biggest complaint about your LaCrosse

[BuickGirlFromMars]

I miss GM as a CAR company. It's rapidly evolving into a truck company and that doesn't really interest me. And from my perspective, crossovers are wannabe trucks.

i agree. fully. crossovers are performing the job of station wagons, which is fine in ways. but the ground clearance, and shortened wheel base, and then heightened cabins, dont make any sense. if its not going off road, it doesnt need more road clearance than my park avenue, which has a 11 inch trim height, which is for the suspension travel. you dont get the suspension travel in the newer crossovers, with the ground clearance being as tall even. YOu also get 19 inch wheels whihc look nice sometimes but the brakes are sometimes artificially larger than necessary, and tho larger brakes are good, there is a point where they could easily be putting 17 inch wheels on these cars where you can only get an 18+ on them now. 16, 17 inch wheels are an excellent way to cheat ride quality compared to 22 inch thumb thick sidewalls , combined to the suspension travel being lower. AWD isnt necessary on half these vehicles either, which adds to the underbody taken up by components and the floor sitting higher, making the roof taller. The cargo areas are small too, when the reason a lot of people get them is cargo.. but why cant it be like a station wagon or minivan, where they fold seats more as design instead of fixed position behind seats with optional folding sometime... it is contradictory in design. There is a small amount of people who a crossover, as its designed, is a good fit. The other people sedans fit most of the time best, minivans next, and then a super small portion an actual truck based SUV is next. (family hauler and also the boat, camper, some mild off road ability, work on the weekends, full frame)


Sedans fit the people hauler as it most offten is, less than 4 people, upwards 5, and a normal cargo space in trunk. Someone like me who likes the boat float experience and has a steep driveway(snow tires and snow up to the bottom of door conditions) as well as haul a lot of heavy crap,) a park avenue suits me great, which is a sedan. The only thing hat would next to fully eliminate the "aww wish it could" would be a folding rear seat back instead of the small pass through. that would complete the car as 99%% of my needs, my truck filling the rest.

On the subject of rainsense, yeah that is an excellent point. When I got my 2006 la crosse I was actually slighted by the fact it had manual single zone HVAC and no rain sense and no rear vents, no mirror signals, no power passenger seat, no heated seats(cloth, but still) low liftover trunk, no speed sensitive audio level, no aux(for 2006, I just wish it had that), way less radio options and features, a very dumbed down DIC, small amount of instrumentation, no back seat cig lighter outlets(not needing ash tray, but like each door could have had a 12 volt plug) the rear armrest was plain.

The only feature I give it props for was flip up wiper arms, which my 2001 aurora had, and buick should have added when they did 2000-20005 park avenues. 2000 lesabre had it, and the car also had no at-ready like the lesabre, which makes rain sense easy as hell to implement. My la crosse didnt even have outside temp or compass on the mirror which I found a waste of pennies of manufacturing dollars, would have made it better. had auto dimming tho. HAD ONSTAR BUTTON. They can afford that trash they could put a compass and temp.

The only things the la crosse did I was pleased by was:
Column shift option was available, I didnt have it, but i would prefer it
Turn signal stalk was nice and tactile
Car was QUIET. Most quiet car i have ever owned. Wind noise was next to zero
Car felt good on the road, like I could drive evasively, securely.
The green wasnt overdoing it like the 90s remnants like park avenue, green was getting old by 2006, so even tho it was green illumination, it was subtler
The blower fan was good
it even had a DIC, albeit weak
Door hinges were good, seemed to be holding better than some other GM cars of the time
under body was beautiful, it was also clearly made in a more streamline and thus less-stick-to-the-car able for snow and buildup, it being flat and smooth meant stuff could shed off and it was clear by being clean from northern wisconsin.
Offering cloth seats, althogh not my taste. So many cars were cheap plastic cloth or leather, no other possibilities.
Windows were fast up and down
trunk was rather deep for the size of car
Had 16 inch steel wheels, nothing wrong with steel and 16 inch tires, automakers
full wipe, folding wiper arms
3800 engine lived on longer than GM would hae liked, glad it got to have it instead of the 3.5 that it had an option for... trash... ruins the name of the 3.5l LX5
battery accessible(although i didnt hate aurora/lesabre for under seat, its just nice in not-bending-over-or-craning-for-50-pound-acid-filled-battery

