- 2010
2008 Buick LaCrosse
- Used Buick LaCrosse
Buick LaCrosse - What the Auto Press Says
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." Another issue is an outdated automatic transmission that doesn't promote fuel efficiency. Read More
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." Read More
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." One unique feature -- a small fold-out middle seat that allows a third passenger to sit in the front -- should probably never be used for safety reasons. Read More
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." Crash tests don't necessarily back up that sentiment -- the LaCrosse earns poor side-impact protection scores from several safety agencies. Read More
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. Read More
