Buick LaCrosse

vanman1 · April 2005

LaCrosse all the way. Sure you can get a steal of a deal on a leftover Century but if you want a car that is leaps and bounds better in every way, go for the newer Buick. Even a base CX looks and feels 100% better.

fredvh · April 2005

GM has recalled 69,037 of its 2005 model year Buick Lacrosse and Buick Allure sedans, which went on sale last year, for a potential problem with a brake part that could lead to brake loss. GM said it was aware of a low-speed crash, which did not result in any injuries, as a consequence of the potentially faulty brakes.
GM has isssued a recall of over 2 million vehicles today.

vanman1 · April 2005

Anyone here have brake issues?

jrosasmc · April 2005

Thanks for youe help guys. I talked to him (my relative) earlier in the day and I think he's going to go for a new LaCrosse CX. He likes basic Buicks and I believe this one will suit his needs very well.

One more thing...the '05 LeSabres and Park Avenues get the 3800 Series III as well I presume?

dell46 · April 2005

Do you know what the number of the recall is? I have a 2005 LaCrosse and on my GM Link site it shows a recall has been issued and gives the number 05038 but no other info is available. My LaCrosse was built in January of 05.

62vetteefp · April 2005

No, they did not get the series III. They are in their last years of life.

dell46 · April 2005

Found a copy of the recall here it is:

Make : BUICK Model : LACROSSE Year : 2005
Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V156000 Recall Date : APR 19, 2005
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 61594
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIN COULD HAVE BEEN BENT WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED. A BENT CLIP MAY COME OFF, ALLOWING THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence:
PUSHING ON THE PEDAL WILL NOT APPLY THE BRAKES AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD BUSHING AND RETAINING CLIP AND, IF THE CLIP WAS MISSING, A NEW BRAKE PEDAL ARM ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 05038. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

dieselone · April 2005

That sounds a little scary, might want to keep the parking/emergency brake in mind until the recall is performed.

vanman1 · April 2005

I read it's only happened to 2 people and the recall is totally voluntary.

dieselone · April 2005

True, but it still makes you think. My Suburban falls within the model years being recalled for the faulty fuel pump wiring. It puts in the in the back of my head, that I might not make it to where I'm going, even though the odds of a problem are fairly slim.

62vetteefp · April 2005

vanman, what do you mean by voluntary? I believe in this case it means that GM asked for a recall w/o the government forcing them to. If so every car needs to get checked out.

dekester · April 2005

I wonder why GM hasn't stepped up and started offering at least a five speed automatic transmission. Toyota has a 5-speed in the Camry, Ford is offering a 6-speed in the 500/Montego.

I've also noted how decontented the Lacrosse is - ABS with Traction Control optional?? Wasn't GM the one crowing in the 90s thet ALL their vehicles came with ABS? If GM wants to keep in business - without having to drop either Pontiac or Buick - they need to get more competitive. If I was shopping for a new car now, my comparison points me to either a Camry LE V6 or a Ford 500 (though I'd really like a Crown Vic LX Sport!).

When I stopped in the local Buick dealer for the Hot Button contest, they fell all over my 98 Olds Intrigue because of the low miles (44K) and the good condition (constant claying, polishing and waxing keeps it looking better than the day I bought it). With a CX on the lot with ABS/Trac, and side airbags marked down to $20459, I'm tempted to see what they'd offer me.....

Deke

62vetteefp · April 2005

1.) Gm will will be sharing that same Ford 500 6 spd tranny in future new vehicles. I believe the 500 is the first to get it.

2)Yes, GM had and advertised that they had ABS standard all the way down to the cavalier. About 4 years ago Lutz came in and said no one cares. We were over contented and therefore overpriced. Few in the lower price ranges (Camry, Accord on down was optional) had it as standard and if they really want it they can order it. It is always available. Please remember that your opinion on features is probably not the same as everyone elses in this country. Many people do not want ABS and many cannot afford it. Now saying all that, some are making ABS standard now. In time all GM will have it standard (by 2010 and earlier for most) due to its comittment to have Stabilitrak standard on all vehicles (Stabilitrak requires ABS and adds much more safety to the vehicle)

3) The LaCrosse is a great replacement for the Intrigue.

vanman1 · April 2005

Voluntary recall vs government forced recall.

dekester · April 2005

Good points, thanks for the info. I can't believe that people don't want ABS....it makes the cars safer and manuverable in a panic situation. Anyone who's had their brakes lock up and sweated out a panic stop - hopefully without hitting anything - would like to avoid that experience again. I know I would. Can't say how many times without ABS I'd've gone through a red light, or hit that idiot cutting across three lanes to get to their exit.

