Nice pictures on wieck! The look is growing on me, slowly, but I'd still choose an ES for certain reasons that I don't feel like explaining right now. The interior looks great, except a little bit dated. I wasn't into the Seville/Deville interior, and I'm not interested in it here. And what is up with that steering wheel!?! Ugh. But, for GM's first REAL effort in this segment, you gotta give them kudos.
The interior does look very much like a Taurus or LS... But I am not complaining. I just cant wait untill we can kick those [non-permissible content removed] off our turf and the recent trend of domestics actually trying now is a very very good thing.
With the nice new engine and much better interior I think one might be able to propose the new Lacrosse being the best from GM as far as cars go.
"Approaching 4000 lbs with AWD, it'll only have 3L and 200hp/200lbs-ft to propel it. Not a good move. Why can't Ford at least add VVT from the Mazda 6 or Jag S/X type?"
Ford doesnt want to increase the 200hp because next year it will introduce the duratec 35, it is kind of like unneeded money spent for just one year. The CVT trans and high gearing tho should make 0-60 times respectable, or at least that is the general consinscous from the media is.
No joke, I seriously think that the Altima interior looks good. Yes, the doors are cheap and light. Yes, the dash plastics are cheap, hard, and ill-fitting. And overall, no, it's not a good interior. But it is stylish and modern, and that's why I think it looks good. As I said before, the problem with GM's interiors is that their materials are cheap looking/feeling AND the overall design is ugly and outdated, too! Take the new Nissan Pathfinder Armada, an SUV which has been criticized for its poor interior materials. Compare that to a Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, even a Cadillac Escalade. The GM trucks not only have the cheap plastics of the Nissan, but they also look like they were designed in 1985.
Thankfully, the new Buick LaCrosse appears to have both nice materials and attractive styling. Let's hope this sets the standard for future GM vehicles.
Have you seen the 2005 Altima interior? Nissan addressed that their Altima's interior was subpar and they corrected it. When GM builds a cheap interior, they say it IS high quality and they just lie. I personally think the 05 Altima interior looks GREAT!
So let me get this straight: you guys are all saying that every GM interior is cheap and/or ugly except the LaCrosse which is not cheap but ugly??
Interesting.
I won't lie, I don't care for many GM interiors as well as many other makes/models. However, I still am not attracted to the new Altimas interior or any other Nissan product to be honest. What's up with the G35? Why does the Murano get real aluminum while the G35s get metalliplastic? Yet Infiniti is supposed to be the premium brand. I do like the FX's interior though. The Murano's would pass if it weren't for those 3 gauge pod thingies. I guess since the Altima's interior has been refreshed, you guys are gonna argue it into the ground.
Tennis claims that this is GM first real effort into the segment which is an utter lie. Everyone who knows how to read should remember that oldsmobile was supposed to be GMs inport fighting brand and their first entry was the Intrigue which was acclaimed by the media and and continuously rated better than any other domestic and the Camry. It only lost to the Accord/Passat which were also new at the time. If Olds were still around, the next Intrigue would probably be a trendier version of the LaCrosse, perhaps with a more trendy interior (read: metalliplastic).
Some you seem to forget that Buick cannot just forget about their current customers. Do you think that the average current Century wants an interior with fake metallicplastic panels all over the place? I think not.
had I known about the debut in Lacrosse ahead of time, I may have actually been interested in being there!
Then I could have found some GM lackey there to ask why there has been only one decent v6 ever in GM's history and they killed the two cars that had it (the Aurora and Introgg). I would ask him why it's 2k5 and just now GM is putting it back in ONE fwd middle class segment car.
"As I said before, the problem with GM's interiors is that their materials are cheap looking/feeling AND the overall design is ugly and outdated, too!:
All GM interiors look bad and are cheap? Does that apply to the STS, the malibu, the lesabre, the park ave, Grand Prix, rendevous, the GTO, XLR, CTS, the Alero/Intrigue? To the contrary, most of the press praised GM's ergonomics and layouts but trashed their material selection. Once again people are talking about all of GM's models that are at the end of their life cycles while comparing them to the current import competition. Besides those days are over, I saw the cobalt at the auto show and I can assure you its interior is classier than anything else in the segment. It makes the civic's interior look about 10 years old.
football:
This is GM's first decent V6 in history? The 3400, 3500,3800, 3800 SC, 3.2L DOHC, and the 3.5L werent decent engines. This engine is not the same as the same as the 3.5L that was based on the northstar. What are you talking about? This is a completely new 60 degree design. You are so confused. Why are you in this topic? Go talk about Fords and Nissans in topics that are related to those brands. Also, the taurus everyone is comparing the Lacrosse to is not the '96 model, it's the current model which came out in 2000. You of all people should know that. The '96-'99 taurus looks nothing like the lacrosse or anything else. Why do you spend so much of your valuable time talking about a company you hate?
