Up Close: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

The Buick LaCrosse is catching up with the rest of the GM pack. To be blunt, GM vehicles fall into three basic categories, dictated — or at least indicated — by their interior quality, which in turn depends on the era in which the model was introduced or redesigned: before GM had a clue; after GM got a clue and was at least trying; and after that, when it finally began to succeed. (For successes, see the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Vue and Cadillac CTS.) The first-generation Buick LaCrosse, introduced in 2005, belonged to the middle group, with inoffensive, thank-you-for-playing interior styling and decent but uninspiring performance.

Comments

I'm a 30 something foreign car guy who loves this LaCrosse. A few things from what I have read: the Aura is dead because Saturn is going bye bye, and besides the Aura and Malibu are smaller than this LaCrosse.

I think Buick styling has been somewhat uninspired, but I can't understand why writers don't criticize the Camry as being so bland.

Also, it's funny how Buick is getting to be cool and Toyota, especially the Camry is the old lady car!

Joe,
This is the Epsilon II global architecture which also underpins the Opel Insignia and new Buick Regal (China). The current Malibu rides on the Epsilon I along with the Aura, 9-3, G6.

And even though GM was provided a LOAN by our government, you as a taxpayer should not pretend like you are a stakeholder and should not be second-guessing every decision they make. Not every company should operate like Toyota...selling one bland midsize appliance to the entire customer base.

"Based loosely on the Chevy Malibu platform but with more of a European influence, the midsize LaCrosse is accommodating enough in front and has a notably roomy backseat."

Its not based on the Malibu, its a new platform. This is a larger version of the EP2 platform shared with the Insignia and Chinese Regal. Also, this car is larger, heavier and will be pricer than the Malibu and Aura and it has no four cylinder. It doesn't compete with those cars at all. If anything it will compete with the Lucerne and Impala to a lesser degree. Its real competitors are the new Taurus, ES350 and Avalon.

As a taxpayer I would remind you that GM's loan money was going to spent anyway. Its not like they increased your taxes to give GM a loan. The TARP money was already allocated and it was a matter of loaning it to GM or handing it over to banks with no oversight or controls. I'd rather GM have it, at least they submitted a detailed plan for survival.

It's very good looking but I still don't think any sane 16-60 year old person would admit to owning or even considering purchasing a Buick. Buick died in the 80's along with all the 100 year old people who owned them.

J. Wiesenfelder’s statement is correct. The LaCrosse is the first NA vehicle based on the new global mid-sized vehicle architecture, which is an evolution of the current platform that underpins the Malibu.

GM currently offers five midsized sedans: G6, Malibu, Aura, LaCrosse and 9-3 – yet, all of them combined can’t out produce either the Camry or Accord.

If GM spent more time supporting fewer models – which is their plan going forward – they could more effectively sell more with less. If the LaCrosse is a part of GM’s future, then there is no need for the G6, Aura and 9-3.

Buick didn't die in the 80's anymore than the Camry has died. The LeSabre was the best-selling full-size sedan for 12 years in a row. That span included the 90's.

The article didn't say anything whatsoever about the LaCrosse competing with the Malibu or Auro. Sheth, your posts would be much more interesting to read if you weren't trying to dumbass everyone else, including the editors of the site.

Buick has a customer base it has been loyal too for a while so they are essentially trying to break that mold. Same with Cadillac, cars for the ehem, not so youthful.

But sales have been tanking anyways, so let them take the risk.

There is no bigger idiot on this site than Sheth right now. Quit trying to prove the writers wrong with everything they say. They are 100 times more knowledgible than you, about anything relating to cars.

I wonder what this thing is going to look like in Avis rental car form with hubcaps, cloth interior, 4 speaker radio and power nothing outside of the windows and door locks. Will this car look good minus the showcar bling?

Very nice-looking car. This just shows you American car companies can produce great-looking, quality cars if they put their mind and money on them. I'm really impressed with some of GM's current cars and upcoming products. I think GM needs to change the Buick logo to make it more contemporary.

bowrider:

not familiar with the term "dumbassing" but the impication is that GM doesnt need a Lacrosse and Malibu and Aura. My point was that the Lacrosse is larger than both cars and more expensive and less efficient. To me that means its really not going to cannibalize those vehicles. I did not know you had an issue with accurate information but I think its a positive thing.

EP2 is a new platform. This car is related to the Insignia, not the Malibu.

Nah, Sheth/1487 isn't an idiot, he brings up good points, but the thing is he comes across more biased towards GM and his examples tend to be slanted.

For him, a car with goosneck trunk hinges is behind the times while a GM car lacking Navigation is unlawfully targeted by the biased editors. Navigation systems are useless.

