2006 Buick LaCrosse

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$21,830

starting MSRP

2006 Buick LaCrosse

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

6

Seating capacity

198.1” x 57.4”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Familiar appearance
  • Performance of CXS
  • Front-seat space
  • Seating versatility
  • Quietness

The bad:

  • Backseat space
  • Instrument readability
  • Steering and handling
  • Difficult to judge while parking
  • Old-fashioned personality

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2006 Buick LaCrosse trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2023

Notable features

  • Standard ABS and side-curtain airbags
  • Choice of two V-6 engines
  • Five- or six-passenger seating
  • Available StabiliTrak stability system
  • Optional remote starter with temperature control

2006 Buick LaCrosse review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
With the introduction of the LaCrosse sedan last year, Buick replaced both the family-focused Century and the sportier Regal, effectively reducing its midsize lineup from two vehicles to one. The front-wheel-drive LaCrosse features a modern look and an available aluminum V-6 engine. For 2006, several safety features become standard.

Three versions are offered — the CX, the midlevel CXL and the performance-oriented CXS — and two engine choices are available. Three levels of traction control, including General Motors’ StabiliTrak electronic stability system, are offered. “QuietTuning” features include acoustical laminate on the windshield and front side glass and “Quiet Steel” laminate in front of the dash. The LaCrosse is the first Buick that can be equipped with both a factory-installed remote starter and remote-operated climate control.

Exterior
A larger, more modern rendition of Buick’s familiar elliptical vertical-bar grille is fitted on the LaCrosse, and it’s flanked by dual headlights. Sculpted forms in the hood sweep back toward the windshield. Jewellike headlights and taillights, along with chrome body accents, are installed. Buick claims that the LaCrosse’s headlight performance is 35 percent greater than the Century’s and Regal’s. Amber side marker lights are integrated into the outer lenses, which taper into the front fenders. CXS models include projector fog lamps.

In contrast to the Century and Regal, which had rear quarter windows in the back doors, the LaCrosse has these windows in the C-pillars. Buick says these crescent-shaped windows help reduce blind spots in the car. Rocker panels on CX models have a grained graphite finish, while those on the CXL and CXS have a glossy, body-colored finish. Chrome door handles are used on the CXS sedan.

Compared with the departed Regal, the LaCrosse has revised suspension tuning. Rebound damper bumpers are four times longer for improved cushioning, and the power steering has been retuned. With the standard suspension, the springs are about 20 percent stiffer than before, with higher-rate front and rear stabilizers. The CXS comes standard with a Gran Touring suspension.

The wheels measure 16 inches in diameter on the CX and CXL and 17 inches on the CXS. A power sunroof is optional. Built on a 110.5-inch wheelbase, the LaCrosse is 198.1 inches long overall.

Interior
LaCrosse sedans come in either a five- or six-passenger configuration. Five-passenger models have a console-mounted gearshift lever and a center armrest. Six-passenger sedans have a column-mounted gearshift and a “flip and fold” seatback cushion that can double as an armrest and storage bin. A 60/40-split, folding rear seatback is standard in the CXL and CXS models and optional in the CX.

Cloth seats are installed in the CX, but the CXL and CXS have leather seating surfaces. The steering wheel in the CXS has standard tilt and telescoping adjustments. Trunk capacity is 16 cubic feet.

GM’s OnStar communication system and a PassLock III theft-deterrent system are standard. Other standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, a power driver’s seat, power windows and locks, and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player. Heated seats, XM Satellite Radio, and auxiliary audio and climate controls on the steering wheel are optional.

Under the Hood
The CX and CXL models use a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 230 pounds-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing goes into the CXS and delivers 240 hp and 225 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines team with a four-speed-automatic transmission.

Safety
For 2006, all-disc antilock brakes and side curtain-type airbags are standard. GM’s StabiliTrak and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist are optional.

Driving Impressions
Acceleration is pleasantly energetic with the 3.6-liter V-6 in the CXS model. The LaCrosse is a highly traditional Buick, which could be good or bad depending on one’s tastes. This sedan is easy to drive. Overall, the LaCrosse is surprisingly similar in personality to the old Park Avenue.

Transmission shifts are sometimes noticeable, but not annoying. Other than a mild growl when pushed hard, the smaller V-6 is very quiet.

The ride is generally gentle due to the soft suspension, but the LaCrosse can hit some bumps and holes rather hard. That softness also translates to considerable understeer and imprecise handling.

Front-seat space is bountiful, but backseat headroom and legroom are marginal. Visibility is good due to the amount of glass in this car. The controls are mostly sensible, but some are marked with cryptic icons. Some instruments — especially the fuel and temperature gauges — are somewhat difficult to read at a glance.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior design 4.4
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 4.5
  • Reliability 4.5

Most recent consumer reviews

1.0

Junk freaking junk

I have owned 2 of these cars up to 200 thousand miles. They both started the same problems around 125000 miles and are they are gas hog junk transmission clunking wheel bearing cat converter clogging hard to get out of the seat ugly gray interior pieces of junk someone from GM send me a new dam ride please and oh yea I'm sure it will be junk to thinking about a foreign investment next time sincerely a mad 2x buick lacrosse owner. Ps I worked on both cars every weekend for some reason or another for the last 9 years.

4.0

Very reliable car

The car is big, it has sunroof & tint just what I wanted it drives immaculate, very clean nice price! Thanks for this car I am happy

4.0

Great car love this cat❤

This car has got me to work and back which was 45 miles one way. Could always depend on it. Loved onstar the heated seats and the great milage

See all 41 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Buick
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
48 months/50,000 miles
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/50,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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