Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Buick LaCrosse
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
"Uh-oh..do I hear "flamewar"??? LOL"
Isn't it nuts? The freakin car isn't even out yet and things are hot here. Should be REAL interesting once it hits the showrooms! ;-)))
Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder!
fastdriver
Me, I have no interest in buying a LaCrosse, as it is packaged too much like the 2000 Taurus I already have, and also since I don't plan on replacing the Taurus for another 6 years.
If I was in the market for a sedan in the near future, I would more seriously consider Ford 500 this fall or about a year later Ford Futura if I wanted something smaller than the 500. Our next vehicle will likely be to replace my wife's 1996 Caravan in maybe a year or two or three.
My assertion that the majority of import sedan buyers prfer 4 cylinders is based on things I've read and my own observations. Whether you are talking about the Camry, Accord or Altima the majority of the sales are 4 bangers. I know that 4 cylinder models of these cars are tested occasionally but you have to admit that most of the road tests and comparos feature the V6 models because they perform better. CR is not the only magazine that claims the Passat is the best, or one of the best, sedans on the market. edmunds loves the Passat, as does Motorweek and Automobile. The Passat was just knocked off the Automobile Allstar list last year in spite of the fact that the car is 6 years old. I'm not saying I agree with that, but the press loves the Passat and it only has 190hp in V6 form.
Also, how is it that you already know the starting and fully loaded prices of the Lacrosse? Do you have info that we don't? You know for a fact that it will cost over $30K loaded?
1) there are a few key features missing that I think might make a difference in this market. example- the larger V6 should be offered at least on the CXL model and not just the CXS, ABS should be standard on all models, side airbags would be nice, where is the CXS's NAV system, etc
2) the LaCrosse is probably not going to be cross shopped against 4 cylinder CamCords, but rather the V6 versions of those models which are more closely matched on MSRP with the LaCrosse models as per the generally accepted price range for the LaCrosse than the 4 cylinder models anyway [You're absolutely right. I dont know the final pricing on the LaCrosse - my assertion is based on things I've read and my own observations.]
3) contrary to what you have stated, the LaCrosse does NOT offer more standard features than the Camry LE and/or Accord LX
Regarding Edmunds.com love of the Passat:
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/101056/page011- - .html
"It made us a little sad to see the beloved car fall to fifth, even as it was the unanimous number-one pick for editors' personal driveways and a solid number two on our list of cars we would recommend to others. But when we looked at the high price of our GLX test vehicle ($31,540) alongside its modest engine performance, small backseat and minimal storage space, the result wasn't so surprising."
You are exaggerating a bit. It seems that the press is generally recognizing the current Passat for what it is- an excellent design that has been eclipsed by newer ones.
~alpha
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
I had just sunk $30 / 16 gallons into fueling up my '01 Bravada, and having really nursed along the MPG in uncharacteristally heavy stop-n-go commutting ( there was a prairie burn that caused gawkers and few fender benders -- ARGH!!) I felt pretty good to stil have my AVG MPG above 18 MPG.
I went to a carryout place to pickup dinner and the only space open in the lot was between a HummerH2 & and an Expedition. These beasts literally TOWERED over the Bravada! To make matters worse the H2 driver was sitting in it and IDLING!!!
Why do I mention this in a forum about an upcoming sedan? Simple: I really doubt that folks will shift from SUVs into sedans. The feeling of being "dwarfed" is huge, probably 90% of SUV buyers don't give a damn about fuel economy, and with the ridiculous tax treatment that the 6000GVW+ SUVs get the owners actually feel like they are getting a bargin...
We have a 2000 Regal GS. We like it very much, and would consider another one.
LaCrosse is positioned as a natural replacement for Regal. However, it looks like a used 2000 Regal GS will have a better powertrain than LaCrosse.
Both the new 3.6l engine, and the old supercharged 3.8l have the same power, 240hp. However, the new engine have substantially less torque: 235 vs. 280 lb*ft.
To my understanding, for comparable acceleration, the driver needs to rev. the new engine to 6000 rpm. Of course, it depends also on transmission. However, it looks as LaCrosse will be noticeable slower in city, and somewhat slower on highway.
By the way, from 1997 till 2001 or 2002, Regal GS was practically the fastest cars, with most powerful 6-cylinder engine. To go faster, you need to buy a sport or lux. car with V-8. From 2002, Honda, Nissan, and other manufacturers are providing engines with the same or higher power. Including small 4-cylinder Subaru Impeza.
Gran Prix supercharged engine was upgraded to 280hp last year; nothing comparable will be available with LaCrosse.
the lacrosse ain't going to weigh as much as a hefty SUV or is it going to be expected to haul like a truck so what's the point of having blobs of low end torque. once the car gets moving it's horsepower that counts in the end.
if you really want to go to the extreme for low end torque you can get a tractor to cruise around.
~alpha
(The CTS is rated at 255 and 252 respectively)
~alpha
SC 3800 have maximum torque at 3600 rpm. Not exactly low-end.
I use the power for:
- changing lanes moving from full stop at traffic light;
- passing with changing lanes in city traffic, at low speed, something like 25 to 45 mph. Need to do it fast, while there is still a "window" in traffic.
- merging on highways. Very few motorists yields to merging cars in New England.
- passing on highways, again with changing lanes and using small "windows" in traffic. The traffic is somewhat dense in Connecticut and around (Boston, NYC).
In all of these cases, I do not rev engine to red line. A burst of 3600-4000 rpm is more than enough. I have to watch the speed, though. For example, in performance shift mode my GS accelerates on highway from 75 mph to 96 mph in 2 seconds. This is way too much. GM deleted the mode starting from year 2001.
