Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Try to forget the awful commercials for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse for a moment. As ill-conceived as those pathetic attempts to make Buick look cool may have been, the car doesn't really need that much help. It's not the best-looking sedan Buick has ever made, but it's not ugly either and it has some good hardware under the skin.

In this case, our CXL tester was powered by the base 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. With 255 horsepower, it's a pretty stout engine, but it did have 2 tons of sedan to move. A standard set of 18-inch wheels and tires helped, too, but the all-season tread left a little on the table when it came to the handling tests.

Of course we're aware that the track is the last place you would ever find a 21st-century Buick, but it did better than you might think. Click through to read all the details.

Vehicle: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXLOdometer: N/ADate: 07/28/2009Driver: Chris WaltonPrice: $32,090
Specifications: Drive Type: Front-wheel driveTransmission Type: Six-speed automatic with manual gateEngine Type: V6Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,994 (183 cu-in) Redline (rpm): 6,900Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 255 @ 6,900 Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 217 @ 5,100Brake Type (front): Ventilated discBrake Type (rear): Solid discSteering System: Speed-proportional hydraulic power steeringSuspension Type (front): Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer barSuspension Type (rear): Independent, multilink, coil springs, stabilizer barTire Size (front): 235/50R18 97VTire Size (rear):  235/50R18 97VTire Brand:  MichelinTire Model: Pilot HxMxM4Tire Type: All-seasonWheel Size: N/AWheel Material (front/rear): Aluminum alloyAs-tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,035
Test Results: 0-30 (sec): 3.50-45 (sec): 5.60-60 (sec): 8.40-75 (sec): 12.81/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 16.4 @ 86.00-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 8.1 30-0 (ft):  3260-0 (ft): 127Braking Rating: GoodSlalom (mph): 62.4Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.81Handling Rating:  GoodDb @ Idle:  42.8Db @ Full Throttle: 74.2 Db @ 70 mph Cruise:  67.1
Acceleration Comments: Very quiet at idle and while running through the gears. Obviously smoothness and fuel-efficiency were the goals here — not acceleration. Gearshifts are smooth and there don't appear to be any dead spots in the rev range.
Braking Comments: Noticeable idle-stroke (an inch or two) but the brakes are otherwise intuitive and progressive. Powerful and fade-resistant, with zero ABS flutter/hum/vibration. Dead straight with minimal-to-moderate pitch.
Handling Comments: Skid pad: A familiar and intuitive hydraulic feel. Good load-up without unnecessary added weight. Early-onset stability system chops throttle, but when it's shut off, the LaCrosse has good balance and control. Minimal understeer at the limit. Slalom: The car turns in crisply, but the steering ratio feels a little slow. The chassis takes a set quickly and is not caught on its heels in the transitions either. Precise steering enables the driver to place the car close to the cones. Eventually, mild understeer limits the car's speed. With VCS on, it's still capable and only dabs the brakes to make early/small corrections to heading. Nicely tuned VSC.

Specifications: Drive Type: Front-wheel driveTransmission Type: Six-speed automatic with manual gateEngine Type: V6Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,994 (183 cu-in) Redline (rpm): 6,900Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 255 @ 6,900 Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 217 @ 5,100Brake Type (front): Ventilated discBrake Type (rear): Solid discSteering System: Speed-proportional hydraulic power steeringSuspension Type (front): Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer barSuspension Type (rear): Independent, multilink, coil springs, stabilizer barTire Size (front): 235/50R18 97VTire Size (rear):  235/50R18 97VTire Brand:  MichelinTire Model: Pilot HxMxM4Tire Type: All-seasonWheel Size: N/AWheel Material (front/rear): Aluminum alloyAs-tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,035

Test Results: 0-30 (sec): 3.50-45 (sec): 5.60-60 (sec): 8.40-75 (sec): 12.81/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 16.4 @ 86.00-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 8.1 30-0 (ft):  3260-0 (ft): 127Braking Rating: GoodSlalom (mph): 62.4Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.81Handling Rating:  GoodDb @ Idle:  42.8Db @ Full Throttle: 74.2 Db @ 70 mph Cruise:  67.1

Handling Comments: Skid pad: A familiar and intuitive hydraulic feel. Good load-up without unnecessary added weight. Early-onset stability system chops throttle, but when it's shut off, the LaCrosse has good balance and control. Minimal understeer at the limit. Slalom: The car turns in crisply, but the steering ratio feels a little slow. The chassis takes a set quickly and is not caught on its heels in the transitions either. Precise steering enables the driver to place the car close to the cones. Eventually, mild understeer limits the car's speed. With VCS on, it's still capable and only dabs the brakes to make early/small corrections to heading. Nicely tuned VSC.

