2014 Buick LaCrosse Review - Trying To Recreate The "Good 'Ol Days"

[@luxurreview]

I have a friend who is 82 years old, bought his Buick LaCrosse new in 2011. That car is so comfortable and smooth! The velour like cloth seats are extremely comfortable and the basic radio is still nice.

[@splicer1891]

He still drives today?

[@GeeEm1313]

​@@splicer1891 Yeah, why not

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

I owned a 91 park avenue fully equipped.. one of my a favorite American cars I’ve owned.

[@brucekalter4206]

Great review. I have owned a 2014 LaCrosse ("Leather" edition) since 2017, & it's probably my favorite car ever. Super comfortable, super economical... I get 33MPG on the hwy, & it's got just over 300 HP!!! That is crazy good. The only thing I don't like about it is the poor visibility by the huge "A" pillars up front. As for the station wagon in your video, it appears to be a 1963-1965 GM midsize wagon... but that kink in the beltline does not appear to be a Buick design feature, so I don't think it's a Skylark or Special wagon... I think it really might be a 1964 Pontiac Tempest wagon... that would be my guess.

[@ronsmith104]

I have a 2017 AWD with every option including the sport package with the adaptive suspension with 20 inch rims. Best car I've ever owned. I just got pulled over because the cop wanted to know what I was driving and tell me how sharp my Lacrosse is. I get compliments almost daily and the 310 hp 3.6 is no slouch, especially in sport mode. The newer model they sell in China looks even better! Such a shame that GM has given up on sedans. I don't want an SUV! My next car will probably have to be a Genesis-- my 1st "non-American" car!

[@videoholicreturns]

Your video is one of many I've watched about the 2nd-generation LaCrosse. I just bought a 2015, in pretty good shape, and I just love it! I'll be posting a super in-depth video of it soon.

[@DevinS695]

I bought a 2011 back at christmas 2023. Best ride ive ever had. I even owned a 2004 cadillac Deville, buick still had a better ride just by a few points.

[@grantbrown8312]

The lacrosse was definitely a comfortable car. Engine was also smooth.

[@Memesfromthestreets]

Buicks are comfortable

[@jamesmcdonald5026]

I have a '16 lacrosse. Wonderful car, good on gas. Powerful and reliable.

[@CollinMac96]

I have the 15 premium 1 awd and man I love this car. I was looking at the Toyota Avalon but this has more power and more comfortable ride quality. Mine just hit 100k miles and I’m keeping it till it dies or I die. I just wish I had a sunroof

[@mikewhite9358]

Agreed I own a 2014. I take it to the dealer every oil change the car has been extremely reliable I bought it with 40k now I have 90k for mileage. Not a single issue. Just regular scheduled maintenance. It’s too bad Buick discontinued this car.

[@CollinMac96]

@@mikewhite9358make sure you regularly check the oil. GM said about a quart per 1500mi or so is acceptable so check yours regularly

[@rogerredding5269]

I have a 2012 Buick Lacrosse with the V6 engine love it , comfortable drives well suits my requirements?

[@ajesuale]

Buick pre pandemic still sold 200k cars a year. It’s rated as the most reliable brand in initial quality in the us. It’s crossover line up (disappointing to me without sedans but that’s the market today) is well regarded. It hardly has its foot out the door. Think you went a bit overboard on that point.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Uh it's sales are actually pretty bad compared to other brands. More expensive brands destroy its sales. So he actually has a point. Their styling is pretty nice tho. Other than the Encore.

[@isaac4273]

Most reliable brand in the US? Where are you even getting that from?

[@baronvonjo1929]

The last LaCrosse that came out before getting axed was amazing. GM sedans looked great at the very end. Other than the Cruze. Can't speak for interior for all of those.

[@nickgee7291]

I loooved this car in highschool!

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

It's a shame that no one cares about comfort anymore. There are no comparably comfortable cars under $45k nowadays. Now the least expensive car that reaches this level of comfort is a Lexus ES. And even that model has no direct competitor. Also the Lexus is much less practical / less usable bc the rear seats are fixed and don't fold down.

[@bwofficial1776]

Another aspect is that luxury cars must be sports cars too. I wish luxury cars would go back to being about luxury and leave the sports for the sports cars. If I get a luxury car, I want thickly padded soft leather seats I sink down into, not hard leather sport seats. I want to feel like I'm riding on a cloud, not be able to feel every crack in the road through the suspension. Imagine if Ford had kept the Panther platform cars going. The Grand Marquis and Town Car were throwbacks for sure but they were cheap and comfortable. The Chrysler 300 is probably the closest to those left and starts at $33k.