I cant remmebr if it had a pressurized reservoir or a radiator cap, but if it had a radiator cap that was great. if it didnt, RAAAAAAA

 

[Human]

The 3.5 wasn't a bad engine. I had that one in my late, lamented 2011 Impala (same W-body platform as your 2006 LaCrosse) and it was just rock solid in terms of dependability. I literally never had a major repair on that car in the five years I owned it. I really hated when it got totaled by a drunk driver but there were four of us in the car when it happened and nobody got hurt. I haven't had my 2013 LaCrosse (Epsilon extended platform) quite two years yet and I've already had more repairs on it than I did the Impala. The 3.5 in my Impala gave considerably better performance than the little four-banger in my LaCrosse and gas mileage was almost as good.

 

[Emorgan]

Please note! If you have a complaint that you NEED HELP with - please CLICK HERE to start a new topic. Right here we're just having a discussion about complaints. If you need assistance, please click here to create a new topic. Thank you!

What is the biggest complaint you have of your LaCrosse? I know we all love these cars, I'm just curious to see if there is a pattern.

I for one cant stand that i have nowhere to put my left foot when driving. I'm in a very awkward position, that I will get used to eventually. But the wheelwell really makes it difficult to get truly comfortable. I'm always trying to figure out what to do with my left foot, as I only drive with my right foot.

I'm interested to hear your pet peeves.

Lots of issues. First of all the brake pads always wear out too fast. Second the transmission sometimes shifts really hard and then some days it’s smooth. Had to replace bank one catalyst. 20 miles after driving away bank two comes on. Not enough horsepower but it is a V-6 VVT direct injection 3.0. Sometimes the radio volume gets stuck and I cannot turn the volume up. Car looks good but I wish I never bought a Buick. And gas mileage is the worse..

 

[Chaz]

Have a 2018 LaCrosse Premium AWD with all options bought brand new in 2020. MSRP on this car was $52,210. I was very, very fortunate in that when decided I had to replace my Fusion Platinum I was able to find this vehicle. Long story but I was searching across the country for a few months for a Premium with exact setup and color wanted and was seeking a 1 yr old certified pre-owned (my prior 3 cars). Not wanting to spend more than $25K. As turned out had to settle to look at 2017's to get price to around $26-$27K (after working dealers from their asking prices). Then suddenly this new leftover 18 popped back up. Having seen nothing like it across the country I had figured maybe I'll buy new and had offered $41K on it about month or so earlier but dealer at time scoffed at it (Dealer was in VA and I'm in NH). About month so later I get dealer alert on price drop, preceded to get 3 more alerts within about an hour (including sell price of $25,995) so jumped on phone to dealer. Well, didn't get the $25K price but got great price of $30,495 for brand new car. I locked it in. Still didn't believe car really was "new" so called GM directly to validate everything about the car, etc. and all was legitimate.

As background i was always been interested in cars and am overall a Ford guy (my Dad was in car business - mostly Lincoln-Mercury but started @ Ford and few years @ Chevy). Prior to this car I had a 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum. MSRP new @ $41,910 (bought 1 yr old certified pre-owned w/14K on it for $26K). In comparing the Fusion Platinum to the Lacrosse Premium it's pretty amazing the "value" that you don't get in a Buick.