Okay.
Let me get this straight.
You’re paying $32,000 for a car that goes from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds, where you could buy a fully loaded Honda Accord/Mazda 6/Toyota Camry for the same price?
Unless this particular model you guys tested was loaded (which I’m pretty sure it’s not), I’ll pass.

everything looks good except the front and the powertrain. gm has a wonder 3.6L DI engine… USE IT! and the ads in the magazines only show the rear of the car probably because they know the front is fairly… well, ugly. and the use of potholes is, odd, and not necessary on the hood. reminds me all the mexicans here have these stick-on potholes where they would stick them anywhere as they wish onto their cars. well, sure, they’re their cars, but very low taste.

The IS250 has 204hp standard for about $32k and needs over 8 seconds to hit 60 with a STICK. The TSX with an auto (not that its every tested) likely needs about 7.5-8 secs to hit 60 for about the same money. The C300 has 230hp hp standard and isnt much faster.

Great, another example of why GM should have put the bullet in Buick’s head instead of Pontiac. GM already had a credible full-size sedan in the G8. V-6 or V-8 power, decen mileage, very roomy and OK looking, distictive even. Here comes another Honda/Toyota/Hyundai look alike with middle of the road power, handling, etc; all at a premium price to start with. For 32k you’re looking at a base Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis or perhaps a fully loaded new Taurus Limited. Or perhaps a Chrysler 300C is you’re comfortable with the latest iteriation of the “new” Chrysler. Won’t be long before the “$7000 off” adv’s start flying as Buick dealers try to slug it out with a minimalist product line (2 same size sedans and a crossover) and good but by no means outstanding product. As pointed out above, a unique powertrain like hybrid or diesel (although GM sucks at Hybrid) could at least point to a differentiator. At least Buick could make the 3.6L an option on the lower trim levels instead of only available on the most expensive CXS. Seems like the new GM is still trying to shake a lot of the old GM to me…

“GM already had a credible full-size sedan in the G8. V-6 or V-8 power, decen mileage, very roomy and OK looking, distictive even. Here comes another Honda/Toyota/Hyundai look alike with middle of the road power, handling, etc; all at a premium price to start with. For 32k you’re looking at a base Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis or perhaps a fully loaded new Taurus Limited. “

This car will outsell the G8 (per month) within 3 months on the market. Trust me. LArge RWD sedans have limited appeal. The 300 was an exception but its sales dropped off dramatically after a few years on the market. The G8 is a great looking car but its woefully lacking in features and its interior quality is just OK. This car has more features than the TL and a great interior. According to your logic Acura shouldnt make the TL and Nissan shouldn’t make the Maxima because they arent RWD with V8s. I would get the Lacrosse CXS over the fugly TL any day of the week. If you think this car looks Japanese there is no hope for you.

Yeah you are right, the TL looks WAY better. So does the Avalon. And the ES350 is one of the sexiest cars on the road. Buick is way off the mark in terms of styling compared to the gorgeous cars I just mentioned. BTW, the 3.6L is available and this is common knowledge. It makes 280hp and 259 lb-ft.

So this car performs about the same as the Accord V6 (which is considered relatively sporty) and you say younger folk wont like the performance. For the record, the CXS is the best handling model and it has more power and an available touring package with 19″ wheels and adaptive dampers. I’m willing to bet that car would match or exceed any FWD midsize car in handling.

This car will probably be more appealing to an older audience than some here think. While the performance numbers are all we have to work with so far, and they are certainly less than impressive compared to many alternative sedans, certain hints are also given which suggest that a slightly more seasoned, less power hungry population will likely appreciate this kind of vehicle.

I read “very quiet at idle and while running through the gears”, “smoothness and fuel-efficiency were the goals”, “dead straight with minimal-to-moderate pitch” referring to the braking, and “mild understeer limits the car’s speed”. These are all traits that more mature drivers, those with families, those who live a conservative lifestyle, will likely find comforting and valuable. Add that this is an American brand and don’t be surprised if this post-recession, soon-to-retire, more mature, more careful audience makes this one into a big hit.

I’m confused as to what competition people see for this car. This is NOT a 3 series, IS or G37 competitor. This car is aimed at Taurus, ES350, Avalon and TL. The handling figures are in between the “sporty” Accord and the Taurus just tested. It stopped shorter than both and was quieter than both at 70mph (it was quieter than the Honda in every category) so I dont see the problem.

