2008 Buick LaCrosse Review

What the reviewers like:
Praise for Buick LaCrosse's QuietTuning, which incorporates a number of insulating materials and design elements to reduce road noise, is nearly unanimous among reviewers. Some critics also appreciate the extra passenger capacity offered by the available front bench seat. Reviews note overall build quality as a plus, as well as the LaCrosse's exceptionally smooth ride.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewers are almost universally critical of the cramped rear seat in the LaCrosse, as well as the noisier and underpowered V6 that comes standard with the base model. Several sources complain that the interior materials are uneven in terms of quality. Steering is described as vague, and handling isn't up to the competition in most reviewers' estimation. Side-impact crash-test scores are below average.

2008 Buick LaCrosse review highlights

Opinions are mixed regarding the 2008 Buick LaCrosse. Most reviewers agree that the LaCrosse constitutes an improvement over the Regal and Century models that it replaced in 2005. One unique touch is an available front bench seat, which provides adequate space for six passengers rather than the class-typical four to five. Sources say that the LaCrosse is stylish, if not ground-breaking. Perhaps its most attractive trait is its unusually well-insulated cabin, which critics say renders road noise almost imperceptible. There's a great deal of enthusiasm among reviewers for the LaCrosse Super nameplate, which brings a muscular V8 engine to a market segment that's traditionally low on power. However, most say the LaCrosse has a long way to go before it poses a real threat to family-car class leaders like the Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $28,060) and Toyota Camry (*est. $18,720 to $28,270). Rear-seat room is tight, but the trunk is large. Fuel economy isn't great.

The best reviews we found for the 2008 Buick LaCrosse primarily discuss the results of road-testing, though most didn't involve formal comparison. Independent product testers at Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide provide extensive results for the LaCrosse, although Consumer Guide's format for reporting these results is largely quantitative, and may be more difficult for some readers to interpret. Automotive resources Edmunds.com, The Car Family and Kelley Blue Book engage in limited discussion of how the 2008 Buick LaCrosse stacks up against its competitors, while enthusiast magazine Car and Driver presents a short capsule review of its pros and cons. The lone head-to-head road test we uncovered at Motor Trend dates from 2005, but since the LaCrosse's trim levels haven't seen any major changes since then, this detailed review still has some value.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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2008 Buick LaCrosse Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests the 2008 Buick LaCrosse along with virtually every other family sedan on the market. Consumer Reports editors provide useful documentation on predicted reliability, based on past-model-year reader-survey data. The results here mainly weigh reliability, ride quality, handling and safety.

2. The Car Family
The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans
The Haskvitz Family
Mar. 21, 2008

2008 sedans tested by "The Car Family" are evaluated by each of four family members, which imparts a unique perspective that's especially relevant. In this article, the family offers commentary on dozens of 2008 cars, including the 2008 Buick LaCrosse. Family members say the LaCrosse is "a lot of car for under $24,000." However, the base engine is considered weak, and rear-seat legroom is inadequate. The trunk is big, and the dashboard is well-designed, but the LaCrosse isn't a standout in this review.

3. Edmunds.com
2008 Buick LaCrosse Review
Editors at Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors evaluate the 2008 Buick LaCrosse on a number of measures, including safety, interior design and driving experience. Noted are unique advantages offered by the LaCrosse, but ultimately editors conclude that it just doesn't compete with most other midsize and large family sedans.

4. KBB.com
2008 Buick LaCrosse CX
Editors at KBB.com

Respected automotive resource Kelley Blue Book provides easy-to-read reviews of most available cars and trucks. Editors pronounce the 2008 Buick LaCrosse CX capable, if not particularly innovative, and assert that the LaCrosse represents a step in the right direction for Buick.

5. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Buick LaCrosse Review
Editors at ConsumerGuide.com
Mar. 13, 2008

Consumer Guide performs road-testing on almost all cars and trucks on the U.S. market, then ranks them against a class average. Consumer Guide's numerical test results can be difficult for some users to interpret, but the thorough nature of the performance analysis as well as the editors' value-based recommendations make this a helpful resource. The 2008 Buick LaCrosse's ratings are about average for its class, but editors note that Consumer Guide testers were more sharply divided on their impressions of the LaCrosse than for the majority of vehicles they evaluate.

6. Motor Trend
Road Test: 2005 Ford Five Hundred Limited, 2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2004 Toyota Avalon XLS, 2005 Chrysler 300 Touring
Kim Reynolds

Motor Trend last tested the Buick LaCrosse against its closest competitors in 2005, the year it debuted. Although there have been changes to both the LaCrosse and the other vehicles tested since then, this is a thorough, well-written, balanced review that may prove useful nonetheless. The CXS trim level tested here is no longer offered.

7. Car and Driver
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2008 Buick LaCrosse
Editors of Car and Driver

Car and Driver offers only a brief capsule review for the 2008 Buick LaCrosse, but this sedan's assets and shortcomings are neatly summarized. Editors also attach a numerical ranking measuring the LaCrosse's appeal.

Also see full report: Family Sedans