2010 Buick Lacrosse
While the all new 2011 Regal may be hogging a bit of the spotlight from big brother LaCrosse it should not be forgotten that this was the car that started people muttering a certain phrase: Lexus fighter. Now who with a memory long enough to cover the Century, Park Avenue, Roadmaster and other such illustrious titles thought that day would ever come? It can all just be a bit of a shock to see well built, attractive Buicks being introduced on a routine basis. Sort of like seeing a leprechaun on the subway.It is also odd that Buick decided to keep the name LaCrosse for this model as it has no real history with the company and it unfortunately means something rather rude to Canadians in Quebec. Apparently in their distinct dialect of French it translates directly to mean the act of pleasing oneself. While it may be nice to be happy with your Buick I don't think that is what the designers had in mind.Starting at $27,805, the LaCrosse comes standard with a 3.0 liter 255 horsepower six cylinder that has been a part of the GM lineup for decades. (That's not a bad thing: GM makes some pretty stout engines.) There is also on CXS models a 280 horsepower 3.6 liter engine stolen from the Cadillac CTS but slightly down on power to keep the usual corporate hierarchy. (Some things never change.) Fuel economy for the 3.0 is 18 city/27 highway and for the 3.6 is 17 city/26 highway.The amazing part about the LaCrosse is that while it drives and feels like many lower level Lexus models it actually is priced more like a Camry or Accord. Now, some people have simpler taste than the chrome heavy affectations of Buick owners but they sure aren't Lexus owners. Have you ever seen a car company with more of its logos in gold instead of silver? It must have something to do with why it seems like Real Estate Agents named Phyllis are usually behind the wheel of Lexus models.Buick is also one of the top selling brands in China begging the question, did the Chinese have it all figured out before we did? Surprisingly, the best part about the new LaCrosse also came out of China. A Beijing GM design studio did all the work on the inside of this new luxury sedan and it is without question the best GM interior effort to date.Interior materials are soft to the touch, buttons and knobs click solidly and the dashboard looks like two rivers converging into a waterfall (or did I just see that?). As is true in most Buicks the seats are comfy too. If you buy a LaCrosse you will also be treated to great customer service at the dealership as apparently Buick dealers are the best of GM at what they do (now that Saturn is dead).So, will Lexus owners really start cross shopping Buick? Well, the trend already started when the Enclave SUV became a surprise hit for the brand. And let's face it. Both of these brands are flashy and seem designed for people who like to be noticed. Some may call them gaudy but others just call it luxury. Whatever the case, Buick has a fine new sedan on its hands with the new LaCrosse. Now could we just change the name?
While the all new 2011 Regal may be hogging a bit of the spotlight from big brother LaCrosse it should not be forgotten that this was the car that started people muttering a certain phrase: Lexus fighter. Now who with a memory long enough to cover the Century, Park Avenue, Roadmaster and other such illustrious titles thought that day would ever come? It can all just be a bit of a shock to see well built, attractive Buicks being introduced on a routine basis. Sort of like seeing a leprechaun on the subway.
It is also odd that Buick decided to keep the name LaCrosse for this model as it has no real history with the company and it unfortunately means something rather rude to Canadians in Quebec. Apparently in their distinct dialect of French it translates directly to mean the act of pleasing oneself. While it may be nice to be happy with your Buick I don't think that is what the designers had in mind.
Starting at $27,805, the LaCrosse comes standard with a 3.0 liter 255 horsepower six cylinder that has been a part of the GM lineup for decades. (That's not a bad thing: GM makes some pretty stout engines.) There is also on CXS models a 280 horsepower 3.6 liter engine stolen from the Cadillac CTS but slightly down on power to keep the usual corporate hierarchy. (Some things never change.) Fuel economy for the 3.0 is 18 city/27 highway and for the 3.6 is 17 city/26 highway.
The amazing part about the LaCrosse is that while it drives and feels like many lower level Lexus models it actually is priced more like a Camry or Accord. Now, some people have simpler taste than the chrome heavy affectations of Buick owners but they sure aren't Lexus owners. Have you ever seen a car company with more of its logos in gold instead of silver? It must have something to do with why it seems like Real Estate Agents named Phyllis are usually behind the wheel of Lexus models.
Buick is also one of the top selling brands in China begging the question, did the Chinese have it all figured out before we did? Surprisingly, the best part about the new LaCrosse also came out of China. A Beijing GM design studio did all the work on the inside of this new luxury sedan and it is without question the best GM interior effort to date.
Interior materials are soft to the touch, buttons and knobs click solidly and the dashboard looks like two rivers converging into a waterfall (or did I just see that?). As is true in most Buicks the seats are comfy too. If you buy a LaCrosse you will also be treated to great customer service at the dealership as apparently Buick dealers are the best of GM at what they do (now that Saturn is dead).
So, will Lexus owners really start cross shopping Buick? Well, the trend already started when the Enclave SUV became a surprise hit for the brand. And let's face it. Both of these brands are flashy and seem designed for people who like to be noticed. Some may call them gaudy but others just call it luxury. Whatever the case, Buick has a fine new sedan on its hands with the new LaCrosse. Now could we just change the name?
