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2008 Buick LaCrosse

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Buick LaCrosse

Overview

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2008 Buick LaCrosse Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

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

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2008 Buick LaCrosse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 242 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 Buick LaCrosse models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

8.8/10

Good all around car

By LaCrosse (NY) on Saturday, April 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Good looking and driving car"

Cons: "City millage isnt great"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Great looking car,comfortable, handles well and drives well. The 3800 v6 had provides good power and quick acceleration as well as being a bulletproof/reliable engine. I put a hitch on it and it pulls a 900 pound trailer with no problems at all (its rated to tow 1000 pounds). Only real complaint is that gas millage isn't great in the city (I average about 16 city). It will pull 30 on the highway if I drive it very nicely but I typically get closer to 28 highway which still isn't bad for a big car."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great car

By BRKEAD on Thursday, April 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"This LaCrosse has been a great vehicle. I purchased the LX so I could get the 3.8 engine. It has not disappointed me. No problems inherent with the vehicle. Only thing that sometimes tweaks me is the poorer gas mileage from the ethanol fuel. In town mileage has not matched estimated m.p.g."

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see all 242 reviews