If the goal is all out speed for $32,000, then why would anyone get a Camry/Accord/6?? Your comment makes no sense. The IS250 is slow as hell, so is the TSX. If someone wanted speed for $32K, they wouldn’t get a Camry, I assure you. They’d get a Camaro, Challenger, Genesis, 370z, Mustang, G8 GT, Charger R/T, etc.

I’m glad someone gets it. Its the same with the Accord vs Taurus comparison. People who buy the Taurus are going to care less about it lagging the Accord in the slalom. They will buy the car for its quality, space, features and styling. Not every car purchase is based on slalom speed. Sports sedans: yes. FWD entry level luxury sedans: no.

I’d be proud to have one of these parked in my driveway. I’d even consider the 4 cyl model, considering GM isn’t using electric power steering with it at launch, but I wouldn’t want base model equipment. Give me the CXS equipment level with the 2.4 DI engine and call it a deal. If I wanted a performance car, that’s what I’d buy.

I was involved in the discussion on Buick’s website with designers and engineers, and I asked why the 2.0T wasn’t chosen over the 2.4 DI. The answer I received was the 2.4 DI basically had the best equation of performance and economy… even over the 2.0T.

A 32ish MPG luxuryish sedan? Quite possible. Like others here have said, not everyone in this market is looking for raw performance. Some want a nice car with acceptable performance and good fuel economy… especially when gas goes back above $4.00, and we all know that day is coming.

Wow, you guys are pretty harsh on this car. First off, I didn’t realize a 0-60 time is the end-all benchmark of what makes a great sedan. Last time I was at the drag strip, I didn’t see any Accords, Camrys, or any family or luxury sedans. I mean really, people don’t drag race these cars or do street racing, and 8.4 seconds 0-60 is perfectly adequate for merging, passing, etc.

Secondly, you pundits are missing the segment completely that this car competes in: this car competes with the Lexus ES, Acura TL, and Mercedes C-class. Entry level luxury, slotted just below the Cadillac CTS in luxury and price. When compared to its competition, its $32k asking price is very competitive.

I disagree. I think that we just expect more from a company that is helping suck we the taxpayers dry! I guess you could say that we are critiquing a car that we (or China ) has a vested interest in. Lest we forget that is is GM’s fault (management wise) that they are in the funk they are. Years of gross mismanagement have made this so.

NOONE is cross-shopping Buick w/ Mercedes-Acura-Lexus. Nobody. Has ANYONE in your life EVER looked at Buick (or even considered Buick) when talking about movin-on-up to a TL/ES/C-class??!!? I highly highly DOUBT IT. Nobody around me does or ever will. Hell, nobody under 40 years old around me even knows/cares that Buick is still around.

It’s a pleasant and innocuous car for non-enthusiasts, which is exactly the car Gubmint Motors set out to build. It’s very competitive with the other cars in its market segment, but the real question is whether the GM stigma(deserved or not) will keep most buyers from even considering it.

I’m attacking it because I don’t like the look of it. Even if it has a Lexus badge, I will still think it’s ugly. Take out the potholes and it will look a world much better, just like the fake hood scoop on the G8.
Interior design is very tastefully done.
I like some Buick, especially the Park Ave they’re selling overseas.

“I disagree. I think that we just expect more from a company that is helping suck we the taxpayers dry! I guess you could say that we are critiquing a car that we (or China ) has a vested interest in. Lest we forget that is is GM’s fault (management wise) that they are in the funk they are. Years of gross mismanagement have made this so.”

GT5000, ^^ that comment right there is the reason people are “attacking” this car. Lexus has never needed a bailout because they make great products. You can’t really say that about Buick’s past efforts, even though their more recent efforts have been much better.

This car was benchmarked against the Lexus LS, so its competitors are basically the Lincoln MKZ, Hyundai Genesis and maybe Lexus LS (latter not by price ofcourse). It’s meant for folks who want to waft to the golf course or similar so it doesn’t have to be an autobahn stormer. As long as it does that right – and the Lutz interiors HAVE got it right, that’s all that it needs.

I disagree with a lot of the comments. I am 33, own a G35X. I actually like the looks of this car inside and out. When I saw it at the auto show back in Feb, I was impressed by the proportions, the clean lines. I didn’t see any awkward design elements (Camry’s nose/sqaured fenders, Honda’s bug eyes and rear end, Acura’s…. well Acura’s everything. The buick brand means nothing to me and agree it should have also gone away. This would have been a great full size sedan for Chevy.

LAme reasoning. If you would bother to actually read reviews you would note most are positive. Even C&D liked it and they are typically biased towards sporty cars. I mean I would love to know why you feel the car is so disappointing. This isn’t even a review, its a road test summary.

