2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS San Francisco CA

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Buick seems to have been focusing all of its recent energy on moving into new segments; first the Rendezvous crossover, then the Rainer SUV, and next the Terraza minivan. But what about the sedans that helped to make the brand what it is? Never fear, Buick hasn't forgotten its core customers. The new LaCrosse is proof of that.

Taking its name from the 2000 show car of the same name, the LaCrosse replaces the Century and the Regal in Buick's lineup. This simplification makes perfect sense; both the Regal and Century are among the oldest mid-size cars out there and overdue to be put out to pasture. In addition to cleaning up the product list, the LaCrosse adds refinement that its ancient predecessors lack. It's a Buick for the new millennium, if such a thing is possible.

The LaCrosse is all-new, though its proportions will be familiar to long-time Buick buyers. Traditional Buick cues like the oval grille, rising flank and C-shaped window line are evident, but the four-light front end appears to owe some inspiration to Lexus and Jaguar as well. The LaCross is handsome and modern. Out back, the taillights are cut diagonally with the trunklid, as is the latest fashion. 17" wheels are available and improve the LaCrosse's looks nicely.

Much attention was lavished on the interior as well. Buick's traditional competition--Mercury and Chrysler--has given way to the likes of Lexus, Infiniti and Audi, and it just won't do to have an interior full of downmarket plastic any more. To this end, the LaCrosse has benefited from what Buick calls "Quiet Tuning," which includes the extensive use of sound-deadening steel in the cabin and additional sound-deadening material in the doors, roof and floor. Soft-touch materials are extensively used inside. We liked the flat-panel dash, which does away with Buick's hated jellybean buttons in favor of a more modern look. The LaCrosse doesn't advance the science of interiors, just brings it up to speed with the rest of the industry. The seats are comfortable; the instruments are easy to read, and there's a handy storage console. It sounds like a rental car, but the LaCrosse manages not to feel like one--just barely. The wheelbase is also longer, for added passenger room, and a choice of five- or six-passenger seating is offered. The large trunk features a handy cargo net. The convenient fob-controlled remote-start system that's making its way through GM's premium products is also available, for added comfort on cold or hot days.

Under the hood of the slightly sportier LaCrosse CXS there's an all-new 3.6 liter V6, which is the biggest powertrain news. This DOHC, 24-valve aluminum engine produces 240 horsepower. Variable valve timing ensures a flat torque curve and enables the LaCrosse to earn a respectable 19/27 mileage figure. On the road, the LaCrosse is smooth and refined. Don't go racing with the European sedans; you'll lose. Lower-priced LaCrosses are powered by the familiar 3.8 liter V6. This 200-horsepower V6 offers less technology, but proven reliability. Electronic throttle control has been added for use in the LaCrosse, smoothing out the power delivery. Four-speed automatic transmissions are the order of the day.

The suspension is tuned for, well, for a Buick-like ride. With an eye towards comfort, the LaCrosse's fully independent suspension is stiffer, to keep up with the times, but it also uses longer rebound dampers than the outgoing Regal and has a special aluminum engine cradle that reduces noise. The LaCrosse is quiet on the road, and comfortable on the freeway. Like most modern Buick sedans it suffers from a tendency to feel ponderous during emergency maneuvers, but it's much more capable than the outgoing Regal and less wobbly than a Mercury Sable. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. GM's StabiliTrak stability control is also available, and proved handy during a sudden snowfall. Additional safety is provided by standard side airbags.

Pricing for the LaCrosse starts at just $22,490. Our test car was nicely optioned up, with heated seats and outside mirrors, traction control and XM satellite radio. All that brought the equipment level up to rival any American or European competitor nicely, and the resulting sticker price wasn't a bank-buster. The naysayers who expect Buick to go the way of cancelled brand Oldsmobile may find themselves proven wrong.