The current altima interior looks cheap and is cheap. The '05 is better but its basically a bunch of satin nikel placed over a cheap interior. I am so sick of fake metal in cars and all the imports are obsessed with it. The new galant interior is a prime example and now the altima has joined up. There is no way in hell the '02-'04 altima's interior was better designed or better feeling than the Grand Prix, Intrigue, Alero, etc and it was not as nice as the '04 malibu that just hit the market. Give me a break. On top of that it has that terrible, cheesy orange back lighting. The lacrosse has a more luxurious interior than the '04 or '05 Altima if you ask me. Not to mention the fact that its better looking on the outside.
Nissan's aren't selling. They're too new. and its not like anyone's going to buy a nissan over a toyota. only few will do that. On the other hand, GM's Impala, which happens to have a much worse interior than the Altima happens to be a better-seller than the Altima. GM will re-invent the interior. Yeah, and the fleet people like it...which they don't like Altimas. The Buick LaCrosse looks nice. What do you want them to do, copy a Nissan's interior, and get into a lawsuit. Go and buy your Nissan, GM haters, but the GM lovers will go back at you, because we like GM. Gm messed up, no doubt about it, but don't complain that you want some Chevrolet Altima riding on the road... no way. GM is GM and Nissan is Nissan.
"Then I could have found some GM lackey there to ask why there has been only one decent v6 ever in GM's history and they killed the two cars that had it (the Aurora and Introgg). I would ask him why it's 2k5 and just now GM is putting it back in ONE fwd middle class segment car. "
What about that 240 hp V-6 engine in the LaCrosse? What about the 255 hp V-6 in the CTS? What about the 240 in the Regal? Huh, what about those engines, what do you want, a 315 hp V-8 engine burning tons of gas...oh no!
The point is, Gm had its bad times, and boy did Nissan have its bad times. Remember the 90s? Remember those dumpster cars Nissan brought you? The 90's Altima, with the cheasy interior. The Maxima, with the weird shaped everything. 'Any car like it:0'-Nissan on the Nissan Maxima during the 90s. Oh give me a break. Nissan said that because nobody would want to build such an ugly car like that. Nissan & GM both had their bad times (mostly Nissan, though).......anyone remember Datsun. Oh, don't get me started!
And he would tell you that you know absolutely nothing. He would tell you that the LX5 was too expensive to build and that since it was 90 degrees, it wouldn't fit into certain applications (rendevous or minivans). He would tell you that to increase it's power it would need premium fuel. He would tell you that it takes years to design a new throughly modern, no excuses 60 degree engine from strach. Those are just a few of the things that he would tell you.
I was mistaken, I thought you were saying the 3.6 was the first decent V6 GM ever made, but you were talking about the 3.5L shortstar which has nothing to do with the 3.6 VVT. The 3.5L was a nice engine but the mags said it wasn't really superior to the 3800 and it delivered similar acceleration in spite of 15 more hp. GM used to make a 3.4 DOHC that was replaced because it wasnt as smooth and reliable as the 3800.
Nissan's aren't selling. They're too new. and its not like anyone's going to buy a nissan over a toyota. only few will do that. On the other hand, GM's Impala, which happens to have a much worse interior than the Altima happens to be a better-seller than the Altima. GM will re-invent the interior. Yeah, and the fleet people like it...which they don't like Altimas. The Buick LaCrosse looks nice. What do you want them to do, copy a Nissan's interior, and get into a lawsuit. Go and buy your Nissan, GM haters, but the GM lovers will go back at you, because we like GM. Gm messed up, no doubt about it, but don't complain that you want some Chevrolet Altima riding on the road... no way. GM is GM and Nissan is Nissan.
"Then I could have found some GM lackey there to ask why there has been only one decent v6 ever in GM's history and they killed the two cars that had it (the Aurora and Introgg). I would ask him why it's 2k5 and just now GM is putting it back in ONE fwd middle class segment car. "
What about that 240 hp V-6 engine in the LaCrosse? What about the 255 hp V-6 in the CTS? What about the 240 in the Regal? Huh, what about those engines, what do you want, a 315 hp V-8 engine burning tons of gas...oh no!
