacrosse starts at $27,085 and goes on up to a base price of $33,015. The LaCrosse comes with three different engine choices ranging from frugal and efficient to peppy. Engine choices include a 2.4 liter 182 hp 4 cylinder, a 3.0 liter 255 hp V6, and the top line engine a 3.6 liter 280 hp V6. All of the engine choices are connected to a six speed automatic transmission. The LaCrosse is available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse fits into an entry level luxury sedan category. It offers adequate seating for five adults and features all of the expected amenities. Some of the notable optional items include 19 inch wheels, a continuously variable suspension damping system, a navigation system, a backup camera system, and of course a sunroof.

On the inside, the LaCrosse features a spacious interior with solid fit and finish. The materials are of high quality, but the cabin is narrow and restricting for some drivers. Front seat comfort is a strong point as is the hushed interior that mutes road and wind noise. The usual safety items are present and the LaCrosse has achieved high crash safety ratings.

In the performance category, the optional 3.6 liter V6 produces enough grunt to move the LaCrosse with intention. The lively performance does not come with a big trade-off in fuel economy as the 3.6 liter averages around 20 mpg in daily driving. Much improved over previous Buick products is the LaCrosse's ride and handling. Though not necessarily sporty, the LaCrosse handles well, rolls only a little in turns, and stick to the road well. The trade-off is a slightly less cushy ride, but also a ride that makes the vehicle feel more connected and firmly planted to the ground. The LaCrosse has average steering feel, decent turn in, and average cornering abilities.

A Buick that appeals to younger drivers is exactly what the company sought with the redesign of the LaCrosse. In many ways, the company has hit the mark. There are very few negatives about the LaCrosse, actually they are limited to restricted outward visibility and that narrow interior. However, the high points are numerous including a good ride, commendable handling, strong performance from the big V6, solid fit and finish, quietness, and a good power train.

All in all, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse appears to be a hit for the company as they have effectively reinvented the nameplate with this model and younger buyers should show interest.