2005 Buick LaCrosse New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Buick LaCrosse?
Buick's new 2005 LaCrosse sedan replaces the Regal this year, bringing with it increased refinement, a comfy interior and QuietTuning – GM's fancy new term for extra sound deadening materials. Base motivation comes from the tried and true, 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, while the sporty LaCrosse CXS receives a new, more powerful, all-aluminum, 240-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing. Both engines come mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Available amenities include automatic dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a remote engine starting system, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a Homelink universal transmitter, and stereo systems with MP3 and XM satellite radio.

Advantages of the 2005 Buick LaCrosse:

• Torquey 3.6-liter V6 in the CXS model
• Optional front bench seat
• Available factory-installed remote starting system
• Optional side-curtain airbags

Objections to the 2005 Buick LaCrosse:

• ABS standard only on CSX model
• Stability control available only on CSX model
• Built on the former Regal/Century platform
• Tight rear seat accommodations

Editor's Advice:
Buick brings its new 2005 LaCrosse into a heated midsize sedan fray this year, and with competition from Ford's new Five Hundred, Chrysler's 300, and Mercury's Montego (not to mention the venerable Honda Accord and Toyota Camry), the 2005 Buick LaCrosse lands mid-pack in a strong field. If you're looking to save a few pennies, and don't mind driving a vehicle with a yester-tech engine, then you'll be satisfied with the CX and CXL. Opting for the sporty LaCrosse CXS nets a modern powerplant, ABS, traction control and a firmer suspension – this is the Buick LaCrosse model that deserves a close look.