The point is, Gm had its bad times, and boy did Nissan have its bad times. Remember the 90s? Remember those dumpster cars Nissan brought you? The 90's Altima, with the cheasy interior. The Maxima, with the weird shaped everything. 'Any car like it:0'-Nissan on the Nissan Maxima during the 90s. Oh give me a break. Nissan said that because nobody would want to build such an ugly car like that. Nissan & GM both had their bad times (mostly Nissan, though).......anyone remember Datsun. Oh, don't get me started!
And he would tell you that you know absolutely nothing. He would tell you that the LX5 was too expensive to build and that since it was 90 degrees, it wouldn't fit into certain applications (rendevous or minivans). He would tell you that to increase it's power it would need premium fuel. He would tell you that it takes years to design a new throughly modern, no excuses 60 degree engine from strach. Those are just a few of the things that he would tell you.
It never fails. You have not yet once defended any of your points because quite frankly, they are all fabricated. I will ask you once again, what do you even like? I've asked you about five times and you have yet to respond.
When I said that GM interiors look bad and are cheap, I meant models introduced before their latest "renaissance." I really like the XLR, SRX, and GTO interiors. The Seville and Deville interiors are nice enough, but certainly not class-leading. The new Malibu, Grand Prix, and CTS interiors are also nice, but could be improved, I think. Another good effort was the Aurora interior. But as far as I'm concerned, the LeSabre/Park Avenue and Alero/Intrigue interiors are nothing special-just dull and outdated. The Rendezvous is just plain bad.
I am by no means a Nissan lover/GM hater. I merely used Nissan as an example of an automaker with stylish interiors marred by poor materials. I do not want GM to copy Nissan, but I do want them to produce something stylish and, unlike recent Nissans, well made. The new LaCrosse seems to fit the bill.
wsag26: Nissans are selling well. They have seen sales and profits soar in the past few years. Judging by Altima sales, I'd say there are alot of people buying a Nissan over a Toyota. I know I'd certainly take an Altima over a dull, misshapen, snoozemobile Camry, cheap interior notwithstanding.
Wsag26 is one of those people who hates Nissans more than anything else. He even hates the new Pathfinder interior, which even some GM die-hards love.
To everyone else:
Ahh, I'm not gonna put up this fight anymore. I actually have grown to like the LaCrosse for its interior and 3.6L. Would I buy one? Probably not because Buicks still seem old to me. But for Buick's first real entry into this segment, kudos to them!
A lot of younger people said they wouldn't be a Intrigue because it was an Oldsmobile. But they did anyway, lowering Olds' average age a bunch. Problem was they alienated their older buyers and sales never got above 90,000.
Svevar: Great breakdown on the GM interiors. I agree 100%. What do you think of the Ford interiors?
BZ4: You're right on the Intrigue. I just don't know how successful Buick (and the LaCrosse) will be strattling the fence. Remember, that's what Olds tried to do for a decade before they went "import style." I do agree the LaCrosse is a solid start, however.
"But as far as I'm concerned, the LeSabre/Park Avenue and Alero/Intrigue interiors are nothing special-just dull and outdated. The Rendezvous is just plain bad."
The Lesabre came out in 1999, the Intrigue came out in 1997, the Alero in 1998. Could that be the reason why their interiors looks a little dated? I dont think their interiors look dated when compared to the camrys and accords of the day. Again, the issue with the Olds cars was really the material quality, not the layout or design.
The rendevous has a nice interior in my opinion and most of the press has agreed. The press has also been favorable in regards to the Rainer's interior which is only slightly different from the other midsize utes.
bretaa: Ford interiors have been very nice lately, I think, especially the truck interiors. The Explorer (4 door) and Expedition are really nice. I don't know much about the Excursion, but from what I can remember it's nothing special. The new F150 interior is outstanding. Really, all Ford truck interiors put GM's to shame. GM might have some nice car interiors, but all of their trucks, even the Escalade, have cheap-looking, plasticky interiors. It's a joke to compare the Escalade interior to that of a Navigator or Aviator. And the new Rainier interior may have better soundproofing, materials, and gauges than the other mid-sized GM SUVs, but it's still not great. Ford's car interiors are pretty nice, I think. The Focus is certainly nicer than the Cavalier (and Neon), the Taurus is clean and attractive, the Freestar simple and classy. I think all Lincoln interiors are nicely done.
1487: The LeSabre, Intrigue, and Alero interiors came out around the same time as Chrysler's LH cars. I think the Intrepid, Concorde, and 300M/LHS interiors have aged better than their GM counterparts. All I can remember about press reaction to the Rendezvous are complaints about illegible gauges. I could be wrong, but I don't think the press reviews were overwhelmingly positive regarding the interior.