Of course this is only MY opinon.....

GM adding StabiliTrak is a good thing, and I wish it was available in 1998 when I was shopping. Toyota's system doesn't seem to be too common, though. When we bought our 03 Camry, I wanted the traction control and stability options, but there were none on the lot or in any regional dealer's lots. Toyota also does not make it easy to order a car, either, rather relying on someone, somewhere having what you want, and getting your dealer to swap it.

Trying to talk my father into looking at the Lacrosse next time he takes his 97 Century in for an oil change, but it's like talking to a brick wall!

Deke

imidazol97 · April 2005

The ABS is available on all cars. They are just doing what Honda, Toyota and others do. They are leaving some items as options and that allows a lower base price for advertising and leaders to get people in the door. It was okay when Accord and Camry do. Isn't it okay now? The items are available.

62vetteefp · April 2005

They(camry) offer both uplevel nav system and their Stabilitrak system but can you find it in a car? Not really or hard to find. These items are just too expensive and most folks in the mid market just do not want to pay for them and the dealers know it. LaCrosse does not offer Nav partially just for that reason. Everybody (well at least folks who are on these types of boards) seems to think the car should have it but when you look at what sells in that market nav just does not sell. It needs to come down in price. And Stabilitrak is an unknown to 95% of the buying community. Why the heck would they want to pay for something they do not understand, do not need in their car today and is awful expensive. They would rather have aluminum wheels when it comes time to put the money on the table.

Take your dad for a ride in a CX. I assume that he has cloth? Make sure he drives it on the expressway or at least at some speed to show how quiet it is.

62vetteefp · April 2005

But if GM had not done the recall on it's own these are severe enough issues that sooner or later the government would have forced them to do it. Actually they did say on the one seatbelt pull issue that the station wagon was at 95% of requirement. Often these are not turned into recalls because they are so close to a made up bogie. GM would be asked to revise future vehicles to meet the requirement. In this case GM will do a recall and probably add a bolted on bracket to spread out the load.

johnclineii · April 2005

Actually, the current Ford Five Hundred Six Speed is from Aisin==a Toyota affiliate. The GM/Ford 6 speed will not be available in the Five Hundred until model year 2007.

1487 · April 2005

GM offered Stabilitrak on the Intriqu back in '99 or 2000 and it was one of the first midesize sedans to offer this feature. GM used to have ABS standard on all models but changed it because options are more profitable and most cars are going to have the ABS option. As someone said Toyota and Honda have doing this for years, in fact most Japanese cars do not offer ABS standard unless its a uplevel trim. Everyone complaining about the Lacrosse's tranny needs to remember that most altimas you see have a four speed and the camry four cylinder had a 4 speed until last year I believe. Only the accord offered a 5 speed auto on both models. All 300s and Magnums except the HEMI models have a four speed as well but no one cares because the magazines only test the V8 models.

chazalex · April 2005

I appreciate all the great posts in this group so thanks to all of you for the great informaton

I am looking at possibly leasing a (Canadian) Allure later this year and have seen a photograph on a U.S. dealership website that shows the LaCrosse with a beige fabric roof and very different Chrome wheels. Does anybody know if this is a factory option or have any further information. It definatley makes the styling of the LaCrosse/Allure very different.

