Buick Lacrosse Super

Chrysler re-loads

“It’s clear that Chrysler is on the right path, but they still have a long way to go,” says David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT. “We see major improvements for models that have had a significant redesign. When Chrysler invests the time and money in a true redesign, the result has been a much more competitive model.” This should worry anyone who has a vested or even a cheering interest in Chrysler. While Chrysler has used money borrowed from the private sector to almost completely buy out the ownership stakes of various governments in Canada and the U.S., the products as a group are sub-par. Worse, the leadership group is at risk of becoming burned out. This gives you an idea of the enormity of the job yet to be done at Chrysler. Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at Lexington, Mass.-based IHS Automotive, told the Detroit News: "People at Chrysler have been working nonstop for two years to revitalize these brands. The stress, the dedication — they have really been paying their dues, and (Chrysler CEO) Sergio (Marchionne) may be looking for a little bit of a fresh start. You want to avoid burnout." June 23, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Dodge brand is building on the momentum of introducing six all-new or significantly redesigned products, solidifying its message that Dodge offers an excellent value for American families looking for top performance in all the places that matter – from power off the line and handling in the corners to high-quality, dependable vehicles that deliver unmatched functionality and excellent fuel economy in everyday driving situations. “With nearly 100 years of heritage, Dodge has a history of providing its customers excellent quality, innovation and value,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With six all-new or completely redesigned vehicles in 2011, we’ve built on this successful formula, with best-in-class power, fuel-efficiency and style that sets us apart from everyone else. In fact, Dodge now offers six vehicles that deliver 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, while retaining that distinctive Dodge innovation and style.” With its four-wheel independent suspension and responsive steering and handling, Durango puts the “Sport” in Sport Utility.

2011 Buick LaCrosse | Eric Peters Autos

Golden.

Why isn’t Buick doing more to advertise the 2010 LaCrosse? By rights, this car should be puttin’ a hurtin’ on the Lexus ES350 – known for years as the best Buick the Japanese ever built. And making competitors like Acura look usurious for charging close to $50k for cars like the RL – when a comparably equipped, every-bit-as-nice all-wheel-drive LaCrosse lists for less than $35K.

So how come not many people outside of GM even know the LaCrosse is out there?

Someone needs to get the word out.

Let me give it a try… .

WHAT IT IS

The LaCrosse is a mid-sized, front wheel drive or all-wheel-drive luxury sedan.

Prices start at $26,495 for a base trim CX with front-wheel-drive and four-cylinder engine and range upward from there to a top-of-the-line sport-themed CXS with direct-injected 3.6 liter V-6 at $33,265.

Primary competition is the $35,525 Lexus ES350 sedan, but the LaCrosse should also be cross-shopped against models like the $46,830-$54,250 all-wheel-drive Acura RL sedan.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2011

The LaCrosse was completely redesigned for the 2010 model year; the biggest change to the roster for 2011 is that the mid-range 3.0 V-6 available last year has been dropped. The ’11 LaCrosse comes with either a 2.4 liter four-cylinder or the optional 3.6 liter V-6.

Also, the 3.6 liter V-6 can now be teamed with all-wheel-drive in the mid-trim CXL.

WHAT’S GOOD

Supremely comfortable long-haul cruiser – as a Buick ought buying the optional 3.6 liter V-6.

Top-of-the-line sport-themed CXS isn’t offered with AWD.

Cruise control isn’t “active” (so the car goes faster than your set speed when going downhill).

Trunk is a bit on the small side.

UNDER THE HOOD

The LaCrosse can be equipped with one of two available engines and either FWD or AWD, allowing the buyer to select a powertrain that emphasizes fuel efficiency, sportiness – or all-weather tenacity.

The standard engine in the base trim CX is a 2.4 liter, 182 hp four-cylinder teamed up with a six-speed automatic driving the front wheels. (AWD is not available with this engine.)

The 2.4 liter “Ecotec” four features fuel-saving direct injection technology and can deliver 30 mpg on the highway – which is very close to what many current-year compact economy sedans deliver. It’s also noticeably better than the mid-20s typical of mid-sized sedans that only come with larger, thirstier V-6 engines that not everyone may need. The Acura RL, for example, only manages 22 mpg on the highway – and a dismal 16 mpg in city driving.