2008 Buick LaCrosse [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 71 LaCrosse reviews and test drives.
Buick LaCrosse - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Buick LaCrosse ranks 21 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 71 published reviews and test drives of the Buick LaCrosse, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The LaCrosse is ranked near the bottom of its class because it offers a safe and comfortable ride on the highways, but not much excitement.
Most writers say the 2008 Buick LaCrosse is capable in all areas -- from its comfortable road performance to its orderly interior design -- but that it doesn't have any stand out qualities within its class. AutoWeek says, "There's nothing wrong with the LaCrosse, but nothing leaps out as superb, either -- in other words, there is little to get excited about." Although Buick adds to its standard features and introduces a new and more powerful trim for 2008, the Super, reviewers still say it's not enough to cause racing pulses. The LaCrosse "has a powerful heart and some nice touches," the Detroit News notes, "but its poor handling and uninspired interior leave it on the side of the road while more sophisticated vehicles pass by."
Other reviewers note that naming the top of the line trim "Super" is a tribute to previous and more notable Buick model names. However, Car and Driver says they think the updates are "more 'moderate' than Super, but Moderate holds no prestige in Buick history." If you're interested in an affordable midsize sedan, consider the Honda Accord.
- "LaCrosse is the Buick of mid-size sedans. So, as you would expect, it's quiet, pleasant-mannered, and demands little of its driver or passengers." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The Buick LaCrosse is an elegant and capable alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, champions of the midsize sedan category, but doesn't match their quality or refinement. It does, however, represent a monumental improvement over the boring duo it elbows from the lineup - the Century and Regal." -- Forbes
- "A Lexus? Not quite. But a new middle American standard? Definitely." -- BusinessWeek
- "Clean styling, genuine refinement, and rewarding driving experience aside, the LaCrosse is still a vehicle best appreciated by those with fairly conservative automotive tastes." -- Automobile Magazine
- Following a test drive with the new LaCrosse Super, the Detroit News states, "Calling it Super doesn't make a car super. Adding a couple of Super badges on the body and inside doesn't make something super, either. It has a powerful heart and some nice touches. But its poor handling and uninspired interior leave it on the side of the road while more sophisticated vehicles pass by." -- Detroit News
LaCrosse Performance - 7.0 (Good)
According to automotive writers, neither the base LaCrosse nor the brand new Super trim can be categorized as thrill-seeking machines, but both will offer a pleasant drive. "The Super doesn't linger at the light or need a running start to make it up inclines," the Chicago Tribune says. However, the same reviewer notes this isn't the car for the race track, "unless you just want to get there." Our full Performance Review gives more information on the performance distinctions between the base and Super trims. continue
LaCrosse Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
Several describe the LaCrosse's exterior as clean and straightforward, but not exciting. But the new-for-2008 LaCrosse Super is noted for a more distinguished look. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports "the LaCrosse Super looks different enough from the more modestly styled LaCrosse to really turn heads. Maybe it's the chrome wheels, maybe it's the porthole. Who knows? But plenty of people noticed." Check out the Buick LaCrosse Photo Gallery to see the attention-grabbing design, or read our full Exterior Review for descriptions of the base LaCrosse's styling. continue
LaCrosse Interior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Buick LaCrosse gets kudos for a quiet and well-equipped interior, but some call it unemotional. AutoWeek says the interior is "handsome and enjoys a high build and material quality," but the Detroit News says, "Inside, the LaCrosse Super felt comfortable but remained boring." The Buick LaCrosse Photo Gallery shows the LaCrosse cabin in silver, while our full Interior Review provides information on the sedan's cargo room, audio system and cabin upholstery. continue
LaCrosse Safety - 7.7 (Good)
According to most reviews, the LaCrosse offers a safe ride. It "comes with enough standard protection to help you survive" accidents, says the Washington Post, "and maybe avoid them in the first place." However the 2008 LaCrosse also receives mixed scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for the specifics on the LaCrosse's performance in crash tests. continue
LaCrosse Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Buick LaCrosse reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 LaCrosse is backed by a four-year or 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review for information on Buick's extended warranty. continue