Most cars over $30k have 18″ wheels. It lacks direct injection, 18″ or 19″ wheels, blind spot warning, music HD, 2GB flash memory, Onstar, AWD, remote start, HUD, or real time damping suspension. Let me guess, none of those features are important since Lexus doesn’t offer them.

I dare you to check out the consumer reviews of the Enclave on this very site and see what vehicles were mentioned as competitors by owners. I GUARANTEE you people cross shopped the Enclave with the MDX, RX350, etc. If Buick makes compelling product people will check it out. The enclave has already proven that. Its the only truly competitive vehicle in their fleet and its selling well. The Lacrosse represents the same concept in a different package. Just because you are too ignorant and closed minded to compare vehicles by more than their badges doesn’t mean others do the same.

NOONE is cross-shopping Buick w/ Mercedes-Acura-Lexus. Nobody. Has ANYONE in your life EVER looked at Buick (or even considered Buick) when talking about movin-on-up to a TL/ES/C-class??!!? I highly highly DOUBT IT. Nobody around me does or ever will. Hell, nobody under 40 years old around me even knows/cares that Buick is still around.”

B.S. Lexus ES350 buyers will absolutely cross shop this new LaCrosse. Not the old one, but this one. The average Lexus ES buyer is just barely under 90 years old from what I’ve seen. Don’t forget the Lexus ES is a rebadged Toyota Camry with a plusher interior, so I don’t know where you come off with this superior attitude. The TL? Does ANYONE like the cheese grater grill on the new Acuras? Didn’t think so.

The C300 was a bad comparison only because it’s RWD. Because of that, it’s not really a competitor for the LaCrosse. But it is a pedestrian level, barely luxury sedan. In Europe, they have trim levels of this car used as taxis and police cars, and most Germans consider it an average family car similar to the way we view an Impala or Camry here in the U.S.

I think you have a twisted perception of the Buick brand for some reason (you have importitis, I suspect). Buick is a near-luxury brand, and always has been. Granted, their product portfolio deteriorated in the 1990’s and early 00’s, but their latest models are proving to be quite strong. The Buick Enclave being cross shopped, and stealing sales away from the Lexus RX and Acura MDX has proven that.

I’ve got to agree with 1487 and several other people who have commented on this car. Chris Walton had some pretty positive things to say about this car’s driving characteristics. In fact, they all sound like things a Buick shopper would like. The numbers are really not that disappointing either once you consider what the mission of this car is. If you want a performance car at this price, with high numbers, go somewhere else (BMW, Audi, even Mercedes). Buick is about understated, quiet, comfortable driving experiences. And considering they achieved all that and managed to give the car some competence too shows a lot. I’m pretty sure Buick shoppers are not going to cross-shop BMW, and I KNOW BMW shoppers won’t look at a Buick. The mindset behind the car is totally different. Shoppers will probably cross between the Buick, a Lexus ES350, an Avalon, probably the 300, and probably the Taurus. And I can say the quality of the interior holds up well against all of these competitors, even better really (I’ve sat in an ES 350, which is probably the class-leader here being the Lexus, and the Buick, even from the pictures, has much nicer detailing). Plus the numbers hold up well compared to these cars.

BTW, the people commenting about the Direct Injection V-6, did you even bother to read the article above. And I quote, “our CXL tester was powered by the base 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission.” BASE is the operative word. The CXS has a DI engine with 280hp, which matches the ES pretty closely.

so in your small mind the Lacrosse cannot possibly attract any attention from an import branded vehicle? I bet you said the same thing about the CTS, Fusion, Flex, Equinox, Enclave/Acadia, etc. Recent products from Detroit have proven to be more than competitive with the imports.

Who cares? The “track” performance of a luxo cruiser is irrelevant. Aside from 0-60 I can guarantee you the ES350 wont perform any better and yet that car sells very well. If you honestly believe track numbers are equally important for every type of vehicle you are delusional to say the least. Do you think people buy minivans based on track numbers too?

Saving Pontiac made little sense. Buick reputation in the US isnt bad, its just not seen as something people under 60 would buy. In China Buicks (and GM) is well respected so Buick was always going to live on there. When you consider that Buick has a GREAT reputation in the largest market in the world and a decent one in the US its a no brainer. Pontiac has NO presence outside of the US and had a poor image in the US if you remove the G8 and solstice from the equation. I don’t understand people who say they like a car but wont buy it because of the brand. Fortunately, Hyundai and Ford are proving that many Americans are not so narrow minded.