At least GM is trying. You can't win if you don't try. (but their entry is a little late, after all the Japanese's offerings and the European's offerings, and with a car that has an engine that does not match the competition.)
There are so many opinions on how LaCrosse's interior came out, I like to know if GM takes people from the streets to come on in to see if the interior is good or bad before the auto show. I mean, you people say it sucks and it's bad and on and on and on. I can say that Buick like many of it's other companys are trying to get out of this thing with bad interiors from the US automakers that was a common thing in the 90's. You will see very soon how quickly GM, Ford and Chrysler can take the best designs from Japan and Europe and put a small amount of it into their own new interiors. Getting back onto LaCrosse's interior, I think that it fits Buick's new interior layout right now; still part of Buick's past interior setup, freshness, and trying to put the interior between the good opinions and bad opinions.
JChan: I agree with your LaCrosse comment. They're finally trying.
Theo: It does look better in black doesn't it? There's still something about Buick's c-pillars I don't like, I just can't figure it out...
1487: I think you're looking at this with rose-colored glasses. The late 90's Olds interiors, while generally praised for being more modern, were knocked for their hard shiny plastic and generic parts bin GM pieces, even in comparison with cars of the time. The Rendezvous has never been felt to have a premium interior and most reviews of the Ranier have faulted GM with not doing as much as they should for the vehicle's cost. Just to make sure, I reread reviews at this site and others for all those models. I understand your defensiveness, but many of us have been reading critique of domestic interiors for years and years and only now are they taking it seriously. Give people a little latitude to say, "I told you so" to the US makers. Lutz, of all people, had a quote in the mid 90's when asked about the newly lavish VW interiors that only car magazine reviewers noticed or cared about that stuff, not consumers. Boy, has he come around 180 degrees. But his willingness to change his mind is one of the things that makes him a great exec...
I think GM knows they need to make the LaCrosse go a long way. They aren't only replacing the Regal and Century, they need to win some old Oldsmobile buyers back with this Buick. I love the looks of the LaCrosse and I seriously hope it will do really well and be a preview of what is to come with the Park Avenue and the LeSabre.
Here's my take on the new Lacrosse: it's a perfect addition for Buick's lineup, the interior is nice and the exterior is bolder than competitors. The exterior chrome adds to the upscale look. OnStar, Rear Parking Assist makes this a solid choice for customers looking for a mid-lux car.
The only thing I don't like it that there is no (so far) OPTIONAL navagation system, which I think it important for competiton. The interior is so nice and needs a nav. system. It would add to the feature list, will GM ADD ONE??
I hope, GM adds a nav. system to Lacrosse. I think pricing for a CXS model equipped will be around $32,800??
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i like the new lacrosse. it's a good first effort for buick under lutz to rejuvenate the marque. some odd detailing though, such as the overly long front overhang, and the unnecessary extension of the front main headlight. if you put your finger over the amber front turn signals, the hoodlines leading to the front lamps look just like a jag. exactly.
I can't see how the LaCross interior is outdated. It looks as good as any near luxury car I have seen. Can't touch yet, but the car seems to be a winner for Buick over all. Ya the styling on the outside is so so but you can say that about lots of car these days!
is not interested in that new fangled technology. Of course if Buick keeps up selling this style of car it will be killed off like Olds. You want your customer base to grow up with the brand, not die with it.
I am almost 22 years old and am not ashamed to admit I aspire to be a Lexus owner. Not the godawful looking SC430, or the IS300 (too small), but I like the rest of their lineup. After owning a hip car (VW Jetta) and experiencing its abysmal reliability, long-term reliability is something I place an extremely high value on. Buick and Lexus are both well above average in the JD Powers study, but I find Buick's current models unappealing. The LaCrosse is a nice step forward, but features-wise, it looks as if only a fully loaded CXS will compete with the imports. Looking at the specs, it is a shame that major safety features such as ABS and side airbags are extra-cost options. Also, the length of the car seems long given the interior dimensions. And, a world-class car should include a five-speed automatic transmission. The seats appear to be flat and unsupportive. I do like what appears to be a tall ride height/ground clearance. I am cautiously optimistic about the LaCrosse.
Excellent post, and sums up my feelings very closely. Im also 22, and I take offense to the unintegrated style of the new SC, a Greek (well... Japanese) tragedy compared to the first generation. And although it seems to have a fair amount of nay-sayers, I think the next GS looks awesome, and am eagerly awating the next IS.
But I digress.
