Not your father’s Buick

Buick LaCrosse is a new sedan that replaces the aging Century and Regal as Buick's midsize sedan offering. It's the first new car Buick has introduced since the full-size LeSabre was redesigned for the 2000 model year. With LaCrosse, Buick is hoping to appeal to baby boomers in the highly sought after 40- to 59-year-old age bracket. After all, the average age of Buick sedan buyers is around 65.

Despite two attempts by the Buick design studio to get it right (including a year's delay by GM's vice chairman of product design, Bob Lutz), LaCrosse's styling isn't going to turn many heads. Unlike the Chrysler 300 and soon-to-be-released Dodge Charger with bold "attitude" and jaw-dropping styling, LaCrosse plays on familiar, conservative and boring Buick themes, with the exception of the rear which bears a strong resemblance to a Dodge Neon.

Too bad, because trapped inside that exterior packaging is an astonishingly pleasing and refined sedan. Inside, LaCrosse is entirely new and conveys a sense of luxury, a complete departure from the rental car look of the Century and Regal. The dash, armrests and center console are nicely trimmed with a foolproof faux wood grain material. The instrument panel looks elegant with soft textures and upgraded materials. All switches, knobs and operating functions are well designed and easy to use.

Seats are offered in a choice of bucket or bench versions. I strongly recommend you skip the bench seat. It's just too flat and unsupportive especially compared to the superbly comfortable and supportive bucket seats. Leather is standard on all but the base model.

All LaCrosse models come as front-wheel-drive sedans with a choice of three trim levels: entry-level CX ($23,495), mid-level CXL ($25,995) and the more performance-oriented CXS ($28,995). I drove a nicely equipped CLX.

Both the CX and CXL come standard with the venerable 200-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine that GM has used in various models since 1979. A new 3.6-liter 240-horsepower V-6 only comes in the CXS; it's the same engine that powers the Cadillac CTS. A four-speed automatic remains the only transmission choice for all LaCrosse models.

All models come with dual-stage front airbags. Unfortunately Buick made a few serious oversights in the area of safety, by making side-impact and head-curtain airbags optional versus standard. The same is true for four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, which are optional on both CX and CXL models. The very capable GM Stabilitrak® system is only available on the CXS and it, too, is an option. Stabilitrak® uses sensors to detect when the vehicle is sliding out of control on slippery surfaces and helps maintain vehicle control, greatly reducing the chance of an accident or collision. It's disappointing because GM, long a pioneer in automotive safety, seems to be trying to keep the base price down with these safety decisions.

One of the best things about the LaCrosse is the ride and remarkable quietness of the cabin. Buick took extreme measures to provide what it calls a QuietTuning package. The windshield and front side windows have acoustical laminates imbedded in them for noise reduction. Thick layers of insulating materials have been added to the chassis, under the carpeting, under the hood, and beneath the instrument panel and rear window shelf. Add a superb effort to fit and finish and build quality, eliminating squeaks and rattles, and LaCrosse becomes one of the most quiet, pleasant cars at any price that I've tested.

The LaCrosse's soft ride is comfortable without the traditional Buick floating sensation. The car feels agile in corners and remains steady over bumps. Body lean is well contained in corners, and steering quick and on the light side. Braking performance was good but LaCrosse does not have the desirable "brake assist" feature that automatically applies the brakes with full force when the system senses a panic stop by the driver. Driver forward and rearward visibility is excellent.

Notable options are a power sunroof for $900, side and head-curtain airbags for $395, gold package (steering wheel mounted audio controls, power seats, rear park assist, lighting package and auto dimming rear view mirror) for $1,150, XM satellite radio for $325 and a remote vehicle starter system which can be operated up to 500 feet away for $150. Oddly, both DVD entertainment and navigation systems are not available on the LaCrosse.

While the new LaCrosse is a far superior vehicle to the Century and Regal it replaces, it's far from the breakthrough vehicle Buick will need to attract non-traditional Buick owners. Buick played it safe with the conservative looks, but it is surprisingly quiet, refined and pleasing to drive. It's difficult to recommend any vehicle that has so many shortcomings on safety relative to stability control and airbag protection. These are serious oversights on Buick's part and should be reconsidered. With that in mind I only recommend the CXS model equipped with the optional Stabilitrak® and airbag package included.

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