Though before I complain on the Buick, let me say that above all something that I appreciate is the smoothness of the engine and transmission in this Buick (and how fast it is once starts accelerating). I also like the HUD (fusion didn't have). Overall I like the car, but definitely miss some of capabilities had in the Fusion (and would have never thought I wouldn't have gotten them in a $52K+ MSRP car) That said, overall the Ford outclasses the Buick in many areas. Interior wise the Ford absolutely stands out with seats of Venetian Leather with quilted diamond patterns and carries over the leather into the door panel insert and full over dash. Ford seats in Fusion (as is in many of their upper end products) are simply outstanding for comfort. Buick seats are ok but not up to the Fusion's in comfort/fit. Then there's the features you don't get like:
Lights - No LED = Headlights (Buick Xeon), Rear Turn, Front Fog, Outside Dr Handle, Rear Flr, Reverse Lights
No Auto Light Dimming - N/A Buick, standard on Fusion Platinum
Leather Seats - Fusion far superior in form, fit, feel and look (though Buick has massage capability)
Interior Lighting - Fusion offers ambient lighting in multiple colors w/ lighted cup holders...single white ambient and no lighted cup holders on Buick
Information Center - Fusion offers more information than Buick
Trunk - Fusion has bigger trunk and better access with opening for using full trunk including when need to fold down back seats for more cargo room.
Wipers - Buick no rain sensing wipers. Std on Fusion
Fold out Wiper arms - Std on Fusion, Buick doesn't offer. When washing have to lift up wiper arm to clean window. Also in clearing snow from windshield need be careful not to scrape arm against hood paint when lift up to clean out the snow
Radio - Bose (11 channel/speaker - no watt specification) vs. Sony (12 channel/speaker - 390 watt)...suppose this could be subject to personal taste but I prefer the sound of the Sony system. Also, relative to the actual radio signal (in picking up holding stations) the Buick is poor comparatively vs. the Ford
Rear Defrost - Buick very slow comparatively
Handling - Ford has better feedback and sportier handling even though the Buick has MRC suspension
Speed Control - Buick constantly needs adjust itself to maintain speed, throttles up/down continuously on incline/declines. Ford is dead accurate and steady.
Full Auto Windows - 2 for Buick (rear only auto down), 4 for Ford
Center Armrest - Ford is longer, more padded and softer leather
Door Cup Holders - Buick fits a 12 oz can (front only), Ford fits a full Dunkin Donuts Extra Large cup (front & back)

So there you have why I say you don't really get any value in a Buick.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Have a 2018 LaCrosse Premium AWD with all options bought brand new in 2020. MSRP on this car was $52,210. I was very, very fortunate in that when decided I had to replace my Fusion Platinum I was able to find this vehicle. Long story but I was searching across the country for a few months for a Premium with exact setup and color wanted and was seeking a 1 yr old certified pre-owned (my prior 3 cars). Not wanting to spend more than $25K. As turned out had to settle to look at 2017's to get price to around $26-$27K (after working dealers from their asking prices). Then suddenly this new leftover 18 popped back up. Having seen nothing like it across the country I had figured maybe I'll buy new and had offered $41K on it about month or so earlier but dealer at time scoffed at it (Dealer was in VA and I'm in NH). About month so later I get dealer alert on price drop, preceded to get 3 more alerts within about an hour (including sell price of $25,995) so jumped on phone to dealer. Well, didn't get the $25K price but got great price of $30,495 for brand new car. I locked it in. Still didn't believe car really was "new" so called GM directly to validate everything about the car, etc. and all was legitimate.

As background i was always been interested in cars and am overall a Ford guy (my Dad was in car business - mostly Lincoln-Mercury but started @ Ford and few years @ Chevy). Prior to this car I had a 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum. MSRP new @ $41,910 (bought 1 yr old certified pre-owned w/14K on it for $26K). In comparing the Fusion Platinum to the Lacrosse Premium it's pretty amazing the "value" that you don't get in a Buick.