The LaCrosse looks like a good effort to me, and the 240hp engine in the CXS model is appealing. I'm very interested to see a comparo of the Ford 500/Mercury Montego, LaCrosse CXS, the next Avalon XLS, a Maxima SL, Amanti, and finally... a 300 Limited.
My only contentions with your post are with your statements regarding a 5 speed auto - nice to have if they downshift promptly, but several mfrs have had issues engineering a good one- and your comments on the seats- who cares whether or not they LOOK comfortable? As long as they aesthetically LOOK good, and are comfortable, I couldnt care less if they APPEAR flat and unsupportive.
I wonder if the sales of sedans like the Acura TL and Infiniti G35 are really enough (volume wise) for GM/Buick to target?
Personally, as a 39 yr old father of two, neither of those vehicles would be practical for me, I'd want something bigger & more safety oriented. Unfortunately the pricing of bigger more safety focused sedan is not attractive and that was a factor in my decison to instead purchase an SUV (MDX)...
Despite the intrest in sedan by the automotive press among my peers only single guys drive sedan.
How is the TL not safety oriented? To start, you've got industry leading Honda crash facilities in which the car is repeatedly tested prior to production. The car itself has advanced frontal airbags, side thoracic and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, Stability Assist, collapsible steering column, ultra strong safety cage (rigidity is higher than the MDX's I believe, owing to the newer design). I dont think "safety" is good rationale for choosing an SUV over a similarly priced sedan by the same mfr.
Well, the last post, which I was truly trying to be helpful with, met with major disapproval, so let's try something different.
First of all, I am NOT a GM-basher, not that any of you accused me of that, not a chance.
My basic problem (and, if it'd help matters any, I do own a TON of GM stock, ouch, so I AM sincere) is that I still resent GM ditching Olds and keeping Buick. I grew up around Olds after Olds after Olds.....
Buick is too close to Caddy. And, mark my words, Saturn will (sooner rather than later) fill the void left by Olds, like it or not.
My other (justified) issue is the age thing. OK, I'm in my mid-40s. According to some (ex) members, I'm the target market. Let's talk biology. Some of my closest friends went through the "mid-life crisis" thing nearly 10 years ago. Some are going through it now. I'm out of it by a year or two.
I'll admit the LC is not that bad. But do I want one? No thanks. Would neighbors of mine (remember, this is retiree central down here, and no, the LeSabre might sell in other parts of the country, but down here, it's Grand "Muckie Mucks", Town Cars and Camrys), who happen to own a '98 Century, want a new LC? Likely not. Too pricey, I'll bet. So what will they do? They LOVE GM products. Buy a Malibu LS sedan. That's my best guess. Either that or a Grand Prix GT1.
Hopefully, you see my sincerity. I'm just not impressed with the LC. In truth, maybe Buick should have cloned a Malibu (to replace the Century) and then let the LC cater to the higher-end folks (NOT in their mid-40s).
Has a very LOYAL following. My sister included, and she loves compacts, but won't touch the ION. Hopefully, that will be remedied.
If Saturn slots into the Olds spot, it'll become too generic, rather than distinctive.
By the way, the problem in this board, is not all me (and never was). Just look at Post #373. Unfair, and obnoxious. Yes, Buick has a glorious history. Before the Olds bit started, when Dad was my age, it was a new Buick a year. Then the Cutlass rage hit. So, it became a new Cutlass every 3 or 4 years. Mom never bought into it, and insisted on a new Chrysler Town & Country wagon every 3 or 4 years.
How they afforded it, I'll never know. Both of them are gone too.
I didn't want Olds to go, and I don't want Buick to go, and I don't want Saturn to go. Happy?
Comments
From 96 to 2005 I would hope they could learn how to make something better almost 10 years later.
Altima's interior is revised for 2005.
I had a hunch they would show this vehicle off in LaCrosse WI at some point.
With the nice new engine and much better interior I think one might be able to propose the new Lacrosse being the best from GM as far as cars go.
"Approaching 4000 lbs with AWD, it'll only have 3L and 200hp/200lbs-ft to propel it. Not a good move. Why can't Ford at least add VVT from the Mazda 6 or Jag S/X type?"
Ford doesnt want to increase the 200hp because next year it will introduce the duratec 35, it is kind of like unneeded money spent for just one year. The CVT trans and high gearing tho should make 0-60 times respectable, or at least that is the general consinscous from the media is.
Thankfully, the new Buick LaCrosse appears to have both nice materials and attractive styling. Let's hope this sets the standard for future GM vehicles.