Website is http://www.stevebarrybuick.com/lacrosse.cfm and the "Cardinal Red" LaCrosse is about halfway down the inventory listing - listed as a CX at $30,490">. The price seems rather high for a CX. Interestingly enough, the car also has the front "ports" like the Lucerne. :confuse:

62vetteefp · April 2005

Buick had nothing to do with the vinyl roof, what looks like chrome covers and the portholes. In fact the vinyl roof would make them

There are folks ut there that do put vinyl roofs on, wheels are easy to find. Now the portholes would be hard to get. Perhaps someone out there is making something or someone stole some prototype Lucerne parts.

chazalex · April 2005

Thanks - just thought that it was very odd that this was selling as a "new" vehicle (10 miles on the Odometer) with such strange modifications. Buick might appreciate knowing how their dealers are impacting (positively or negatively depending on your opinion of the changes) on the integrity of their design.

I have heard that the portholes will become a "staple" in all Buick design after 2006 or 2007 - something to distinguish them from 'the pack'.

johnclineii · April 2005

Regardless of Buick's public protests, I doubt GM/Buick cares what the dealers do to these cars as long as they buy them and they sell them to customers. If the customers end up wanting them all painted pink with green polka dots, dealers WILL do it. If there wasn't a market for such things as fake carriage lights and vinyl tops, dealers wouldn't install them.

Besides, GM/Buick knows who their real customers are that they have to keep satisfied. And, in very large measure, that is the dealers. That's reality.

62vetteefp · April 2005

Buick does care but cannot do anything but

and try and educate them on where they are going with their vehicles. That being said there is still a market out there for vinyl roofs and pinstripes. My father in law (~62) puts tape pinstripes on his cars and he is not that old. Just what he grew up with. 300's are getting vinyl roofs but at least they have a style which lend them to look OK. I cannot see a vinyl roof looking good on a swoopy LaCrosse.

Dealers are fully independent. GM has no control except nice arm twisting like giving awards to thow who have the best customer satisfaction or sales.

62vetteefp · April 2005

NOt all cars can fit portholes and look good. I do not see the Rendezvous or Rainier getting them. However the Lucerne and the Velite probably would.

vanman1 · April 2005

I'm hoping in the next 10-20 years, the vinyl / cloth roof will disappear. I saw a a CTS with one a few months ago and almost cried.

Luckily here in Canada it was never as big as in the U.S.

62vetteefp · April 2005

They actually did pretty much did disappear, only a very few are still retrofitted. I see a Century once in a while. What may happen is that, like many features (like chrome) they may come back strong. I was dechroming the Regal and Century just 5 years ago in an attempt to modernize them and now chrome is all the rage.

vanman1 · May 2005

"They actually did pretty much did disappear"

Not in Florida!

;-)

62vetteefp · May 2005

What are the percentage of Centurys with the vinyl roof? That is one problem with living in one area. You dod not get to see all the "trends" out there. Of course in about 15 years you will not see any!!

bigdaddycoats · May 2005

Will have ABS and side air bags as standard equipment on all models.

robchemist · May 2005

A review of the Lacrosse at the NY times (http://nytimes.com/2005/05/01/automobiles/01AUTO.html). Overall a nice review of the Lacrosse. Also, I finally learned why Buick used different names for the Canadian and US versions of the car!

pat · May 2005

Here is a link folks should be able to click on (enclosing it in that set of parentheses messed you up):

http://nytimes.com/2005/05/01/automobiles/01AUTO.html

Everyone be aware that free registration is required to read articles on the NY Times website.

62vetteefp · May 2005

what is really strange is that LaCrosse is like the Canadian national sport? eh?

dan165 · May 2005

AY1) Air bags, side head curtain are now standard on all models
(AK5) Air bags, frontal now require a fleet or government type order
(PEB) Silver Convenience Package, is now (PDD) Comfort and Convenience Package
(PEC) Gold Convenience Package is now (PCI) Driver Confidence Package
(JL9) Brakes, 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc and Traction control, Enhanced Traction System are Standard on CX and CXL

62vetteefp · May 2005

Dan, did they change the content of the 2 packages? Or is it just name changes?

vanman1 · May 2005

Great news on the standard ABS all around. Looks like they have changed the name on the packages only but who knows.

Up here in the great white north we have the Allure instead which I actually like better. Part of the reason was LaCrosse is a French Canadian slang word for self gratification but I think many people here also associate LaCrosse with a game.

