The Buick LaCrosse

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse has problems with the engine and the air-conditioning system. Its owners report that the air-conditioning doesn’t work at all, and the defroster isn’t as wide as it should be. These problems can be particularly troublesome if you live in a colder climate. Another problem can be a blown fuse, which may lead to a leak.

While the Buick LaCrosse is a decent mid-size sedan, the company’s reliability ranking is not impressive. According to Consumer Reports, Buick is the third most reliable brand, behind Toyota and Lexus. As a result, drivers of the LaCrosse can rest assured that the vehicle will not break down and leave them stranded. The speed isn’t great, but it’s sufficient for today’s traffic.

The 2017 Buick LaCrosse received a mild facelift. It gained LED taillights, a new 8.0-inch center touchscreen, and a refreshed IntelliLink infotainment system. The hood and dash were reshaped as well, and a new option called “Ultra Luxury” was added. Added to this, a Bose audio system was available for the first time. A new version of the LaCrosse also featured 20-inch wheels and a system known as IntelliLink. Buick also expanded the range of its all-wheel-drive models, and added the Lacrosse Avenir trim level.

For the second generation of the Buick LaCrosse, GM opted for a 3.6-liter V-6 engine. While the 3.6-liter engine made 304 horsepower, GM dropped the 3.0-liter engine in favor of a more efficient 3.6-liter V-6. This engine only lasted a year, but Buick decided to introduce an all-wheel-drive version in 2012 with a mild hybrid system. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is a powerful option, but the acceleration of this sedan is poky.

While the full-size sedan segment isn’t growing at all in the U.S., the crossover brigade is wooing many traditional car lovers. Buick’s LaCrosse is one of its most important vehicles. It takes its styling cues from the Avenir concept and carries them to the new generation. It also features an updated powertrain and five-link suspension. Furthermore, the second-generation LaCrosse pushes Buick’s quiet tuning philosophy.

As a full-size sedan, the Buick LaCrosse is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and has great fuel economy. While it’s not a revolutionary car, it received mostly positive reviews. However, it didn’t fare too well in side-impact crash tests, earning one out of five stars. Moreover, the 2007 model received only a “Good” rating for headlights, so it’s best to buy one that’s already in good shape.

The LaCrosse’s technology upgrades continued in 2015. The car gained a standard rearview camera and Siri Eyes Free. The car also has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. OnStar is an advanced telematics system that allows remote door unlocking, first responder notification in the case of an accident, and stolen vehicle recovery. It also has a built-in 4G/LTE data connection, making it one of the first production cars to offer built-in Wi-Fi hotspots.