Tahoe interior:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/- VEHICLE/2003/Chevrolet/100094062/024831-E.jpg
Pathfinder Armada interior:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/- VEHICLE/2004/Nissan/100245244/022731-E.jpg
What car are you referring to??
Interesting.
I won't lie, I don't care for many GM interiors as well as many other makes/models. However, I still am not attracted to the new Altimas interior or any other Nissan product to be honest. What's up with the G35? Why does the Murano get real aluminum while the G35s get metalliplastic? Yet Infiniti is supposed to be the premium brand. I do like the FX's interior though. The Murano's would pass if it weren't for those 3 gauge pod thingies. I guess since the Altima's interior has been refreshed, you guys are gonna argue it into the ground.
Tennis claims that this is GM first real effort into the segment which is an utter lie. Everyone who knows how to read should remember that oldsmobile was supposed to be GMs inport fighting brand and their first entry was the Intrigue which was acclaimed by the media and and continuously rated better than any other domestic and the Camry. It only lost to the Accord/Passat which were also new at the time. If Olds were still around, the next Intrigue would probably be a trendier version of the LaCrosse, perhaps with a more trendy interior (read: metalliplastic).
Some you seem to forget that Buick cannot just forget about their current customers. Do you think that the average current Century wants an interior with fake metallicplastic panels all over the place? I think not.
Then I could have found some GM lackey there to ask why there has been only one decent v6 ever in GM's history and they killed the two cars that had it (the Aurora and Introgg). I would ask him why it's 2k5 and just now GM is putting it back in ONE fwd middle class segment car.
All GM interiors look bad and are cheap? Does that apply to the STS, the malibu, the lesabre, the park ave, Grand Prix, rendevous, the GTO, XLR, CTS, the Alero/Intrigue? To the contrary, most of the press praised GM's ergonomics and layouts but trashed their material selection. Once again people are talking about all of GM's models that are at the end of their life cycles while comparing them to the current import competition. Besides those days are over, I saw the cobalt at the auto show and I can assure you its interior is classier than anything else in the segment. It makes the civic's interior look about 10 years old.
football:
This is GM's first decent V6 in history? The 3400, 3500,3800, 3800 SC, 3.2L DOHC, and the 3.5L werent decent engines. This engine is not the same as the same as the 3.5L that was based on the northstar. What are you talking about? This is a completely new 60 degree design. You are so confused. Why are you in this topic? Go talk about Fords and Nissans in topics that are related to those brands. Also, the taurus everyone is comparing the Lacrosse to is not the '96 model, it's the current model which came out in 2000. You of all people should know that. The '96-'99 taurus looks nothing like the lacrosse or anything else. Why do you spend so much of your valuable time talking about a company you hate?
The current altima interior looks cheap and is cheap. The '05 is better but its basically a bunch of satin nikel placed over a cheap interior. I am so sick of fake metal in cars and all the imports are obsessed with it. The new galant interior is a prime example and now the altima has joined up. There is no way in hell the '02-'04 altima's interior was better designed or better feeling than the Grand Prix, Intrigue, Alero, etc and it was not as nice as the '04 malibu that just hit the market. Give me a break. On top of that it has that terrible, cheesy orange back lighting. The lacrosse has a more luxurious interior than the '04 or '05 Altima if you ask me. Not to mention the fact that its better looking on the outside.
Nissan's aren't selling. They're too new. and its not like anyone's going to buy a nissan over a toyota. only few will do that. On the other hand, GM's Impala, which happens to have a much worse interior than the Altima happens to be a better-seller than the Altima. GM will re-invent the interior. Yeah, and the fleet people like it...which they don't like Altimas. The Buick LaCrosse looks nice. What do you want them to do, copy a Nissan's interior, and get into a lawsuit. Go and buy your Nissan, GM haters, but the GM lovers will go back at you, because we like GM. Gm messed up, no doubt about it, but don't complain that you want some Chevrolet Altima riding on the road... no way. GM is GM and Nissan is Nissan.
"Then I could have found some GM lackey there to ask why there has been only one decent v6 ever in GM's history and they killed the two cars that had it (the Aurora and Introgg). I would ask him why it's 2k5 and just now GM is putting it back in ONE fwd middle class segment car. "
What about that 240 hp V-6 engine in the LaCrosse?
What about the 255 hp V-6 in the CTS?
What about the 240 in the Regal?
Huh, what about those engines, what do you want, a 315 hp V-8 engine burning tons of gas...oh no!