Though before I complain on the Buick, let me say that above all something that I appreciate is the smoothness of the engine and transmission in this Buick (and how fast it is once starts accelerating). I also like the HUD (fusion didn't have). Overall I like the car, but definitely miss some of capabilities had in the Fusion (and would have never thought I wouldn't have gotten them in a $52K+ MSRP car) That said, overall the Ford outclasses the Buick in many areas. Interior wise the Ford absolutely stands out with seats of Venetian Leather with quilted diamond patterns and carries over the leather into the door panel insert and full over dash. Ford seats in Fusion (as is in many of their upper end products) are simply outstanding for comfort. Buick seats are ok but not up to the Fusion's in comfort/fit. Then there's the features you don't get like:
Lights - No LED = Headlights (Buick Xeon), Rear Turn, Front Fog, Outside Dr Handle, Rear Flr, Reverse Lights
No Auto Light Dimming - N/A Buick, standard on Fusion Platinum
Leather Seats - Fusion far superior in form, fit, feel and look (though Buick has massage capability)
Interior Lighting - Fusion offers ambient lighting in multiple colors w/ lighted cup holders...single white ambient and no lighted cup holders on Buick
Information Center - Fusion offers more information than Buick
Trunk - Fusion has bigger trunk and better access with opening for using full trunk including when need to fold down back seats for more cargo room.
Wipers - Buick no rain sensing wipers. Std on Fusion
Fold out Wiper arms - Std on Fusion, Buick doesn't offer. When washing have to lift up wiper arm to clean window. Also in clearing snow from windshield need be careful not to scrape arm against hood paint when lift up to clean out the snow
Radio - Bose (11 channel/speaker - no watt specification) vs. Sony (12 channel/speaker - 390 watt)...suppose this could be subject to personal taste but I prefer the sound of the Sony system. Also, relative to the actual radio signal (in picking up holding stations) the Buick is poor comparatively vs. the Ford
Rear Defrost - Buick very slow comparatively
Handling - Ford has better feedback and sportier handling even though the Buick has MRC suspension
Speed Control - Buick constantly needs adjust itself to maintain speed, throttles up/down continuously on incline/declines. Ford is dead accurate and steady.
Full Auto Windows - 2 for Buick (rear only auto down), 4 for Ford
Center Armrest - Ford is longer, more padded and softer leather
Door Cup Holders - Buick fits a 12 oz can (front only), Ford fits a full Dunkin Donuts Extra Large cup (front & back)

So there you have why I say you don't really get any value in a Buick.

That’s a sad list I’m sorry. The np lift wipers is UNACCEPTABLE.
The ambient lighting, seriously ? My moms equinox has more and it’s literally one of the worst cars a family. Member has had. It’s literally junk.

The rest of your list I’m sorry. Buick was doing a good portion of the things yours is lacking in in the late 90s and even where it wasn’t, it wasn’t something apples to apples or frankly far behind. Like cup holders. Mine has 4 but the front ones are better sized than most park avenues of the time which had 2 tiny but still. The sound, yeah. The cruise, while it was electronically controlled cable system, the cruise was just fine and it didn’t need to hunt and is very consistent with only the downshift under a small load is a little quick to keep up. But the system had no sensors, it just has numerical coding and it can’t know the second after it downshifted the road levels lol. Handling yeah.

I hate to say it but the sadists at gm knew exactly what they were doing ajd then when the performance of the models caught up with their intentions and expectations, they act surprised and axe things like cars. Then say people don’t want cars anymore.

With options like that why would you(from gm)

 

[Mad_Coachman]

I hate to say it but the sadists at gm knew exactly what they were doing ajd then when the performance of the models caught up with their intentions and expectations, they act surprised and axe things like cars. Then say people don’t want cars anymore.

With options like that why would you(from gm)

Judging by the many SUVs and Crossovers that I see on the road it would appear that GM and Ford made the right business decision. People got used to the higher driving position and versatility. The popularity of "Crossovers" here in America speaks to the fact that many people like the versatility of a Station Wagon but just don't want the stigma associated with that title.

 

[Globetrot1]

hell, I thought my 2006 la crosse was a literally steaming pile of dog turd compared to my 1998 park avenue and my 2001 aurora... but that is the thing, That is my type of car. I would have felt betrayed if i had a lesabre, because thats not what a la crosse is. I can say, tho, that buick didnt take a nameplate like Lesabre and throw the 1st gen la crosse at it, that would be pure murder. But it was a sedan, it was a lot more modern design and going toward the "minimalist" and other white teenage girls in my age group and slightly younger loved them for the "euro" feel, and thats great for them. So to miss the la crosse has its place, because not only was it brought up unwelcomed in buick landscape, it wasnt even welcome to stay... 🙁

Sure, there are some things I don't like about my first-gen LaCrosse, but when I look at what's out there in terms of passenger cars, I feel lucky to have bought one. I have had trouble with it in the typical areas that CR gives it bad marks for: suspension, accessories, and electrical. So far, so good with the powertrain and most major areas. I was in the U.P. on vacation last fall and was fueling my rental car and a '06 LaCrosse pulled in. The driver told me he had over 250,000 original miles racked up in that harsh environment.

