2011 Buick LaCrosse Review

Buick's goals with each new car seem the same: Get less stodgy and attract younger buyers. The redesigned LaCrosse's insipid TV ads may not help the cause, but the car they feature should. The LaCrosse is comfortable, luxurious and easily the best-looking Buick since the Clinton administration. More important, Buick didn't turn it into a sport sedan — something no one ever asked of the brand, and a temptation I'm glad GM didn't give in to.

So did the General accomplish its mission? I'd like to think so. I'm in my 20s, and I want one.

Trim levels for the LaCrosse include the base CX, CXL and more-powerful CXS. All-wheel drive is optional on the CXL. With this redesign, the LaCrosse moves to a new platform from last year's Chevrolet Impala-based model. I test-drove all three trim levels of the 2010 version; you can compare it to the 2009 version here.

See also:

Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC) Notice: If you drive the vehicle at a high rpm without upshifting while using Driver Shift Control (DSC), you could damage the vehicle. Always upshift when necessary while ...

Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the message ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE is displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine ...

Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear or cracking. See Scheduled Maintenance  for more information. It is a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade assembly on a regular bas ...