I do not understand why I need to push the car on a "curvy county road". I mean two-lane road, one lane in each direction. I definitely would not pass on curves. Big risk of a head-on collusion.
Our local roads are not only winding, but rather hilly. A powerful engine lets drive with constant speed. Most of cars are losing speed when driving uphill. For example, on CT route 15 (state highway). Especially between exit 59 and exit 58 in direction to NYC. This is not a safety issue, like merging or passing. However, not a pretty picture.
Driving uphill will not be a problem for LaCrosse with new 3.6l. I am not so sure, though, concerning the normally aspirated 3800.
from edmunds on the lacrosse: "The 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter (3800) V6 returns to the lineup as the base engine, but the company says that engineers took extensive measures to ensure smoother, quieter operation"
apparently the engineers from GM believe the existing 3.8l could use some work in the refinement area.
this is just my speculation mind you, but GM decided not to supercharge the 3.8l engine for its top model because they believe the 3.6l would compete better with the competition.
i found myself not needing to rev past 4000 rpms in the driving conditions you indicated either.
I understand that the interior is nice and the engines are better than the old 3.1. The car unfortunately just doesn't look either elegant or even sporty. I'm not crazy about the swoopy look of the Camry and Solara (last year's Solara was better looking) but when you put out a new car that doesn't really look like a new car it is strange.
If the LaCrosse competes in ride, handling, NVH, safety, and reliability- AND is marketed correctly (seem to be doing a good job so far) I think it could be EXACTLY what Buick needs- a good midsize entry, NOT a ground-breaking, crazy hot, Queer Eye avant guarde design. Remember when Ford tried that for the 1996 model year?
~alpha
The exterior of Regal exactly fits our tastes. A generic car which does not attract attention. Can label it bland, or "such a character". Substance only, no flash at all.
The best colors are maroon, followed by navy blue. For the same reason - the colors fly under radars. Both of our cars are maroon.
BTW, our second car is 98 Chevy Malibu, with even more generic exterior.
Probably, GM knows, that there are millions of peoples with similar tastes, and they make reasonably good customers? Who like discounts and rebates, but let GM save on advertisements?
Anyway - there are lots of people who like the design of the present Buicks. The company has branched out with the new SUV's and the van which are differently styled but I suppose that they know pretty much what Buick mid-size and full size buyers want and will continue to build cars that appeal to them. Who am I to knock success? It would be nice, however, if once in a while Buick tried something different to appeal to a different group of buyers. Remember the Grand National? I think that was the name of the Buick muscle car. The Deville was a 30k mile ex-rental car. It cost about as much as a new LeSabre so I thought it would be nice to try one out. It was certified and came with a 6 year 100k 0 deductible warranty and 4 new Michelins.
HOW ARE YOU!! Since I never got the Regal, I don't go into the Regal topic here. Glad to see that your cars are holding up well. I agree with you. Not everyone wants edgy styling or look at me cars. GM seems to be doing okay for themselves.
I will be looking at the new LaCrosse as the lease on my Acura CL-S expires in September. Just not sure if I want to subsidize the oil companies when they play games with their gas prices. Might just get a Toyota Prius and get 50 miles per gallon instead of in the 20's on REGULAR gas!!!
fastdriver
PS Remember I had that red "Car of the Year" 99 Chrysler 300M! Pics in my profile above! ;-))
I am fine. Bought a home since we eat together the Louis hamburgers :-). 3 stents were installed in my heart :-(.
Both our cars are fine.
No problems at all with Regal, except it was rear-ended once on Route 15. Nothing serious, only the muffler / pipes assembly and bumper cover were replaced. Just yesterday put a set of new tires @34k miles. Bridgestone Potenza E950.
The Malibu is a lemon. Replaced transmission in beginning of 2002, @ 47k miles, and replaced half of a/c the last summer. However, when in order, it runs very nice. Malibu was a mediocre car with OEM Affinity tires, but with Firestone Firehawk SH30 it has completely different character. I would say, almost sporty. Put the tires @37k miles. Currently the car has 64k miles on odometer. Good car for commuting through suburbs / city and for short trips. I am using the Malibu at least 95% of time, while the Regal is mostly my wife's car.
My son is growing, he is 13.5 already. This is why I started to research new cars, and went to the LaCrosse forum. We like our Regal, and would like to buy another one. LC looks as a natural extension. Have some doubts concerning the engine power, though. Any case, I am not in hurry: will need the third car only in 2.5 to 4 years...
P.S. When we met, you already had the nice Acura, not 300M.
WOW! Time flies! You never got to see "Christine" as I called my 300M based on a Stephen King novel/movie! You're lucky! ;-)) The Acura was just 3 years old on 3/28. The transmission went last June and Acura replaced it. It has a 7/100,000 mile extended warranty from Honda. Only have 30,000 miles on the car now. Lease is up in September. Looking forward to seeing and driving the LaCrosse. That's one brand that my brother carries at his dealership in RI.
When he sends me info on it, I'll scan it and send it on to you. He said that he thought they were going to be ordering them soon.
Glad you're doing better after your stents. My mom had two stents about 8 years ago and she's doing fine. She's 91 1/2 now and still going strong. Sometimes I think she has more pep than me! ;-))
fastdriver
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_065048
So, when GM sell you a car loaded with rebates that is how much GM thinks their own car is worth. they are charging you full price. No savings.
dispencer1
What do you think of the Velite concept. Its a very hot design if you ask me.
Take a look- Buick Velite-
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fastdriver2_99/album?.tok=phWnuB- BBO9HvHG2K&.dir=/caef&.src=ph
fastdriver
http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/PV__013319__.jpg
Look closely.
At least they copied a good looking car. I got one in my garage!