[@ewicky]

buy used or increase your budget. comfort is considered a luxury feature now haha

[@baronvonjo1929]

Even though that what most people need, most peolle would rather have the looks of a sporty car

[@damilolaakanni]

They are all trying to chase BMW. However one could argue that the Mercedes-Benz E Class is still kinda a comfort luxury car, especially the E350 and E450.

[@hoderharris]

Good review. The 2014-2017 model year Lacrosse’s were Buicks last ditch effort to save the sedan. Look at any review for this iteration of the Lacrosse and you will not find a bad review of the car. I had always owned foreign cars until 2015, almost as a joke, I test drove the Buick Lacrosse and then actually purchased it. I was blown away by the fit and finish as well as the design language of the car. Buick;s quiet tuning is second to none and the 6 cylinder engine was incredible. My Lacrosse had every feature Buick offered including adaptive cruise and an adaptive suspension. The Buick engineers actually over engineered the car and throw the kitchen sink at it hoping that it would revive the brand, unfortunately it didnt work. On a side note, my LacrosseX was totaled in accident and insurance company said it was not fixable. I took the insurance money and purchase a 2016 Cadillac XTS. The XTS shared the same platform as the Buick Lacrosse. In my honest opinion, my 2015 Lacrosse was a better vehicle my Caddy. I would joke to my friends that the Lacrosse was the Caddy that Cadillac should have built. My Lacrosse was quieter, better fit and finish and more fun to drive. I really miss the Lacrosse. I still have the Caddy and enjoy it, but that Buick had character and charm in way my XTS had never quite matched..Cheers.

[@djplonghead5403]

Truly. We are trying to replace our '16 LaCrosse and it is very different to find a vehicle good enough to replace it. The engine, ambient lighting, comfort, quietness, etc. are all unmatched to find it in one package for a reasonable price. We are looking at a Crown from Toyota and it gets close. 70 less HP but double the MPG. No fancy ambient lighting. Way less fancy, but more modern, interior. No HUD (our '16 doesn't have on either) A power trunk would be nice for the price Our '16 LaCrosse also isn't equipped with a sunshade or sunroof but it would be nice for the Crown to have it. No CD player. Less movement in the seats (LaCrosse headrests adjust 4 ways). Less lighting such as in the center console and cupholders. The LaCrosse is just such a great car and it is sad the GM no longer makes sedans, aside from expensive Cadillacs.

[@hoderharris]

@@djplonghead5403 we recently purchased a 2021 Lexus es 350 certified vehicle for 35000. It had 30000 miles on it. Have enjoyed the car and like most Lexus products should provide us with many years of trouble free driving...Certified Lexus gives two extra years of vehicle warranty..I would recommend a test drive. Good luck..

[@michaelcroley485]

Buick knows how to build cars period.

[@michaelb8245]

The wagon from the '70's picture in your video I is a Buick Skylark wagon.

[@1966425]

Actually it's a '65 Pontiac Tempest wagon.

[@9ALiTY]

Mom bought one of these New, Still has it. It has been doored & keyed by scum sadly but other then that still looks pretty good for a Modern Era 4 door Car.

[@VitaliyKofman]

As a former 2010 LaCrosse owner, I can attest to them being good solid cars

[@preciadoalex123]

LOOL

[@andrewroderick90]

180,000 on my 2010 and it has given me no problems.

[@triggeredcat120]

This was peak old people car. Edit: The Lacrosse is called the Allure here in. Canada.

[@chaseman94]

The foreign version of the LaCrosse looks like a Mercury Sable.

[@brianbeswick3646]

You should look at the last generation. It is a really nice looking car.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

He did a 2004 I believe.

[@scotty12342]

Do you know if this is Sirius capable? Nice informative video.

[@alexmercer8042]

Ah, the luxury Opel Insignia MK1 facelift. Thank god they gave it an adequate engine this time around. In the Insignia the only one you should think about is the 2.8 OPC as there is even 1.4 L4 but nothing is as bad as the 2.0 diesel which is a rolling grenade. Looks really nice for what it is and especially now as a 10 year old car. Excluding the 3.6 which is Buick only, the whole car is slightly upscate Insignia (released 2008). I wonder if you will find the Insignia OPC better or worse looking, given it is the same car with the same proportions and even doors

[@Alexander-zs5rj]

The Basic for that Car is the Opel insignia (Version A , Facelift in the Video) Actually Insignia B is in Europe at the Market

[@andrewduncan335]

It'd be cool to see a review of the 13-17 Traverse. Basically an Impala (or Lacrosse) wagon. That generation still felt a bit "Old GM" since it was designed pre-bankruptcy (but the 13 facelift made it look and feel SO much better.) It's got all the fake wood and soft-touch dash materials of that era GM car, and it's a pretty smooth comfortable ride like the Lacrosse.

