Buick Lacrosse: value for the moneyBy
Terry Jackson • Bankrate.com
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2005 Buick LaCrosse CSX
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| GM's semi-premium
car line is betting that its all-new LaCrosse midsize sedan will replace both
the Regal and Century models. Based on the same platform that debuted under the
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, the LaCrosse is about value for the money. With
base list prices that start at about $23,000, the LaCrosse is available in three
trim levels -- CX, CXL and CXS. The CX is for those who want to be able to say
they own a Buick for the same price as a Honda Accord. The CXL
adds luxury touches to the interior and the CXS adds performance touches such
as a stiffer suspension, fog lights and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Power starts with a base 200-horsepower V6, with a 240-horsepower
V6 in the CXS.
Styling is, as expected, more sedate than the Pontiac Grand Prix,
with the signature slim oval Buick grille. It's likely to appeal
to traditional Buick buyers, but may not win over many import shoppers.
With the demise of Oldsmobile, Buick for 2005 inherits the Olds
Silhouette minivan, now renamed the Terraza and sharing the same
chassis as its Chevy and Pontiac siblings. This will be the last
year for the full-size Park Avenue.
-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005
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