I think he may be in sales, so it isn't surprising that someone would make sure the product he sells shines over the competition.

"There is no bigger idiot on this site than Sheth right now. Quit trying to prove the writers wrong with everything they say. They are 100 times more knowledgible than you, about anything relating to cars. "

Everything? That is a stretch sir. 100 times more knowledgeable? Also a stretch. It would be nice if you actually posted with a name if you believe what you say.

Yoing,

I doubt this car is going to be available with wheel covers. At a starting price of $28k or so I would expect a decent amount of standard equipment.

YOING,

Incorrect assesments across the board. I do not work in auto sales or the auto industry. I am not biased towards GM either. I have never commented on nav systems nor have I suggested the Malibu should not have nav. It would be nice if it did. My position is simply that on average GM vehicles are not wholly inferior to the supposedly great vehicles from Honda and Toyota and Nissan. Such a view is very controversial though.

Thank you for recognizing my logical points.

It doesn't sound like GM will have a Malibu, Aura and LaCrosse for too much longer. I thought Saturn was a goner? Then it will be the Malibu and LaCrosse. So if Toyota can do it w/ Toyotexus', then GM shouldn't be held to a higher standard when producing two very different cars. Yes, short term there will be 3 until saturn sold or axed by gm. All three vehicles look totally different. I just wish I could read an article that states the facts without giving opinions on things that don't need them. Let us ask the question, if we believe, whether there's room for 3, er 2, models, etc...

My wife is 45 and she must be insane because she looked at the Lacrosse and Lucerne. Lucerne was out of our budget. We felt the current Lacrosse/Impala was a little long in the tooth. Finally decided to go midsize and bought a 2009 Malibu. Very nice car. GM has really come around.

Sheth;

There is no such thing as Epsilon II -- GM renamed all its platform's over a year and a half ago.

The new LaCrosse is built off the global mid-sized vehicle architecture and yes, many of the parts that underpin the new LaCrosse or also underpinning the Malibu.

colin,

Call it whatever you like. GM recently dropped the greek letter names but I dont feel like typing out the "official" platform name. You know what I am talking about. I'm sure some components are the same as the current EP platform but it wouldnt be called "new" if it wasnt substantially new. Its more rigid, features AWD and has totally different dimensions. Have you not noticed NONE of the key dimensions line up between the Malibu and Lacrosse? The Malibu has a longer wheelbase and is much narrower. The lacrosse is on the NEW and improved version of the chassis which means its superior to the Malibu in that department. The ONLY cars on sale now that shares this evolved architecture is the Insignia. Period. Why do you think the Lacrosse weighs 300lbs more if its a warmed over version of the Malibu?

Sheth;

I don't disagree with what you just said. However, you just agreed with Joe W's statement, "based loosely on the Chevy Malibu platform."

Sheth:
"I'm sure some components are the same as the current EP platform"

This is a consumer-oriented blog, not an auto enthusiast's blog.

We like to keep things simple. What Joe W. said was factual.

colin,

If the new platform has a name we should use it. Is that simple enough for you? The new Prisu is supposedly on a new platform. I think it would be better to say its on a new platform than to say "the new Prius is loosely based on the current prius". What does that even mean? When you say things like that you are giving people the impression that the Lacrosse is a Malibu with different styling a la Saturn Aura. It's not. Whats the point in saying something is based on something else when the two are so different? The Lacrosse is "loosely based" on the all new Opel Insignia.

Okay Sheth, they are 200 times more knowledgible. Does that suit you? You are a armchair reporter who knows nothing about what the actual cars are like. All of the writers have gone and seen and tested cars. You read an article or two and you argue semantics with people who write articles on cars for a living, you haven't got a clue. All you can argue about are numbers on paper and pictures on a website. If you know so much where's your blog at? I want to see how many people visit it.

^^^Do you "believe" every you read? Just because you are a member of the media doesn't make you the be all, end all authority on everything automotive. Oh well, ignorance is bliss.

believe,

I'm not going to debate who knows how much more than whom. I will just say that I have been reading about, writing about and driving lots of cars for quite some time. I have been to numerous driving events sponsored by manufacturers and others and have driven BMWs, Cadillacs, MBs and numerous other types of vehicles. I don't even know what your specific issue is but I assure you I can back up what I am talking about. If you have found factual errors in my statements please feel free to point them out.

BTW, I was unaware that I was arguing about "numbers" or anything similar. This discussion was about the Lacrosse's underpinnings. If you have something to add please do.

"Do you "believe" every you read? Just because you are a member of the media doesn't make you the be all, end all authority on everything automotive. Oh well, ignorance is bliss."