[@ardiemclelland2039]

I love my original body style, 2007. 60,000miles with the 3.8 no rust anywhere.

[@noahsteele5121]

Have an 07 with 217 k on it now thing lasts forever

[@ardiemclelland2039]

@Bo Blu who cares? It’s a car.. I use it to get to work… how old are you. 14? Who says “ewwwww” over a car? Grow up lol

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Do you know what I wanna see Zach I want to see an interview with either your dad or your grandfather on their Automotive history.

[@Jordi7174]

At 9:14 That's probably a 1970's Buick Estate Wagon.

[@zacharyyoung9984]

@9:05 '64 Buick Special Sport Wagon?

[@butterfly8550A]

! I luv for Buick Lacrosse I want one so bad with crown in side I Love those Buick Lacrosse !

[@R3AL-AIM]

Aye!!! If you can get ahold of one, do a 2010/2011 CXS Touring. Very rare sporty trim, with options that were discontinued after 2011, some of which are hard to find in any full size sedan. Think it as the Lacrosse GS. I have a fully loaded 2011, it's getting a 2014 LFX motor swap and a couple other things to remedy power and reliability. These don't get enough love for what they are. EDIT: The handling and features will make you wonder why they ever got rid of it... I can answer that... $45,000 MSRP. My car as equipped was more than a Camaro SS. This one may be more reliable, but definitely a lot more boring and boat like.

[@Section_8_Supercars]

Or if Zach can get his hands on a ‘08 Lacrosse super with the 5.3 or the Lucerne super with the northstar

[@R3AL-AIM]

@@Section_8_Supercars Those would be sweet too. The big deal with the 2010/2011 CXS Touring was active suspension with Sport Mode and options not even Cadillac's sedans came with. Dual rear DVD with sun shade, HUD, blind spot, Harmen-Karden system with a sub, ect. The new Lacrosse don't have most of those options and the revision of this generation wasn't any faster.

[@Section_8_Supercars]

@@R3AL-AIM I jus see all these new Buicks as opels tbh

[@GeeEm1313]

A light in the center console? Interesting.

[@johnsimun6533]

@Shooting Cars What about the Buick LaCrosse Super? Have you heard anything about this model?

[@davinp]

I didn't know Lane Keep Assist existed in 2014. Toyota didn't introduce that until 2017 with the safety sense suite and made it standard equipment on all their cars whereas GM makes it optional on it's Chevy or only on the high trim which is wrong. These safety features should be standard, we should not have to pay extra. All the foreign automakers offer these safety features standard, whereas the American brands do not

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

many old people hate lane keep assist and will not buy a car with it, only one without

[@davinp]

@@Mgoblagulkablong on some cars you can turn it off

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

@@davinp people are too lazy to turn it off

[@triggeredcat120]

@@Mgoblagulkablong Also most old folks wouldn’t know HOW to turn it off.😂😂😂

[@bigcrowfly]

9:05 is not a Buick. it is a 64 or 65 Pontiac Tempest wagon.

[@1966425]

Yep, a '65 Tempest.

[@adamogden5212]

to me I am surprised the 3.6 holds up so will in the lacrosse vs every single other vehicle that GM puts it in the 3.6 awful from a reliability standpoint because of the timing chains and the water pump and every timing chain job is almost an engine out job. The lacrosse is okay but the Buick Laserne was a nicer car in my book and I love my regal gs my 96 roadmaster limited and my 91 buick reatta that was Buick. Lexus has filled Buicks place in the market as a stealth wealth car. Buick was the Cadillac that didn't yell look at me and my money while being super luxurious like a Cadillac.

[@R3AL-AIM]

The timing chain issues were remedied in 2012 with the LFX, with 2014+ fixing oil consumption issues for the most part. The LY7 actually faired better than the LLT due to lower compression and lacking direct injection. 2008 - 2011 LLT's generally go before 150K unless babied with constant oil changes. The initial problem was low pcv flow and either the chain would snap, or it would run dry and bend a rod. Guides were also poo for both first generations.

[@triggeredcat120]

I hate how it there was a Buick model called “Lucerne”. Reminds me of Safeway’s milk.

