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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Buick LaCrosse

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Buick LaCrosse

Overview

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2008 Buick LaCrosse Review

By KBB.com Editors

If you're looking for signs that GM truly has turned over a new leaf look no further than the 2008 Buick LaCrosse. Roundly criticized as being too middle-of-the-road upon its introduction, the LaCrosse's 2008 metamorphosis displays a stylish new look and offers more standard and optional features. The new LaCrosse also boasts the option of a powerful V8 engine, an enticing feature not offered by the segment's leaders. And while it may not be ready to overtake the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in sales, in the ever-competitive mid-size car game the LaCrosse is ready to move from benchwarmer to first-string. For Buick, it's exactly the direction its products need to be headed.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a comfortable family sedan with good power, subtle style and a clean interior, the LaCrosse should be at the top of your list. The performance-oriented CXS is a fairly plush four-door with a Cadillac-derived V6 featuring variable valve timing for improved fuel economy and power.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Though handsome, the LaCrosse breaks no new ground in the areas of styling or interior advancement. Rear-seat headroom is still a bit tight for taller passengers, and driving enthusiasts will probably not find much to like outside of the stable ride and adequate cornering ability.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse gains a fourth trim level with the addition of the V8-powered Super. All models see an increase in standard content and receive a new front-end design inspired by the Velite convertible concept.

Driving the LaCrosse

Driving Impressions The 2008 LaCrosse benefits greatly from a stiffer chassis and a driver-friendly suspension setup. The 3.8-liter V6 in the CX and CXL is a strong performer, but under hard acceleration...

sounds awfully rowdy. The 3.6-liter is a much better fit. It has terrific low-end power reserves, is smooth, quiet and responsive and is altogether an example of what a modern engine should be. The LaCrosse feels confident at all speeds and, though it won't appeal to driving enthusiasts, most people will find the car's precise steering and well-controlled suspension quite satisfying. From the driver's seat, you'll find the gauges and audio controls to be intelligently arranged and well marked for both day and night driving.

Favorite Features

Remote Starter
The standard factory-installed remote starter lets you start the car from as far away as 195 feet.

Heated Seats
Optional heated seats are a welcome feature for those who live in colder climates.

2008 Buick LaCrosse Details

Interior

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse's interior shows a clear change of direction for Buick, with an emphasis on quality, design and comfort. The dash and instrument cluster are leaps and bounds above the hard, bland plastics found in previous Buick sedans, and the control knobs show an attention to detail worthy of the Buick name. Firm foam seats are covered in tasteful cloth or optional leather. The LaCrosse is available in six- or five-passenger versions—the former has a column shifter, the latter a console-mounted shifter. It's a shame Buick limits the interior color choices to beige, black and gray; this is one sedan that could really shine with a few bold interior color schemes.

Exterior

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse's clean, streamlined sheetmetal will offend few. The new front styling is a vast improvement over last year's fascia and little touches such as chrome mirrors and door pulls impart a more luxurious appearance. Thin front and rear roof pillars keep blind spots to a minimum, but spotting the sloping hood's leading edge can be difficult. The LaCrosse's large trunk is easily accessible thanks to the low lift-over height, with the trunk's opening being even with the rear bumper. Anyone who's had to lift a set of golf clubs up and over a high-walled trunk will appreciate the LaCrosse's back-friendly design.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse CX trim includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), OnStar, side-curtain airbags, factory remote start, XM Satellite Radio, tire pressure monitoring system, Driver Information Center, AM/FM stereo with CD, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power driver's seat, telescoping steering wheel with built-in audio controls and full wheel covers. The CXL adds power driver's lumbar support, leather seats and alloy wheels. The CXS has a 240-horsepower 3.6-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and a stiffer suspension. The Super model adds a 300-horsepower V8 engine, 18-inch wheels, leather seats with embossed inserts, a rear spoiler, Bilstein shocks and StabiliTrak.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim and include a power sunroof six-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, MP3 audio, rear spoiler and StabiliTrak stability control (CXS).

Under the Hood

As the 2008 Buick LaCrosse is not intended to be a sports car, most drivers will find the base engine more than adequate for daily commutes. The 240-horsepower V6 in the CXS delivers more power, smoother operation and superior performance with only a minimal penalty in fuel economy, but costs quite a bit more. The Super option, though pricey, delivers 300 horsepower via a 5.3-liter V8 engine equipped with GM's Active Fuel Management System (AFM), which cuts fuel to four of the eight cylinders when less power is required, thus resulting in less fuel consumption. When more power is needed the system returns fuel to all cylinders in a seamless transition undetectable to the driver.