The point is, Gm had its bad times, and boy did Nissan have its bad times. Remember the 90s? Remember those dumpster cars Nissan brought you? The 90's Altima, with the cheasy interior. The Maxima, with the weird shaped everything. 'Any car like it:0'-Nissan on the Nissan Maxima during the 90s.
Oh give me a break. Nissan said that because nobody would want to build such an ugly car like that. Nissan & GM both had their bad times (mostly Nissan, though).......anyone remember Datsun. Oh, don't get me started!
Nissan's aren't selling. They're too new. and its not like anyone's going to buy a nissan over a toyota. only few will do that. On the other hand, GM's Impala, which happens to have a much worse interior than the Altima happens to be a better-seller than the Altima. GM will re-invent the interior. Yeah, and the fleet people like it...which they don't like Altimas. The Buick LaCrosse looks nice. What do you want them to do, copy a Nissan's interior, and get into a lawsuit. Go and buy your Nissan, GM haters, but the GM lovers will go back at you, because we like GM. Gm messed up, no doubt about it, but don't complain that you want some Chevrolet Altima riding on the road... no way. GM is GM and Nissan is Nissan.
"Then I could have found some GM lackey there to ask why there has been only one decent v6 ever in GM's history and they killed the two cars that had it (the Aurora and Introgg). I would ask him why it's 2k5 and just now GM is putting it back in ONE fwd middle class segment car. "
What about that 240 hp V-6 engine in the LaCrosse?
What about the 255 hp V-6 in the CTS?
What about the 240 in the Regal?
Huh, what about those engines, what do you want, a 315 hp V-8 engine burning tons of gas...oh no!
The point is, Gm had its bad times, and boy did Nissan have its bad times. Remember the 90s? Remember those dumpster cars Nissan brought you? The 90's Altima, with the cheasy interior. The Maxima, with the weird shaped everything. 'Any car like it:0'-Nissan on the Nissan Maxima during the 90s.
Oh give me a break. Nissan said that because nobody would want to build such an ugly car like that. Nissan & GM both had their bad times (mostly Nissan, though).......anyone remember Datsun. Oh, don't get me started!
Besides, we have a forum here at Edmunds to discuss toasters. I believe it is called the Honda Accord forum!
BUICK LACROSSE!
Football
It never fails. You have not yet once defended any of your points because quite frankly, they are all fabricated. I will ask you once again, what do you even like? I've asked you about five times and you have yet to respond.
I am by no means a Nissan lover/GM hater. I merely used Nissan as an example of an automaker with stylish interiors marred by poor materials. I do not want GM to copy Nissan, but I do want them to produce something stylish and, unlike recent Nissans, well made. The new LaCrosse seems to fit the bill.
wsag26: Nissans are selling well. They have seen sales and profits soar in the past few years. Judging by Altima sales, I'd say there are alot of people buying a Nissan over a Toyota. I know I'd certainly take an Altima over a dull, misshapen, snoozemobile Camry, cheap interior notwithstanding.
To everyone else:
Ahh, I'm not gonna put up this fight anymore. I actually have grown to like the LaCrosse for its interior and 3.6L. Would I buy one? Probably not because Buicks still seem old to me. But for Buick's first real entry into this segment, kudos to them!
But they did anyway, lowering Olds' average age a bunch.
Problem was they alienated their older buyers and sales never got above 90,000.
BZ4: You're right on the Intrigue. I just don't know how successful Buick (and the LaCrosse) will be strattling the fence. Remember, that's what Olds tried to do for a decade before they went "import style." I do agree the LaCrosse is a solid start, however.
- Bret
The Lesabre came out in 1999, the Intrigue came out in 1997, the Alero in 1998. Could that be the reason why their interiors looks a little dated? I dont think their interiors look dated when compared to the camrys and accords of the day. Again, the issue with the Olds cars was really the material quality, not the layout or design.
The rendevous has a nice interior in my opinion and most of the press has agreed. The press has also been favorable in regards to the Rainer's interior which is only slightly different from the other midsize utes.
What happened to football?
1487: The LeSabre, Intrigue, and Alero interiors came out around the same time as Chrysler's LH cars. I think the Intrepid, Concorde, and 300M/LHS interiors have aged better than their GM counterparts. All I can remember about press reaction to the Rendezvous are complaints about illegible gauges. I could be wrong, but I don't think the press reviews were overwhelmingly positive regarding the interior.
Theo: It does look better in black doesn't it? There's still something about Buick's c-pillars I don't like, I just can't figure it out...
