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2010 Buick LaCrosse

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Overview

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2010 Buick LaCrosse Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

If you've been hearing the words "renaissance" and "Buick" in the same sentence, the word "LaCrosse" is also probably also in there somewhere. That's because this redesigned vehicle has the good looks, dynamic ride and modern feel that Buicks of recent memory - Enclave notwithstanding - have sorely lacked. These features really help the 2010 LaCrosse shine, especially when compared to other premium-leaning sedans such as the Lincoln MKZ, Hyundai Genesis and Lexus ES 350. While the Buick brand still has some work to do in getting back into the hearts and minds of the car-buying public, we think that the well-sorted LaCrosse is a very fine step in the right direction.

You'll Like This Car If...

If comfort, modern styling and value-for-money are all things you want in a mid-size premium sedan, the well-rounded 2010 Buick LaCrosse should be on your must-see list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although Buick has certainly stepped up its game, the brand still doesn't quite carry the same luxury cache as Lexus, nor possess the sporty driving dynamics of others in the segment, like the Acura TL. And, unlike LaCrosses of the past, this sedan does not offer a V8.

What's New for 2010

The redesigned 2010 LaCrosse is not the stately Buick sedan that your grandfather drove. With a fresh look, a just-right price and a much more engaging ride than you'd expect, this four-door is sure to make people rethink the Buick brand.

Driving the LaCrosse

Driving Impressions Those looking for a daily driver and comfortable highway cruiser would not be disappointed by the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. It's exceptionally quiet and smooth (as a large Buick sedan should...

be), but it also delivers surprisingly eager driving dynamics - especially noticed when driven side-by-side with the Lexus ES 350, the vehicle the LaCrosse is really setting itself up against. The interior is well-designed, with stitching and faux wood details that serve to enhance the vehicle without looking cheap. While there are three engines on offer - a 2.4-liter in-line four, 3.0-liter V6 and 3.6-liter V6 – the lone available transmission is a six-speed automatic which allows for "manual" gear changes via the gear selector. Unlike some of its competitors, those wanting added all-weather on-road security can opt for all-wheel drive on the mid-level CXL trim with the 3.0-liter engine.

Favorite Features

Spacious Interior
Even with the front seats moved as far back as possible, rear-seat passengers still have enough legroom to sit comfortably, no matter the length of the trip.

CXS Ice-Blue Interior Lighting
When the sun goes down, the interior of the LaCrosse is bathed in a soft blue light, emanating subtly from multiple points inside the vehicle. This "mood lighting" is a nice touch that adds to the sedan's premium feel.

2010 Buick LaCrosse Details

Interior

Inside is really where the new LaCrosse design comes together. Flowing lines, seam stitching and soft-touch surfaces abound. All buttons and switches have a substantial, upscale feel and are logically laid out. The USB port is located in the center console, and although it is located towards the back of the bin (making it a little difficult to reach), it is thankfully at the top. We found the trunk to be a bit of a mixed bag; although we appreciated how quickly (and completely) it opened, the usable space inside was seriously impeded by two trunk lid supports that take up some considerable real estate on each side.

Exterior

No Buick would be complete without the iconic waterfall grille and portholes (on top of the hood, for the first time), and the 2010 LaCrosse sports both outlined in attention-getting chrome. A dramatically sculpted high beltine - known as "sweep spear" in Buick parlance - stretches from the front of the vehicle to the rear, which, when combined with the available 19-inch wheels, make the redesigned LaCrosse look more athletic than anything else the brand has on offer – yet. For a smooth, unbroken appearance in the rear of the vehicle, the exhaust tips exit via the rear fascia instead of under it.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX comes equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 (a 2.4-liter in-line four will be available soon), six-speed automatic transmission, eight-way adjustable power driver's seat, OnStar, automatic air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels. Moving up to CXL territory adds halogen fog lamps, 18-inch wheels, dual zone automatic air conditioning, auto-dimming rear mirror, universal home remote and leather seating. The top-of-the-line CXS is additionally outfitted with a 3.6-liter V6, 18-inch chrome wheels, heated and cooled front seats and a harmon/kardon 11-speaker sound system with USB port.

Optional Equipment

Looking to outfit your 2010 LaCrosse in every techie extra it offers? Then opt for Bluetooth, the harmon/kardon sound system, rear park assist, navigation, head-up display and the rear seat entertainment system with noise-cancelling headphones. If comfort is more important to you, add the heated and ventilated front seats, four-way driver's lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, heated and power-folding side mirrors and keyless start. And if you want the LaCrosse to look and behave a bit sportier on the road, add the xenon headlights, rear h-arm suspension, 19-inch all-season tires and chassis with continuously variable real time damping and sport mode selectivity.

Under the Hood

Motivation for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse comes from either a 3.0-liter V6 (CX and CXL trims) or a 3.6-liter V6 (standard on the CXS). Later in the year, a 2.4-liter in-line four engine will be standard on the CX trim. All engines employ direct injection and are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions to help maximize fuel economy.

2.4-liter in-line four
182 horsepower @ 6700 rpm
172 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 (estimated)

3.0-liter V6
255 horsepower @ 6900 rpm (FWD)
252 horsepower @ 6900 rpm (AWD)
217 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5100 rpm (FWD)
215 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5100 rpm (AWD)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 (FWD), 16/25 (AWD)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
289 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/27

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2010 Buick LaCrosse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.4

Out of 5

Based on 85 Ratings for the 2010 - 2012 Buick LaCrosse models.

Review this car

Value

4.4/5

Quality

4.5/5
Reliability

4.6/5

Performance

4.3/5
Comfort

4.5/5

Styling

4.7/5

Spectacular automobile!

By Rog (CA) on Saturday, February 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "Fantastic car for the price."

Cons: "Front window pillars are wide and obstruct view."

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

"I get compliments wherever I go regarding the LaCrosse. It is a gorgeous automobile inside and out. Drives like you are sailing on a cloud. Have driven a Caddy and, honestly, it does not come close to the ride of the Buick. Sound system is spectacular. Bluetooth is fantastic. Navigation is wonderful. Comfort is great. Only problem is that the front window pillars are too wide and distract your view somewhat. It is a fabulous auto."

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Buick has a winner with the 2012 Lacrosse

By Thad (VA) on Saturday, February 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Smooth, fast, quiet, comfortable"

Cons: "Transmission shift pattern and poor visability."

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

"The 2012 Buick Lacrosse with V6 engine is smooth, fast, comfortable, quiet and a fun car to drive. Handling is excellent for a sedan with flat cornering at moderately high speeds. Notable negative issues are visability when backing and side visability due to window post position. It could use a somewhat larger trunk but it is on par with many other mid size sedans. The most notable negative is how the transmission is programmed to shift from first geat to second gear with moderate throttle opening. Under these conditions, the transmission will stay in first gear until it reaches 5000 RPM before shifting into second gear. Totally abnormal for a car with this much engine torque. Why Buick Powertrain engineers set it up this way is a mystery. This abnormal shift pattern detracks from the drivability of the car and it should be corrected. Owners of Buick Lacrosse vehicles need to contack the Buick Custom Assistance Center and complain about this poor transmission shift patter and demand that it be reprogrammed for better drivability, better economy and smoothness. This well engineered vehicle could be vastly improved with a simple reprogramming of the computer powertrain management system."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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