3.8-liter V6
200 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
230 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/28

3.6-liter V6
240 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
225 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

5.3-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
323 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Buick LaCrosse vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Buick LaCrosse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 257 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

8.8/10

Love this car!

By Buicklover (OR) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, great buy"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love this Buick. Bought it new in 2005 and has been great. Very comfortable like you're floating on a cloud! Drives very nice. The big engine gives it good speed when needed on the freeway. Very reliable, never had any issues. Fits 5 pretty comfortably. Love the heated steats in the winter time!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car!! Quiet, smooth ride!!

By Darkvette (MD) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quiet, Comfortable ride, Great sound system"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"On the exterior, the body and paint quality are pretty high, but the paint/gloss quality of the plastics on the exterior door pillars is not too good, as the paint comes off of these pieces easily. The rims are excellent quality and with the right tires, provide a quiet and smooth ride for the car. On the interior, the leather seats provide for an added smooth and comfortable ride, especially on long trips. The carpets are easily cleaned after being dirty. The overall interior quality is very good, sleek and impressive in most respects. The sound system even with stock speakers and an aftermarket head unit provide excellent sound with a good amount of clarity and bass. The automatic headlight sensors make having to worry about turning on and off headlights non-existent. In the back seat, you can comfortably sit 3 adults for short-term rides and 2 adults for longer rides. The trunk is expansive and has a lot of storage space, and with the back seats folding down, provides even more storage and transporting space. Under the hood, the 200hp 3800 Series III V6 engine provides enough power to move around on roads and highways in the city. Have also taken on back mountain roads of West Virginia and the car has no problems navigating these mountain roads. It is tied to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and can be punched at the right time to allow for ease of passing people on the highway. Average gas mileage is 22-26mpg combined City/Highway doing daily driving around the Baltimore/Washington DC Area. Overall this car is a pleasure to drive. I had someone once tell me that you can drive any car in the world, but once you drive a Buick, it's an entirely different driving experience. Having owned 3 small Saturns and 1 Chevy Malibu, I now understand what this means. My 2006 LaCrosse CXL drives like a full-size sedan, despite being classified as a mid-size sedan. It's quiet, smooth, comfortable ride makes the whole driving experience a real pleasure again. Plus, with having one of Ward's 10-best engines of the 20th Century under the hood, the GM 3800 Series III V6 engine, this car is built to last for easily 200k+ miles. I am a rough driver and this car has taken everything I have thrown at it. Highly Recommended Car!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Smooth riding, comfortable and reliable

By skye (VA) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliable, spacious and great riding"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Never had any problmes with the vehicle. Had a small amount of routine work done, but nothing serious. No accidents. Only 1 previous owner. It was in almost brand new condition when we purchased it."

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Comfortable, Quiet, Fun To Drive, Economical Gem!

By vabro (NC) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 132,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased the vehicle in June 2006 with 18,300 miles on it from Enterprise Car Sales and and have driven it all across the country and from coast to coast - NC to CA 6 times and from NC to Seattle, WA 4 times in all weather conditions and averaged 31.3 mpg. It is as comfortable, quiet, fun to drive and economical today (March 28, 2013) as it was the day I purchased it. I've done the routine maintenance at the recommended intervals and recently replaced the headlights and a fan belt at 118,000 miles. Great Car that's good for another 100,000 miles. Get's a Strong Recommendation from me!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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it's all buick,The Only Car I will ever Own.

By nickison (OH) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,899

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good LOOKS, GREAT RIDE and Very ECONOMICAL ."

Cons: "No rear window contrls in rear of car."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It drives like a Buick. With a 3800 V/6,4speed. It has power like a V/8. With the tire inflation lowered from 35lbs. to 32lbs.The ride is very smooth. Steering very quick and responcive. With dealership matinance.It drives like a new 2013. And this car is defintely a road car. It averages 17.6 miles per gallon in the city. 21.9 MPG. highway mileage. With regular oil change at 5000 mlies . It burns 1qt. per oil change. IT IS A BUICK!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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mixed feelings

By Franky (FL) on Tuesday, March 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "quiet ride"

Cons: "bad design of the steering column/shaft"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"Steering column problem since the beginning without solution. Gas Mileage on mixed driving: ~25 mpg. Oil Consumption: almost half of the oil is gone at the 3k miles mark. Coolant lost: at 65k I notice that some coolant was missing, had to replenish the coolant reservoir. very hard to get into the steering fluid reservoir to add fluid."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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See all 257 reviews