I very much wanted to buy an Olds Intrigue when they arrived back in 1998. I was smitten. But I couldn't justify it with my Regal coupe being "fairly" new. I put off buying and my Regal handled the extra years and miles beautifully. When I was finally in the market, and I like mid-sizes, it was either the LaCrosse, the Grand Prix, or the Monte Carlo. (I didn't like the Impala all that much.) I voted with which engine was under the hood, and went with the 3800 V6 because I knew it. As much as I liked Pontiac, I felt the GP was too overstyled in its last years, especially in the front, and the build quality of the dash, the seating, and the finishes wasn't as good as that of the LaCrosse, relatively speaking. I'm going on 14 years with this car.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Judging by the many SUVs and Crossovers that I see on the road it would appear that GM and Ford made the right business decision. People got used to the higher driving position and versatility. The popularity of "Crossovers" here in America speaks to the fact that many people like the versatility of a Station Wagon but just don't want the stigma associated with that title.

I would say its more or less a success of branding and telling people what they want. not necessarily from ford or GM.

My reasoning here goes to the same concept as magazines and publications ruining luxury vehicles by saying people instead want a sports car not a luxury car.

Also, when you talk to people in general population, a LOT Of people are convinced (doesnt really matter by who, just they are convinced) they need a AWD for winter(around here, that is what people would say, no idea of fair climate plasces) and they need a crossover for the cargo or something like that. Despite the fact AWD with all seasons(most of them will be drove like this) is worse than a FWD with snow tires in the snow at traction, stability, braking, and etc and that AWD means more strict tire selection/choice down the road(such as a damage to one tire when the tread is half life, you need at least to match the diameter... but you should have all 4 match ideally for the drivetrains sake), and you have more maintenance associated with more moving parts, more to go wrong, and usually a slight ding to efficiency over a fwd model because of mechanical losses. higher purchase price too.

Now, I think AWD definitely has a place especially if the owner puts the right rubber on it. An AWD with snow tires? Holy kick butt, batman. I am planning on gifting my gma a set of matching wheels and a nice set of blizaks for her 2017 jeep cherokee because it does ok in the snow with the goodyear weatherready but it will be a lot safer and ease my mind if she is zooming around with snow tires on her jeep. She unfortunately thinks her car cant get stuck which is a far more disasterous mindset than AWD is good in snow because no matter what you drive, you need to assume that your good driving skills and due dilligence will keep you safe and that your vehicle is at the mercy of natures conditions, not the other way, so you avoid issues and any one you do encounter, hopfully you can safely navigate.

anyway, so my point was that I dont think its necessarily people want those things and then the reaction was to make them to no end, but maybe a culutural or driven idea that they would be best, and then poeple kinda bought into it.

Undoubtelbly, there are people who are best served by them. But Its just excessive that basically the entire buick lineup is crossover now. Its kinda a issue where I feel that just goes into self-competition. Like oldsmobile selling the Aurora, but also 2 models that were half the price that looked like it, and were completely different in who they were meant for. Because the alero and intrigue definitely hit those sales.

Not even to bash on buick al ittle bit, but most average consumers wouldnt know the difference between park avenue and a lesabre. And a well fitted lesabre could cost more than a base model park avenue, kinda muddying the waters so to say. I think the last gen lesabre was an amazing car and it was a fantastic value and it continues to be for many people, but i think buick undercut the park avenue slightly with that 2000-2005 lesabre. But nonetheless I get to drive them cheap and love them anyway <3

 

[Meb]

.. never know what you got till its gone.. no trunk pop from inside ..yup that's annoying

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

.. never know what you got till its gone.. no trunk pop from inside ..yup that's annoying

iim confused. What are you referring to? The anti-stuff-people-in-trunk thing you mean? That allows someone in the trunk to get out? Or something else? If you mean an older buick where it wasnt an option in the trunk, GM sold a kit to put it onto cars it didnt come on.