What a concept. I dont have anything against anyone who authors blogs but having a press pass doesnt make you an authority who cant be approached by your readers. I would think a member of the press would want to get other views.

The old headlights look better. These looks more like the MKZ.

I'm 37 and I would consider buying this car. Buick is moving into the right direction starting with the Enclave. The Malibu, CTS, G8 and future GM cars on this website shows that GM got what it takes to compete but is going to take a while to get many import buyers to consider an American car. What GM should do is get rid of the losers like the current Impala and Cobalt and promptly replace them with excellent vehicles across their brands.

Sheth, you're right you won't debate, because there is no debate. All I have seen on here is how you call the editors out what they have stated about what is a good car, what engine size is right, what other cars a car competes with, etc. Your arguments suck, and you haven't backed anything you say yet. Merely saying you know what you are talking about doesn't mean anything. I to have been reading, writing about, and driving cars for a long time and I guarantee it is longer than you. You didn't argue numbers huh? What about price and weight? That stupid comment about the Epsilon II platform was pretty funny.

You're right, Believe. There is no debate. The statement "Based loosely on the Chevy Malibu platform but with more of a European influence" is poorly written and to readers who are ignorant about car design and manufacturing will start yakking about how this car is just a tarted up Malibu.

believe,

My arguments "suck"? How eloquent of you. To the contrary I explained everything I wrote so your claims that I havent backed anything up ring hollow. You have an axe to grind for some reason but you dont know enough to actually rebut anything I have said. "stupid comment" about the epsilon platform? Thats what it was called by people outside of GM (and inside) until recently when GM started referring to cars as "architecture". The G8 platform is commonly called Zeta but GM doesnt call it that anymore. Same for the Delta 2 platform underneath the Cruze that is now called global small car architecture. Who exactly is stupid here?

cxv,

The cobalt will be replaced in about 14 months. The Impala is somewhat out of date but is a huge seller and is probably profitable. Its still a nice family car with decent mileage. Its one of the few affordable family cars with a standard V6 and its base engine gets about the same mileage as the 2009 Mazda 6 I-4.

believe,

Also, when was there an argument about price of anything? Have no clue what you are talking about. If you are talking about the lacrosse being compared to the TSX I would note that other people complained about that comparison before I did. I just agreed with them that the TSX is not comparable to the Lacrosse in any way except price.

I think in this case Sheth is correct. This car is on the same platform as the Opel Insignia, whereas the malibu is on a modified version of the old Opel Vectra.

Now I'm sure there are some carryover parts, same as there is on most new models and the predecessors. However, to say that this Buick is based on a modified Malibu platform is, frankly, incorrect. Semantic, maybe, and something that most buyers will not care a jot about. However, that isn't to say an industry specific blog shouldn't get it right.

The nearest equivilent I can think of would be to say the (old) Mazda 3 is based on a modified USDM Ford Focus. It isn't. It's based on a newer European market Focus. Sure, there may be a few shared components, but it isn't the same platform.

Its actually very nice. If it had an Infiniti or Acura logo on it, I'd be in line now to order one.

I agree with Mart. I think that the whole argument in this blog is about the accuracy of the statement regarding the platform. I also understand that Sheth wants to fight this hard now because he got frustrated before when people complained when domestic automakers share platform btw "everyday" and "luxury" models, while did not complain as much when Japanese automakers do the same thing. I do realize that they may have done better jobs than Ford and GM in this regard, but we should also take the price difference into account.

The issue is that, by not providing review or comment in every angle, that "platform sharing" statement may make people think that buying a Buick is not a smart choice compared to buying an ES.

Note that I have followed auto media for a while. I do think that cars.com is among the ones who provide generally fair and good reviews.

If it comes off the line with all the features I've been reading about, I guess my next car will have portholes.

DRRT,

Good point about platform sharing. It seems many in the press are quick to use the term "rebadge" or talk about the similarity between different cars on the same platform when reviewing domestic vehicles. For example most reviews of the MKS have gone to great lenths to point out its based on a Taurus as if the ES305 and RX350 arent based on the Camry. How is Ford any more guilty than Toyota?

The Lacrosse represents a substantial step up from a Malibu and that should be noted. This is not some restyled Malibu or Aura. I thought it was kind of silly to suggest GM shouldnt have so many sedans because they took a loan when the Lacrosse is not a duplicate of any sedan sold in the US. If GM is going to borrow money from the government I would assume the public wants to see better cars. The Lacrosse represents one such car.

I'm still relatively young (30), and all I can say is WOW!!! I love this car, and know I've found the next vehicle I'm going to purchase.

If GM keeps making Buicks like this, then they'll be laughing. I can see how a car like this would appeal to a younger demographic. I'll freely admit, Toyota (to me, and I'm not the only one who'll say this) does make a great car. But I'll never buy a Toyota because it's a grampa-mobile. Viva la Buick!