I’ve got to agree with 1487 and several other people who have commented on this car. Chris Walton had some pretty positive things to say about this car’s driving characteristics. In fact, they all sound like things a Buick shopper would like. The numbers are really not that disappointing either once you consider what the mission of this car is. If you want a performance car at this price, with high numbers, go somewhere else (BMW, Audi, even Mercedes). Buick is about understated, quiet, comfortable driving experiences. And considering they achieved all that and managed to give the car some competence too shows a lot. I’m pretty sure Buick shoppers are not going to cross-shop BMW, and I KNOW BMW shoppers won’t look at a Buick. The mindset behind the car is totally different. Shoppers will probably cross between the Buick, a Lexus ES350, an Avalon, probably the 300, and probably the Taurus. And I can say the quality of the interior holds up well against all of these competitors, even better really (I’ve sat in an ES 350, which is probably the class-leader here being the Lexus, and the Buick, even from the pictures, has much nicer detailing). Plus the numbers hold up well compared to these cars.

BTW, the people commenting about the Direct Injection V-6, did you even bother to read the article above. And I quote, “our CXL tester was powered by the base 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission.” BASE is the operative word. The CXS has a DI engine with 280hp, which matches the ES pretty closely.

LaCrosse is French-Canadian slang for masturbation, so that is why it is the Allure up there. I think Allure is a better name overall, but why not use traditional Buick names like Century and Electra? I’m pretty sure most people have forgotten the rolling abortions they were used on since the 1980s, considering how forgettable those cars were.

The TL is a disaster. I cannot believe that you honestly think that car is an untouchable competitor for the Lacrosse. Acura’s sales have been in the toilet for a while and the new TL is doing worse than the 4 year old 2008 model. The Lacrosse looks better, has more rear seat room, costs less, uses regular gas and has more features than the TL.

Thats irrelevant to a discussion about the competence of the car. GM’s bailout had nothing to do with the quality of current product. It had a lot to do with debt, collapsing sales, lack of energy policy and a reputation damaged by cars made 20-30 years ago. GM wouldnt need a bailout if its home market was protected like Toyota’s is to this day. Let’s be real here.

You are right about BMW owners not cross shopping Buicks and you seem to understand that is OK. I don’t know why people are obsessed with the C&D view of the world, i.e. if it doesnt look, feel or handle like a 3 series its not worth buying. Most of the sedans sold in America are not sports sedans. Toyota sells more Camrys than BMW sells vehicles in the US market. That tells you were our tastes lie.

The C-Class shouldn’t be compared due to its size. The LaCrosse is comparable to the likes of the Accord, Camry (ES350), etc which are mid-size cars. The C-Class and 3-Series are small luxury cars that are smaller than the midsize cars being talked about.

Unfortunately, playdrv4me, some of us wouldn’t have to write novels if people were a little more contextual in their evaluations of cars, and really looked at every facet of the vehicle and its audience, not just hard numbers. As this car stands, I believe it does everything a Buick should to be competitive, and posts good numbers for the class. If this were a Cadillac, I’d be slightly disappointed given their more performance/luxury bent as of late. But it’s a Buick people, what were you expecting, the next 3 series slayer?

Be realistic on what kind of life this car is going to lead. Cross-country trips, tooling around the suburbs, hitting golf courses, Palm Springs, South Florida. I doubt someone is going to think “Canyon road + LaCrosse = total driving bliss.” IMO, this car has enough of a boost from the past iteration and its competition to lower the median age of the buyer a little bit. That’s a BIG step for any car company to make.

I really don’t see the problem everyone seems to be having with this car as given its performance, power, feature content and all around numbers…it stacks up well against its direct target the Lexus ES350. If you want a sport/luxury sedan from GM look no further than Cadillac.

Isaac, speak for yourself. I’m 40, and own 4 Buicks. I test drove one last night, and I can assure you, the CXL is plenty good at $32,000. The materials used and fit and finish are top notch, BAR NONE!!!! The transmission shifts are IMPERCEPTABLE!!! It’s quiet as quiet can be, the stereo sounds beautiful, the seats are truely comfortable (heated AND cooled).

Buicks always had a special place in my heart and I am glad to see one that is really worth of consideration by young and old. The 2010 Lacrosse looks great, will turn heads, and won’t be seen coming and going like so many of the sport sedans folks idolize. consider me intrigued…

How eloquent. I guess you already know the Lacrosse starts $5k cheaper than the Genesis. I also like its interior better and is has features not found on the Genesis like cooled passenger seat, HUD, 19″ wheels, adaptive suspension, remote start, Onstar, etc. Genesis has larger trunk and better base engine- also has higher price.

You said: “GM’s bailout had nothing to do with the quality of current product. It had a lot to do with debt, collapsing sales, lack of energy policy and a reputation damaged by cars made 20-30 years ago. GM wouldnt need a bailout if its home market was protected like Toyota’s is to this day. Let’s be real here.”