 

[Meb]

iim confused. What are you referring to? The anti-stuff-people-in-trunk thing you mean? That allows someone in the trunk to get out? Or something else? If you mean an older buick where it wasnt an option in the trunk, GM sold a kit to put it onto cars it didnt come on.

whew, what a relief to see thats what I thought also when 1st read about this complaint ..However I quickly learned theres no way to pop the trunk from the actual interior of the vehicle...curbside pickup isnt as convenient. Oh the horrors us in America endure

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

whew, what a relief to see thats what I thought also when 1st read about this complaint ..However I quickly learned theres no way to pop the trunk from the actual interior of the vehicle...curbside pickup isnt as convenient. Oh the horrors us in America endure

on a 1st gen la crosse? i know my old one had a button on the door you had to hold for a couple seconds to pop it.

 

[Kyosha]

New LaCrosse owner. I have a 2006 Lucerne with over 200k miles on it, but I lucked into a 2014 LaCrosse with under 15k miles after the death of an extended family member. Comparing the two, I don't think Buick has really done much in the 8 years between those that really stand out. My LaCrosse has the Premium 2 package, and it feels less than premium. Features are nice, and I know for the year it was produced it was probably very well equipped, but as, or was, being toted competition to some of the Luxury sedans out there it missed the mark. Hopefully the LaCrosse will go the distance for me like my Lucerne.

 

[Smith1000]

I have a 2013 Premium II AWD. The Premium II has a "sport" suspension, which I find is kind of harsh. The touring model has an adaptive suspension, which probably would be a better ride, I would hope. The Premium II does have a lot of bells and whistles, but '13 is one of the years that does not have a trunk release button inside the vehicle, other than the button on the remote. It does have a release button on the trunk, though. If you leave it unlocked anywhere, you have to keep in mind that your trunk is also unlocked.

 

[Chaz]

Not sure where people pick up that was no inside trunk release. There is. It's on the drivers door. What was saying was "access" as in loading things into the trunk. It's not as deep and thus harder to utilize efficiently for bulky items (that's where the Fusion trunk more useful). Though both the Buick and Fusion had fold down rear seats the Fusions fold near flat and Buick less so.

 

[Chaz]

As a note for all. My evaluation of the cars wasn't just by memory either. I kept my 17 Fusion during the first 6 mos. of my ownership of the Buick. I was inclined to sell it to my son for what I owed on it. I figured upgrade his ride for cheap. Even though was good deal he doesn't drive much (maybe about 12K/yr).and pretty smart with his finances and he said it just didn't' make sense to take on car loan for something really didn't need (gave him 2012 Fusion yrs back - owns & running fine) Eventually I sold 17 Fusion. Overall my feeling today after year half of ownership is this, Buick's reputation for "quiet" isn't nearly what they make it to be. Fusion virtually nearly as quiet. I can say also the ride suspension of Buick is not better than the Ford except possibly highway cruising. When comes to smoothness/refinement of engine and transmission the Buick has it over the Ford. That's where the "smoother" ride comes in.

 

[EDSELRANGER]

Not sure where people pick up that was no inside trunk release. There is. It's on the drivers door.

The reason "people pick up on that" is that they don't all have it.

 

[Kyosha]

The 2013 does not have the button on the door in the LaCrosse to open the trunk. There isn't one in the glove box like other vehicles either.

To open the trunk one needs to use the RKE or unlock the doors which unlocks the trunk, and use the button on the trunk. One could use the release pull inside the trunk if they so feel inclined to climb though the rear seats.

Source(s):

• https://www.buick.com/bypass/pcf/gm...en_US/2.0/2k13lacrosse8506581606293764444.pdf page 1-5
• Confirmed with my Great-Uncle that has a 2013 LaCrosse Premium I

 

[Chaz]

Another less than for the Buick vs. Ford. Fusion capable of 2K lb towing. Buick 1K lb towing. How strange for car that's bigger and with stronger engine rated to tow less. I've tried to search on the why but can't find anything.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Another less than for the Buick vs. Ford. Fusion capable of 2K lb towing. Buick 1K lb towing. How strange for car that's bigger and with stronger engine rated to tow less. I've tried to search on the why but can't find anything.

transmission probably