[@HundTheHound]

Just bought one of these too! Not as fun as my 07 V8 Monte Carlo SS but it is comfy and much better mpg

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Those Monte Carlo's were just so gross looking. A secretary at work bought one new, and when she asked me how I liked her new car, I did not hold back. When I told her it is not a car I would want in my driveway she got so pissed. I told her you asked, and I answered.

[@HundTheHound]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv k

[@HundTheHound]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv k

[@HundTheHound]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv im happy for you

[@dave11686]

My grandma had a 94 Roadmaster

[@alexsperring7545]

Buick tried to copy the fourth gen Mercedes E-Class with this.

[@dave11686]

I do like these.

[@starcrash1750]

Nice Opel Insignia 😏

[@TheQuirkyGarage1999]

you're think about the Regal

[@starcrash1750]

@@TheQuirkyGarage1999 Oh yeah Right My bad 😅

[@COYGunners]

Nope, that’s the Regal

[@tag206]

@@starcrash1750 No you're right. Both are built off the same platform, it's just the insignia(Malibu) is the shorter wheelbase version of the Impala. Which we have the special chrome trim on display in this video.

[@jacobyo99]

“Just starting to get used” in 2014? The 3.6 came out in 2004.

[@andrewroderick90]

Very different 3.6.

[@jacobyo99]

@@andrewroderick90 it was revised multiple times, but it’s the same family of engines

[@aviestrela]

It's a shame that the us auto industry is going the way of the dodo bird . I miss the days that more than 90% of the cars you would se were actually an American car. I look at this Buick and all I see is an Opel. The American soul is truly dieing.

[@tomislavr5232]

Buick is US spec Opel. Mokka=Encore Insignia=Lacross

[@triggeredcat120]

American cars don’t have the reliability of their Asian counterparts.

[@COYGunners]

This is not related to ANY Opel/Vauxhall model

[@baronvonjo1929]

Actually I believe most US spec Honda cars are more American than most GM products. I just looked it up and them and Tesla are top in those rankings. The American brands outsourced everything.

[@theadvocate4698]

The name allure in canada replace Lacrosse because in french cross has a naughty meaning...

[@jeannewright3027]

Nice changes from 1st to 2nd, but you won’t get the reliability and long operating miles with the 3.6 L as was with the 3800 engine.

[@davinp]

Where is Buick's place now that Oldsmobile and Pontiac are gone? Cadillac is GM's luxury division, so where does Buick fit. It used to be old people drive Buicks

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Karen SUV brand

[@dave11686]

China.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

The only reason Buick still exists is because it sells very well in China and it has prestige there that's the reason Buick was spared and Saturn was not

[@davinp]

@@TwoDollarGararge Buick does make a minivan in China

[@TwoDollarGararge]

@@davinp and minivans don't sell here people want them with a lift kit they're called SUVs

[@davinp]

Buick makes a minivan in China, but does not offer it in America

[@ayayin2192]

I really want to buy a lacrosse but they are so overpriced right now 😫

[@dettespaghetti5412]

I miss the v8

[@ralphabreu5022]

Zach , Buick is going no where It comes from China.... That V6 is the one Car wizard says not to buy Go for the Buick 3.8 liter.

[@bwofficial1776]

The headlights on the Chinese LaCrosse look suspiciously Maybach. GM's been neglecting Buick for years now but their cars aren't that compelling anyway. They're not that much nicer than fully-optioned Chevys, they're equal to GMC, and not that much less nice than Cadillac. GM makes essentially the same car and puts four different badges on it and they're not different enough. GM is going to pivot Buick to EV in the US along with Cadillac but again, when every car is electric how will Buick stand out? I don't want Buick to go away, they're nice cars and retirees need to drive something. But look at what Ford did with Mercury in its last days. Mercurys were Fords with even lazier rebadging. You could option a Ford just like a Mercury. It didn't make sense to sell the same car with different parts. Ford killed Mercury because "entry level luxury" wasn't enough to distinguish a marque. They just made Fords cover from basic to well-optioned with leather and then sold Lincolns with a completely different body as real luxury. GM needs to slim down again.

[@triggeredcat120]

It’s cannibalism at its finest. I would rather have had Pontiac over Buick.

[@blyatwastaken9377]

@@triggeredcat120 definitely but unfortunately Buick makes two much money in China for them to scrap it

[@triggeredcat120]

@@blyatwastaken9377 Absolutely agree. I just imagine what Pontiac would look like today with our modern design language.

