2006 Buick LaCrosse New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Buick LaCrosse?
To make the 2006 Buick LaCrosse more competitive, side-curtain airbags and ABS are now standard on every model. A new Luxury Package is offered on the base CX model, and a new 16-inch wheel design with polished spokes adds a dash of flair. CX and CXL versions have a new leather-wrapped gear shifter, and three new colors debut: Slatestone, Sandstone, and Platinum.

Advantages of the 2006 Buick LaCrosse:

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

Objections to the 2006 Buick LaCrosse:

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

Editor's Advice:
Competing in a heated midsize sedan fray, against worthy combatants like the Ford Five Hundred, Chrysler 300, and the Mercury Montego (not to mention the venerable Honda Accord and Toyota Camry), the 2006 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 – especially now that they have standard side-curtain airbags and ABS. Opting for the sporty LaCrosse CXS nets a modern powerplant, traction control and a firmer suspension – this is the Buick LaCrosse model that deserves a look.