What ever.. it's a good GM car and sales are picking up nicely.

imidazol97 · May 2005

Before I committed to a high priced repair I would have a commitment from the company. Sounds like there was a misunderstanding about what was said and what wsa promised.

> Also, customer service confirmed that electrical components are designed to last only 3 years/ 36000 miles - any failure after that is not considered a manufacturing defect, it's considered absolutely normal

This part sounds more like something made up to spite GM. I notice that this post has been duplicated in eight GM forums here.

jfgte8296 · May 2005

I love my new Lacrosse but....

I have the same shimmy problem on my CXL. I started by replacing the crappy Integrity tires with the new Assurance Triple treads. Much better and also found out one of the stock tires had broken belts. I've had the entire undercarriage checked at one dealer in Charlotte where I bought the car while on a business trip. I recently had the transmission fluids and codes checked. I was thinking the next thing would be to have then check to see if the drive shafts are balanced.

I too am waiting for an adapter for XM radio.

imidazol97 · May 2005

I've read two posts about shimmy. If you're within 12,000 miles, the dealer will check alignment and rebalance tires and wheels.

The LeSabres, Park Avenues, and Cadillacs and Aurora had trouble with feeling a lot of tire problems due to the lightweight of the unsprung components on that chassis design. The solution was Caddy would replace tires with Michelins. (Sevilles already came with Symmetrys.)

The dealers should have Road Force balancers that balance to adjust for the difference in compression of the tire/wheel and it turns. Regular balance just adjusts the weights. That solved my LeSabre's problem, which came with Michelins, along with a rear toe-in change.

Other brands of tires tended, at that time, to have more fluctuation in road flex due tot he weight of the car which tends to bounce the wheel up and down. Michelins were best.

Ask the dealer service manager which tires give the least trouble and balance best and stay the same for 10-20K after balancing if not rebalanced. I'd recommend Michelin Harmony's (just put two on my older LeSabre to replace X-Ones ) and road Force balancing on a Hunter 9700 with a knowledgeable tech person doing the balancing. My service manager said they learned as they went on how to do the balancing to make it work--it's not a watch a video and you're a qualified tech on the machine.

You can find who has Hunter 9700s on their website. They'll give you names of stores (including dealers) in your area. I have no connection with Hunter. It fixed my car so I like it.

ab348 · May 2005

[quote]The LaCrosse is a great replacement for the Intrigue. [/quote]

Well, it's a replacement. Whether or not it's a great replacement remains to be seen. I priced one out on Buick's website and was surprised at the amount of stuff that was standard on my Intrigue that is optional on the Buick. If you want the twincam engine instead of the hoary old 3800 you have to buy the top-end model which makes it a very expensive replacment indeed. Plus it has some old-style features like the pull-knob headlight switch, the octogenarian signal left on warning beeper, and a very derivative body design.

It's a nice car. I just don't know if it's a great car. In its day, the Intrigue was.

imidazol97 · May 2005

Don't know what's "bad" about the 3800. I have had 3 in LeSabres. Strong engine. Lots of torque. Probably more than I'll ever need especially in a car 200 pounds light like the LaCrosse.

I represent the comment about the turn signal reminder. Probably Honda and Toyota will copy it next. Mine has reminded me a few times (well in almot 8 years several times) especially in heavy interstate traffic with lane changes and a long ramp for merging in the area. I forget to clear the turn signal on the older car; (newer LeSabre has a soft touch signal that doesn't lock in easily when making a lane change).

You might want to go drive one just to see. I do agree it would be nice to have the super engine available at extra cost on the middle model; sort of a stripper hot rod with class!!!

62vetteefp · May 2005

Oh yea, the enigne is the major reason why the Intrigue went downhill on sales. It was selling fine until Marketing decided that the car deserved to have the high tech engine as standard to meet the competition. Got too expensive and not enought folks cared about that fancy engine. Probably another reason why Olds went under.

It was a great engine, just too expensive in the end when the Intrigue was one of the last cars to use it.

62vetteefp · May 2005

The CXS is a CXL with the 3.6L engine!!!!!!!!!!