You are out of touch. Take an economics class or do some research. Pull your head out of the sand. Buick now tops JD Power quality but GM as a whole has a CURRENT mediocre quality issue. Look at the issues with the new Camaro. GM has been tanking with stupid business decision after stupid business decision.

What issues with the Camaro? Oh, you mean the the list of one-off problems the Inside Line staff took from Camaro5 completely out of context and made out to be a list of problems that occur on every single Camaro? No, that is the reason why GM is doing so poorly, because “journalists” will construct a story about GM problems out of nothing, “enthusiasts” will slam a Buick for not being a Lotus Elise but will praise the Lexus Camry er I mean ES as the second coming, internet commentators will decry government bailouts of GM but have absolutely no problem with the US government subsidizing transplant operations here, Japanese protectionist policies, and Japanese government bailouts and subsidies. We’ll talk all day long about poor GM quality, but Honda and Toyota can have all the recalls…er wait, “warranty enhancements” in the world and we insist that they never have any problems, ever.

I’m well below the 40 year old age that the all-knowing internet commentator gods are decreeing as the market for this car, but my job is relationship management and new-client acquisition, which involves driving to meet clients and often taking them out for meals and the like. It is important to have a nice, comfortable, luxurious car without making an obscene demonstration of wealth. None of them would care how fast it gets to 60 as long as it is respectable (and 8 seconds is very much respectable). They won’t care how many Gs it pulls, as long as it can maneuver with poise, dignity, and a comfortable ride. If you look past the numbers into the subjective comments, it appears to do all that. So no, this is not a sports car, but it is a very fine entry-level discreet luxury car.

“You are out of touch. Take an economics class or do some research. Pull your head out of the sand. Buick now tops JD Power quality but GM as a whole has a CURRENT mediocre quality issue. Look at the issues with the new Camaro. GM has been tanking with stupid business decision after stupid business decision. “

GM’s current vehicles did not lead them to go broke. Period. What part of that has you confused? Honda just recalled about 400k cars. How many Camaros have been recalled so far? ZERO. The Camaro had a problem on a few cars after repeated, abusive launches. There was no recall. Nothing you said addressed my points about Toyota having 50% marketshare in a protected Japanese market. If the US market was like the Japanese market the big 3 would have 90% of the share here and bailouts wouldn’t have been necessary. As you said: do some research before challenging me next time.

The Taurus is heavier and has a whopping 10 more hp standard. The A6 weighs about 3800+ lbs and has a 3.1L 265hp V6. The Lucerne has a 227hp engine standard and a 3900lb curb weight. The 5 series weighs about 3700lbs and has 255hp standard. The Honda Pilot weighs about 4400lbs and has 250hp. You have no idea what you are talking about.

It’d be totally worthless for GM to make any trim of this car to 0-60 in the high fives. It would add thousands to the base price and add virtually nothing to its primary appeal, its excellent interior and pleasant bodywork. Has acceleration ever sold a Camry? Accord? Avalon? Genesis? Lexus? Any SUV/Crossover ever?

You didn’t know the 335i, IS350, C350, etc. were the best selling cars in the US? Obviously blistering performance is the top concern of most US car buyers. Thats why slower models like four cylinder Camrys, Altimas and Accord do so poorly here. And we all know the best selling ES350 is a sports sedan of the highest caliber.

With respect due to people having different opinions, ( and i respect that) and also realizing that styling is subjective (and respecting that too), i still conclude that this exact vehicle is partially why I had to fork out my precious dollars to “save” a company I once had love for.

I’m bitter and this car does NOTHING to sweeten the pill. It’s mediocre. And i maintain STILL that it’s sub-par to the experience of owning it’s “purported” competition. It’s a nicer Malibu. (And i like the Malibu for what it is.) C-class competition this sedan IS NOT.

“I’m bitter and this car does NOTHING to sweeten the pill. It’s mediocre. And i maintain STILL that it’s sub-par to the experience of owning it’s “purported” competition. It’s a nicer Malibu. (And i like the Malibu for what it is.) C-class competition this sedan IS NOT. “

So you are saying GM got a bailout because they made too many attractive cars with state of the art features and a whisper quiet ride? Seriously? This car has NOTHING to do with the old W platform Lacrosse. Its a huge leap forward and it was developed by the “old GM” that was almost broke. Pretty impressive.