[@blyatwastaken9377]

@@triggeredcat120 A true tragedy

[@baronvonjo1929]

Objectively I think Pontiac being a budget entry sports car brand might have worked compared to entry level luxury. Sports cars are more appealing to folks than comfortable cruisers. Though idk if that would be enough. GM sales across the board suck and their reputation is going down. They have already pulled out of many markets globally and now lost their top dog status here in the US to Toyota. I think Cadillac is actually doing well but sales wise not so much. I would not be suprised if GM went bankrupted again by the end of the decade. Ford might as well.

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

This car, the regal and the Verano were good looking cars. And then Buick became the generic looking Chinese built miseries they are today. Buick these days is Chevrolet’s boring cousin

[@robertriley1569]

Verano was very eye catching when they first came out can't remember the last time I saw one in person.

[@84astu]

Thats a north american opel insignia b... Nice engine tho.

[@sagnbaby]

Same thing as the Chevy Malibu!!!

[@bartholomew1096]

But nicer

[@damilolaakanni]

While the 3.6 is good for power, it hasn't been a reliable engine. Well, it's a GM product, so it's to be expected.

[@CollinMac96]

Before I got my lacrosse I checked consumer reports and Reddit for reviews and most people praise the 3.6 It’s definitely a solid engine. Maybe not as robust as the old 3.8 but it’s definitely reliable

[@Dankcatvacs]

@@CollinMac96 honestly you're probably better of with the Malibu with the 3900 could be wrong but heard bad things about them 3.6

[@Dankcatvacs]

@@CollinMac96 I don't trust consumer reports anymore .I found an old consumer reports annual for late 90s an it had all perfect marks on Subaru, engine cooling etc .. which is not true all Subarus have cooling/headgasket issues. Also gave the 08 Altima good reviews and my grand father bought used in 2012 and we all know Nissans don't have very good quality of interiors and you have to maintain the cvts to a t. Plus n his the passenger seat is crooked and the console is loose plus the stereo screen only works when it wants to. Best of all it leaks and not from the sunroof but the roof rails them selfs so the car is damp. Probably not as good as a Camry or accord or shoot the Buick might have even had better quality control. But consumer reports liked to be more critical with gm .

[@ajesuale]

The main problem with the 3.6, the timing chain, existed prior to the 2012 version. The lfx in the 2014 lacrosse and the 3.6 that exist today (which was updated in 2016) is not the same and does not have the same issues, despite it using the same displacement

[@CollinMac96]

@@Dankcatvacs my lacrosse is a 15 and has 100k miles and at 97k my fuel pump went out. Other than that it’s been solid. This is my first domestic car. As far as the Malibu, I wasn’t a fan of the interior, I’d rather get an impala but none were for sale. If my Buick hold up I’d like to try Cadillac next. I’m loving the full size sedans!

[@nross33]

If they go “all in” on EV’s then yes, Buick will 100% be gone.

[@bartholomew1096]

They wonr

[@Dankcatvacs]

The 06 is better with the built proof 3800

[@davidhoward1653]

And that car can't get out of its way it's so slow.

[@alexsperring7545]

The seat switch doesn't work because you are over the 350 lb capacity.

[@3800TType]

They don't know how to sell Buicks anymore and the Encore, their top seller, is pure garbage. I give the brand 5 years tops. These Lacrosses are nice enough but they won't become the same amazing reliable used car deal that the Lesabres and Park Avenues from the early 00s still are today because those 3.6s are 1/10th as durable a motor as a 3800.

[@isaac24]

If it was not a trash engine, it would probably be a better car.

[@davidball1014]

To many Japanese and korean cars.

[@brianbeswick3646]

Better check out the car wizard because he says the 3.6l is a really bad engine and that a 3.8l 3800 is the GM engine to get. I know it is not available in this model so for me I would buy an older model to get that engine.

[@bartholomew1096]

The 3800 is a tank engine forsure. The 3.6 tho isn't bad with maintenance

[@tynewlin]

You said "physical" when I think you meant "analog". All gauges are physical in the sense.

[@crossphase1702]

no I think he meant physical as in there is a dial moving on numbers regardless if it’s controlled by a computer or analogue, while there is a digital one where it’s just a screen

[@tynewlin]

@@crossphase1702 that's true and you're right, they aren't analog either since they're stepper motors controlled by the CAN bus.

[@elmafias6141]

C’mon, you American live on another world. 303 HP and you say its nothing special and just enough for going around town. Regardless I like your reviews