The only differences are the dual exhaust, 17" wheels/suspension tuning, different gearing and fog lamps. Did I miss anything? The only thing you might take out on the CXL is the fog lamps which is easy enough since the lower grilles are interchangable. The LaCrosse should have 17" standard for appearance reasons alone. In fact it should have 18's!!!

vanman1 · May 2005

I agree with the engine part, I wish all the models had the 3.6L but that said, I have an Intrigue GL with a couple of options. It listed for about the same 5 years ago as the base Buick CXS does today but with the Buick I would get leather and a bit more power. Keep in mind, base CX models list for about C$3000 less than a base Intrigue did also.

ab348 · May 2005

To say that the 3.5 in the Intrigue was too expensive is exactly why GM is in the fix its in these days. The old 1960s design, updated but still an old design and totally amortized, will always be cheaper than newer technology. Therefore why ever replace it? By that logic we'd all still be driving '66 Skylarks. The 3800 has been a good engine, but it's starting to become a liability. Don't force me to buy the top-end model just to get a modern engine.

My experience in an Allure was as a passenger, not as a driver, so I'm limited somewhat there. It certainly was quiet and rode very well. The interior looked fine, the fake wood didn't bother me like it does others, although it didn't make me want to instantly buy the car either. Good, not great.

Let's compare my '02 Intrigue GX to the base model Allure here in Canada. My car listed for $28K when new, but was a real bargain thanks to the incentives after the dumb decision to kill Olds. With the Allure I'd have to add the following options to bring the equipment levels up to spec:

Decklid spoiler
Aluminum alloy wheels
Cargo net
Courtesy lights including glovebox, trunk, theater dimming interior lights (actually you can't get this on the base model Allure at ANY price - it's not offered!)
ABS (shameful this is not standard!)
Traction control
Split-folding rear seatback
And, of course, a modern engine

So to get the kind of powerplant a car in this class should have today, I need to buy the topline model and pay $35K Cdn. I can buy the bottom line model for about the same price as my Intrigue but have to give up too much content - why would I spend that kind of money on a car without a trunk or glovebox light? The mid-level model comes closest to my base Intrigue but it costs a couple of thou more and I still have the old-design engine.

That's not a bad car, but not a great car by any means and certainly one that makes you wonder how far GM has come in 3 years. Is it competitive? I'm not sure.

imidazol97 · May 2005

>Therefore why ever replace it? By that logic we'd all still be driving '66 Skylarks.

Does a 66 Skylark serve the purpose for today's car for enough people who would buy it? That would be the question to ask in your logic. Probably "No" is the answer due to weight, size, and fuel economy.

I assume you're also critical of the Crown Vic and Mercury version and Lincoln version of that old chassis...

Does the W body serve the purpose for the vehicle slot? "Yes." While your personal preference may be for some specific car style with specific options with specific pricing as your ideal, many others are buying the LaCrosse here in Ohio.
I'm seeing more and more of them. Don't see them sitting on dealer's lot when I drove by either...

mwildman · May 2005

Hi lacrossecxs -

I have had my 2005 cx for one month. I too have noticed "excessive road feedback" to the steering wheel. It appears to come and go contingent on the speed. I also am aware of an increasing and decreasing whirring noise at 60mph on a smooth surface. As I drive the vehicle, I am trying to put my finger on the most likely cause - tires? out of balance axle shafts? - Can't quite put my finger on it. I will be bringing it in for its first service this week-end. Interesting to note its occurrence with others.

vanman1 · May 2005

You (and I to a lessor extent) got a bargoon in the Intrigue, no doubt. Keep in mind though, you should factor in some inflation over the past few years.

I think GM should consider putting the 3.6L in the CXL as well as the CXS. This would make the OHC engine more affordable. That said, I would likely get the CXS anyway.

62vetteefp · May 2005

I repeat

The CXS is a CXL with the 3.6L engine!!!!!!!!!!

The only differences are the dual exhaust, 17" wheels/suspension tuning, different gearing and fog lamps. Did I miss anything? The only thing you might take out on the CXL is the fog lamps which is easy enough since the lower grilles are interchangable. The LaCrosse should have 17" standard for appearance reasons alone. In fact it should have 18's!!!

Buick LaCrosse

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