2005 Buick LaCrosse Photos, engines & full specs

Buick introduced the LaCrosse in 2004 as a replacement for the Regal and the Century models in the automaker’s lineup, offering a luxurious-looking vehicle and a smooth ride to its customers.

The premium American luxury brand was already a century old when it introduced the LaCrosse nameplate in its inventory. Buick built it on a heavily revised W-Body platform used by the Pontiac Grand Prix, and it was available exclusively as a four-door sedan. It was reckoned for its smooth ride and comfortable seating. In addition, it was the first car in 2006 to receive the SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) certificate for California, and that helped the automaker boost its sales.

One of the car’s best assets was its look. With its quad headlights, the front fascia resembled a Jaguar, and the wide oval-shaped grille where the three-shield Buick badge took center stage offered the car a premium look. On the bumper, the automaker added a few chromed trims that complemented the one that surrounded the upper grille. The lower side of the bumper sported an additional air intake and a set of fog lamps that flanked it.

From its profile, the long wheelbase and the fluid lines made the LaCrosse look elegant and ready for trans-continental travels. The body-colored door mirror caps and the chromed door handles emphasized the car’s luxurious appearance. The long greenhouse featured a sloped-down rear window, while behind it was a short trunk lid. Finally, at the back, the corner-mounted taillights looked inspired by European vehicles, mostly from the E-Class from Mercedes-Benz W211. Buick made the vehicle in three trim levels: CX, CXL, and CXS. The first two grades came with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the latter sported 17-inch ones.

Inside, the automaker offered up to six seats, with benches on both rows as an option, while all the grades came fitted as standard with seating for five. Buick installed a classic yet elegant cabin, with wood grains on the dashboard and the door cards complemented by chromed trims. Versions fitted with two bucket seats at the front were separated by a wide center console that housed the gear selector, while the buttons and knobs of the CD stereo and the HVAC system filled the center stack. Fronting the driver was a rounded-shaped instrument cluster where the speedometer took center stage. The tachometer was on its left, while the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature were on the right dial. Despite the long wheelbase of the vehicle, legroom in the back was not impressive, but at least the automaker offered the LaCrosse with either fabric or leather upholstery to make it look luxurious. Last but not least, the 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard.

Under the hood, Buick installed the famous 3.8-liter V6 engine that ran in GM’s family for years. In addition, a punchy 5.4-liter LS4 V8 was on the options list. All versions were paired with a four-speed automatic that sent power to the front wheels.