2010 Buick LaCrosse CX Sedan

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Buick thinks of the LaCrosse as their Renaissance car, although it was the Buick Enclave with its design philosophy that launched LaCrosse into its sculpted curves and sweeping lines. That design attitude appears in the wraparound headlamps and side-sweep spears, which seamlessly merge into the LED taillamps. This, added to Buick’s signature chrome portholes and waterfall grille, describes textured body styling.

LaCrosse is not just another pretty face. It also has a brain. OnStar direction with automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation, remote keyless-entry extended range, XM satellite radio, am/fm/xm stereo, and CD/mp3 player with autotone control are all parts of the brain imparting comfort, safety, and entertainment.

LaCrosse runs quiet and calm as expressed by the ice-blue ambient lighting that embraces its occupants. Buick also has something called QuietTuning that blocks and absorbs noise. A laminated windshield and front side glass, triple door seals, and minute body panel tolerance help to keep the noise out.

The LaCrosse I drove didn’t have leather seats, but the premium cloth felt luxurious, especially when combined with power door locks, power windows, lighted visor mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The LaCrosse estimated EPA fuel economy is 19 city mpg and 30 highway mpg. I didn’t get that the week I drove it, but only missed the mark by a mile or two.

The LaCrosse had a 2.4L 4 CYL with a 6-speed automatic transmission. I would recommend an upgrade to a 6 CYL with direct injection. You will lower the mileage factor some, but add to the acceleration and quickness of the vehicle.

I did have some difficulty with peripheral sightlines because of front-seat passenger and back-seat passenger headrests acting as a screen to the blind spots. When others drove the vehicle they didn’t seem to have the problem that I did. It must have to do with my height and seat positioning. But Buick has a feature for folks like me—Side Blind Zone Alert uses radar to warn you when another vehicle is in your outside mirror blind spot. It can be found in the LaCrosse CXL and CXS sedans.

Because it’s a Buick, LaCrosse is fully backed by a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Add that to a transferable 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, plus 24/7 roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse was named Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick in November 2009. The total vehicle price was $27,345.00.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@ssbcglobal.net.