Ryan,

I think Toyota is increasingly becoming a brand for older people. Aside from Yaris and Corolla I dont see younger people in Toyotas nor do I hear younger people aspiring to own Toyotas. They are the Chevy or Ford of the 2000s. Just as those brands are seen as yesterday's news by people in their 40s and 50s who havent been in an American car since they were kids Toyota is seen as "my parent's car" by many people in their 20s and under. Who wants to drive what their parents drove?

Seth,

I totally agree with you, other than I see vastly more "grannies" driving a Corolla than I do young people.

It is a nice looking car inside and out. To go one step further it would be great to have an electric or hybrid model.

All the bickering. We're losing foucs. The point here is that this is a fantastic car that combines the essences of Germany (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) with the understated luxury and smoothness offered by Japan (Lexus, Acura, etc). I'm a white, 30 year old male, and I own a BMW 325i. I had planned on making my next car a BMW 5 series, possibly a Lexus IS or GS, and I was even considering a Porsche. And believe it or not...me 30 years old... I'm WOW'D by this Buick. The look, the technology, the materials--this is cutting edge for an american car. I can easily see this car competing successfully with Lexus, Audi, BMW, Acura, Mercedes and Lincoln. I wouldn't even compare this car (in CXL/CXS form) to a Toyota, Nissan, Chevy, Ford or Chrysler. So uncool, and so off the mark. I'm sorry, to me, those are the common man's brand, and blue collar to boot, at least where I live.

And speaking of Buick being associated with the elderly, when in the world was the last time you saw someone under 35 who wasn't a drug dealer driving a Mercedes, or a BMW 7 series, an Escalade, a DTS, a Lexus LS etc? SELDOM. I live in Los Angeles, and as a matter of concrete fact, I not only see on a regular basis folks over 60 driving Mercedes, Lexus, larger Acuras and larger BMW's, but I know them, too. Many of my colleagues at work are well over 50 and 60, some pushing 70, and Lexus, Mercedes and Toyota are their babies. They LOVE the Lexus ES, RX, GS, the MB E class, the BMW 5 and 7 series, and ESPECIALLY Toyotas, Lincolns and Infinitis.

We don't bash those automakers for being favorites of older drivers, so why are we bashing Buick? I'm very discriminating about what I drive, and what I see here is a fantastic car with a long and established history, tradition with evolution, and notable affluence. I don't care if an 80 year old buys this brand, and at my early age of 30, I frankly don't want to be associated with a car driven by a teenager or even an early 20 something. I've paid my dues, I've worked hard, and while I'm certainly not old, I'm not part of that demographic anymore, and proud of it.

Nuff said! I'm a long-time BMW owner, and I'm switching. This Buick is my next car, and as soon as they're available, I'm placing my order.

Jake, you are full of it.

K,

Because he likes a Buick? Or because he stated the obvious which is that older people buy Lexus and MB models? I dont think anyone would write something that detailed if they werent serious.

1. Based on EPII not on EPI Malibu
2. I have owned Honda (Accord), Toyota (Corolla) and never Camry or Avalon (found them too crappy), Buick (LeSabre/ Rendezvous), some Chryslers (the Pacifica was one of the best cars I have driven, Chrysler were idiots to discontinue it).

Also, running a small company I travel a lot and drive all makes of cars at the rentals, so I do have sigh, mandatory experience.

3. Buick has been the best in terms of quality (no repairs yet on my LeSabre, except for a rear window motor in 8 years - just oil changes).
4. Not other manufacturer seems to match GM for standard options
5. Overall, I will likely pick either the LaCrosse or the Malibu, though I will test drive a BM 5 series, Caddy CTS and Ford Fusion. Probably the better gas milage will drive me to the Malibu or the Ford.

All, get over the moaning about made in the US. This is mostly a perception issue (since I have worked in the auto industry on both sides of the "fence", I have seen foreign manufacturers (especially European) die to get to GM's quality levels). GM cars have consistently been in the top few for the past decade in terms of quality. In terms of styling they are improving (though the Asian Models have been mostly dumpy) and should be able to compete with the CTS. BMW, Diamler and VW have invested huge amounts in quality and, guess what, after spending many billions Ford does seem to have succeeded in the mission of improving Jag quality only to give it away to Tata.

Sorry, seem to have started diverging from a review of the car itself...

Luck all.

The 'new GM'. This is the same old piles, modified old australian holden commodore chasis with 1980 tech motors. They -GM- just keep playing the shell game until the un-educated catch up.Nice 2002 holden.

my dad just bought that car its so nice!!and it runs good 2.