1487: I think you're looking at this with rose-colored glasses. The late 90's Olds interiors, while generally praised for being more modern, were knocked for their hard shiny plastic and generic parts bin GM pieces, even in comparison with cars of the time. The Rendezvous has never been felt to have a premium interior and most reviews of the Ranier have faulted GM with not doing as much as they should for the vehicle's cost. Just to make sure, I reread reviews at this site and others for all those models. I understand your defensiveness, but many of us have been reading critique of domestic interiors for years and years and only now are they taking it seriously. Give people a little latitude to say, "I told you so" to the US makers. Lutz, of all people, had a quote in the mid 90's when asked about the newly lavish VW interiors that only car magazine reviewers noticed or cared about that stuff, not consumers. Boy, has he come around 180 degrees. But his willingness to change his mind is one of the things that makes him a great exec...
-Bret
it's a perfect addition for Buick's lineup, the interior is nice and the exterior is bolder than competitors. The exterior chrome adds to the upscale look. OnStar, Rear Parking Assist makes this a solid choice for customers looking for a mid-lux car.
The only thing I don't like it that there is no (so far) OPTIONAL navagation system, which I think it important for competiton. The interior is so nice and needs a nav. system. It would add to the feature list, will GM ADD ONE??
I hope, GM adds a nav. system to Lacrosse.
I think pricing for a CXS model equipped will be around $32,800??
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Of course if Buick keeps up selling this style of car it will be killed off like Olds. You want your customer base to grow up with the brand, not die with it.
Lutz could do a lot worse than pick Lexus as a benchmark.
Stay tuned.
But I digress.
The LaCrosse looks like a good effort to me, and the 240hp engine in the CXS model is appealing. I'm very interested to see a comparo of the Ford 500/Mercury Montego, LaCrosse CXS, the next Avalon XLS, a Maxima SL, Amanti, and finally... a 300 Limited.
My only contentions with your post are with your statements regarding a 5 speed auto - nice to have if they downshift promptly, but several mfrs have had issues engineering a good one- and your comments on the seats- who cares whether or not they LOOK comfortable? As long as they aesthetically LOOK good, and are comfortable, I couldnt care less if they APPEAR flat and unsupportive.
~alpha
Personally, as a 39 yr old father of two, neither of those vehicles would be practical for me, I'd want something bigger & more safety oriented. Unfortunately the pricing of bigger more safety focused sedan is not attractive and that was a factor in my decison to instead purchase an SUV (MDX)...
Despite the intrest in sedan by the automotive press among my peers only single guys drive sedan.
~alpha
First of all, I am NOT a GM-basher, not that any of you accused me of that, not a chance.
My basic problem (and, if it'd help matters any, I do own a TON of GM stock, ouch, so I AM sincere) is that I still resent GM ditching Olds and keeping Buick. I grew up around Olds after Olds after Olds.....
Buick is too close to Caddy. And, mark my words, Saturn will (sooner rather than later) fill the void left by Olds, like it or not.
My other (justified) issue is the age thing. OK, I'm in my mid-40s. According to some (ex) members, I'm the target market. Let's talk biology. Some of my closest friends went through the "mid-life crisis" thing nearly 10 years ago. Some are going through it now. I'm out of it by a year or two.
I'll admit the LC is not that bad. But do I want one? No thanks. Would neighbors of mine (remember, this is retiree central down here, and no, the LeSabre might sell in other parts of the country, but down here, it's Grand "Muckie Mucks", Town Cars and Camrys), who happen to own a '98 Century, want a new LC? Likely not. Too pricey, I'll bet. So what will they do? They LOVE GM products. Buy a Malibu LS sedan. That's my best guess. Either that or a Grand Prix GT1.
Hopefully, you see my sincerity. I'm just not impressed with the LC. In truth, maybe Buick should have cloned a Malibu (to replace the Century) and then let the LC cater to the higher-end folks (NOT in their mid-40s).
Now, was that a fair post, or not?
Yeah, right.
IMHO, the LC is too little, too late.
But, the market will decide, as it always does...
If Saturn slots into the Olds spot, it'll become too generic, rather than distinctive.
By the way, the problem in this board, is not all me (and never was). Just look at Post #373. Unfair, and obnoxious. Yes, Buick has a glorious history. Before the Olds bit started, when Dad was my age, it was a new Buick a year. Then the Cutlass rage hit. So, it became a new Cutlass every 3 or 4 years. Mom never bought into it, and insisted on a new Chrysler Town & Country wagon every 3 or 4 years.
How they afforded it, I'll never know. Both of them are gone too.
I didn't want Olds to go, and I don't want Buick to go, and I don't want Saturn to go. Happy?