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:

StabiliTrak® System
The StabiliTrak system assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started. ► To turn off both t ...

When to Inspect the Engine AirCleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance II intervals and replace at the first oil change after each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval. If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspec ...

Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-in ...