Buick Lacrosse Generation 1 (2005–2011)

Buick Lacrosse Generation 1 (2005–2011) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Buick Lacrosse — body generations

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Lacrosse

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Buick Lacrosse fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Buick Lacrosse prices by year →

About this generation

The first generation LaCrosse debuted in late 2004 as a 2005 model, replacing the Century and Regal—solely as a four-door, front-drive sedan. The nameplate was borrowed from the 2000 Buick concept of the same name. Using the MS2000 variant of GM's long-lived front-drive W-body platform, the LaCrosse was initially available with two powerplants and three trim levels: a 3.8 L 3800 Series III V6 available in CX and mid-level CXL, and a 3.6 L HFV6 V6 in the CXS model.

The CXS was replaced by the LaCrosse Super sub-model in North American markets, with the CXS available partly through model year 2008. Sales of the CXS continued in Canada until January 1, 2008. Structurally, the engine cradle, previously steel, was replaced by a stiffer, stronger, and lighter extruded aluminum cradle, weighing 20 pounds less. The LaCrosse used more high-strength steel than its predecessors, as well as a magnesium cross-car beam behind the instrument panel, another cross-car beam behind the rear seats, steel reinforcements in the rocker panels, interlocking door latch system, high-strength steel door beams, and a double-thick Quiet Steel floor pan and firewalls.

CX and CXL models used the 4T65-E automatic transmission and Super models used the 4T65-E HD variant. The LaCrosse, along with all other GM vehicles powered by the 3.8 L V6, became the first SULEV-compliant vehicles for 2006. All models were manufactured at GM Oshawa Assembly. Front driver and passenger airbags were standard, with optional side curtain airbags — which became standard for model year 2006. All LaCrosse models featured an acoustic package, marketed by Buick as QuietTuning, to reduce, block, and absorb cabin noise.

Features of the system included acoustical windshield and front side laminated glass; steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area; expanded baffles in the roof pillars; melt-on sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure; and sound-absorbing material throughout the engine, passenger, and cargo compartments. Buick offered the LaCrosse as a five-passenger sedan, using front bucket seats and a console-mounted shifter, the console integrating with the upper instrument panel.

At extra cost, a six-passenger configuration was available where the front seats shared a center flexible console that could fold up for a sixth passenger or fold out to provide a storage console, the transmission using a column-mounted shifter. Regarding its styling, noted automotive journalist Warren Brown described the Lacrosse as a "delightful rendition of the automobile as functional art." The final first-generation LaCrosse was manufactured on December 23, 2008.

North American sales reached roughly 290,000 for model years 2005–2009, and the 2009 model was the last GM car using the company's noted and long-lived 3800 V6 engine. The LaCrosse received a facelift for 2008 with the vehicle's revised front design based on the Buick Velite concept and later used by the first generation Chinese LaCrosse. All trim levels received a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel and climate control as added standard equipment (audio only post-MY 2006).

CX included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft-deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization, and hydraulic struts supporting both the engine hood and trunk lid. For the 2009 model year, the last of the first generation, heated outside rearview mirrors became standard on all models; a 60/40 split folding rear seat added to Driver Confidence Package; navigation became available via OnStar; Bluetooth became available on all models with includes integrated steering wheel controls; 16-inch painted aluminum wheel were standard on CX models and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels became available on CX models.

Source: Wikipedia — Buick LaCrosse — First generation (2005), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.