I’ll admit, I think in the long run it would be better for GM to go with just Chevrolet and Cadillac, and this car would make a fantastic Impala replacement, but ignoring the badge and seeing it as a car aimed at the market segment primarily concerned with decent comfort and luxury, I think it does just fine. However, I really can’t see how the 2.4L engine will work in this application. 8 sec 0-60 is just fine for this segment, but I fail to see how less than 200 hp will work for a two ton car, and I can’t imagine the fuel economy will be that much better. They really need to ditch the Lucerne, make this the largest sedan, and keep it V6 only. Put the 4-cylinder engines in the smaller sedans.

It seems like all of the criticism towards this car is stemming from simple resentment towards GM being saved by the government (never mind Japan bailed out its automakers too, and our government subsidizes their operations here. We’ll conveniently ignore that.) As a result of that resentment, they seem to insist that to impress them GM must break the laws of physics and create a car that outperforms a Ferrari, is more luxurious than a Rolls Royce, is more affordable than a Tata Nano, and more fuel efficient than a Tesla roadster. Well sorry, that isn’t going to happen. GM is a mainstream car company, just like all the others, and their products stack up normally with the competition. Deal with it. Fine, you’re pissed, and you want to justify your anger by holding them to irrational standards. That just doesn’t work, and if you look at this car without the lens of hating GM, its a fine car. It competes very nicely with the Lexus ES and Acura TL and RL.

Your level of intelligence shows with all your posts (since you want to go there). You blindly find excuses to defend American car companies when the reality is, you have not enough business sense to see the real issues. You talk about side issues and rant about better comparisons but you need to go to college or something.

If you’re going to say something at least get some objectivity or insight. Your ignorance is showing again. American car companies are 10 years behind the times. They got lazy and complacent with vehicle design and quality control. This started with GM in the 80’s. The facts are in…Subaru, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Toyota and European manufacturers have made big $$$$ on the stupidity of the American manufacturer. And we’re bailing them out? Yes. Go defend another company. Look at SEC.gov if you want some intelligence.

Several of the automakers you’ve named as having executed more intelligently than Detroit have actually done the same as of late. In particular, Honda has upsized key models. Yes, only the TL has ballooned to the extent of the new Lacrosse in terms of weight, yet as a 2003 Acura CL-S owner, I know that several midsize Honda-parented cars share the dubious distinction of posting minimal performance or fuel efficiency improvements over similar previous-generation vehicles despite power gains largely because they’ve edged closer to two tons. So while I generally agree that paring down weight is paramount to better cars, I don’t think GM is the only company that could use the lecture. . .

You are hopelessly ignorant and out of touch with reality. As I said, talking to you is like talking to a racist or xenophobe. You soung like a complete moron. American companies are behind? Really? Is that why Ford is a leader in 6 speed autos? Is that why the Fusion gets 41mpg in the city? Is that why GM’s large pickups are 20% more efficient than Toyota’s truck on the highway? Is that why the Fusion and Malibu are more efficient than the Accord, 6 and Camry? Give me a break. Stop dealing in 80s based stereotypes and hit me with some facts. The Lacrosse has more features and a more advanced engine than the TL. Period. Thats not an opinion to be debated, its a fact.

The new TL AWD weighs about 4000lbs as does the RL. The MDX weighs about 4700lbs. The Accord has gotten bigger and heavier with every redesign. Same with the TSX, Pilot, Odyessey, Civic, etc. The new RX weighs about 400lbs more than the old one. Same happened with the 2008 Highlander which increased in every physical dimension and curb weight. The Genesis is the largest, heaviest car Hyundai has ever sold.

ford lost about 25% as much as Toyota in the first quarter and recorded a profit in the last quarter vs a $820M loss for Toyota and Toyota is projecting it will lose over $5B in the current fiscal year. Ford and Toyota are both aiming to be profitable in 2011. GM may be profitable before that, especially if sales pick up. Nissan is also losing money, though not nearly as much as Toyota.

Imports are clearly superior in two segments, dedicated hybrids (really thats just the Prius) and small cars. The small car advantage will be gone by 2010 when the focus and Cruze come out. In every other category the Japanese imports have been matched or surpassed by the Americans. Don’t shoot the messenger.

10 years behind? Dude, it’s okay to prefer foreign cars, but to suggest that the domestics are making cars a decade inferior is just preposterous. How is the Fusion ten years worse than the Camry? The Malibu, a whole 3,650 days more awful than the Accord?

Too many automakers get a free pass because of this myth. Nissan, Hyundai, Honda and ze Germans (with the exception of Porsche) all have significant quality issues. My old man owns an Audi dealership in Michigan and makes exponentially more putting the things back together than he does selling them.

Ignorant rants?? So anyone with an opinon different than your own is ignorant. Perhaps you could forward a link that explains that theory? You’ve been able to provide a link for everything else…. because we should obviously take all internet information as gospel….

If the LaCrosse is targeting the TL, ES, E-Class, etc.. do you feel a $32k luxury car should have the same acceleration as a $15000 Cobalt? I understand that is not GM’s intention with this car, but it shouldn’t it at least attempt to keep up with it’s rivals? With all of GM’s technology and engines avaiable, why go weak sauce right out of the gate? Buick or not 8.4 seconds 0-60 is laughable in a car of this caliber and price range when compaired to even an Accord V6 or Camry V6 let alone a TL or ES.

I get the distinct feeling that many of the commenters here (and for other columns too), have never driven the cars they have such strong opinions about. Rather, much that’s said seems to exist in a virtual world where information from various publications and blogs is whipped together into an some artificial pastry. I’m guessing that if this were a political blog, you’d get similar fluff too. The internet has made everyone an expert, often though without a serious day’s study of the subject.

No a person who tosses out conjecture as fact with no basis in reality is ignorant. Commenting on vehicles you know nothing about is ignorant. Claiming that domesitc products are low quality in 2009 when there is abundant evidence to the contrary is ignorant. At no point did I say that merely disagreeing with me makes one ignorant. Internet lovers seem to embrace this “everyone has a opinion and none are wrong” mantra but opinions cannot be offered as facts just because we are on the internet. If you have a left field opinion and you identify it as such that is fine. Just don’t profer poorly researched opinions as if they are gospel.

Who told you 0-60 is the most critical element for buyers in this segment? Do you think any Avalon owner cars about doing o-60 in 6.5 secs? There is more to a car than 0-60 acceleration, especially in this class. If the Camaro needed 8.4 secs to hit 60 your criticisms would be valid. IN a FWD luxury car this acceleration is acceptable. Several reviews have said they didn’t feel a substantial upgrade when going to the 3.6L engine. The Taurus needed 7.8 secs to hit 60 according to Edmunds- not a huge difference. Speaking of the Cobalt, the SS model ($24k) can smoke everthing from the Camaro V6 to the TL SH-AWD to the C350 to the Audi A5. Don’t act like it’s uncommon for a cheaper car to be faster than a more expensive car. It’s “laughable” that you think 0-60 times are critical for this class of car.

agreed. In a world where the best selling car needs 8.5-9 secs to hit 60 we have numerous posters here saying that the Lacrosse’s acceleration is totally unacceptable. Keep in mind a loaded Camry XLE I-4 is about the same price as the Lacrosse CXL. The best selling crossover is the CR-V and it needs close to 10 secs to hit 60.

BTW, earlier some “experts” were saying that Buick can “never” compete with Acura or Lexus due to image. I was reading the comments from owners in the Consumer Review section for the Enclave and lo and behold commonly mentioned competitors were the RX350 and MDX as well as some references to the Q7. A few Enclave owners traded in RX350s for their lowly Buicks. Imagine that. With Buick’s recent track record I think we can all agree the Lacrosse doesn’t stand a chance.

I just had a rental Altima hybrid for 5 days. What did I find? hard plastics on much of the interior. Road noise that was FAR worse than my car on rough pavement. ZERO steering feel. As for premium features (aside from hybrid powertrain) I had dual zone AC and…………..that’s it. The shuddering of the car when the engine kicked on was not impressive either. Not a bad car, but no better than a Fusion or Malibu.

“Some have wondered why GM kept the Buick division and shed Saturn, which has the freshest and most fuel-efficient product lineup. The answer: China. Buick is a prestigious luxury brand there and, in fact, the new LaCrosse was a joint effort between GM’s American and Chinese design studios. The Chinese contingent was responsible for the LaCrosse’s insanely fussed-over interior. Example: The dash material is synthetic leather but it’s French stitched with real thread.”

Believe it or not, (most) IL posters, a significant portion of the population does not obsess over 0-60 times like you. In a big market like ours, there is lots of room for a proud anti-BMW vehicle or three (or ten). And if the Enclave is any indication (hell, even anything BMW-loving Riswick liked it driving it) Buick may have a real shot here.

I would also agree that a lot of the people who shoot this car down are merely posting their opinions without 1) having tried a Buick product in many years (if even at all) and 2) having no real knowledge of who the target is, not to mention the everyday public out there who are looking for cars.

as stated, we are enthusiasts. to say this car is unworthy of consideration because it is one second off, say, the TL’s 0-60 time seems pretty ludicrous. if it matters that much to you, blow your money on a 3-series, and see play ‘punch-buggy’ for the 30 or so you see on the road along with you. or buy a CTS if these matters are all that important to you…

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