Buick LaCrosse CSX (2005)

'QuietTuning' for new levels of quietness

LaCrosse benefits from QuietTuning, an all-encompassing approach aimed at reducing unwanted noise and vibration levels throughout the entire body structure to provide best-in-class quietness.

Specific examples include the use of acoustical laminate on the windshield and front side glass; Quiet Steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area; expanded baffles in the roof pillars to block noise paths; extensive use of melt-on sound deadener throughout the entire lower body structure; and sound-absorbing material throughout LaCrosse's engine, passenger and cargo compartments.

Sculpted exterior, handcrafted interior feel

LaCrosse's exterior has a sculpted, sleek shape that incorporates a strong front-end design that is unmistakably Buick, and an elegant presence from any angle. Precision body panel fits and a tight fender-to-tire relationship underscore LaCrosse's high quality engineering and provide an agile appearance. Chrome accents and the jewel-like design of the headlamps and taillamps add touches of elegance.

Buick's focus on creating a highly crafted, attention-to-detail appearance is reflected in LaCrosse's interior. Its clean, ergonomic design makes use of high-quality soft-touch materials, as well as tasteful chrome and woodgrain accents. The overall effect is an environment that is both elegant and comfortable, with close attention paid to component fits for a precision feel throughout.

Available in either a five- or six-passenger seating configuration, LaCrosse has more rear legroom than previous midsize Buicks because of a 1.5-inch (38.1-mm) increase in wheelbase. Front and rear hip room is also increased. Five-passenger models are equipped with a wide center armrest with a deep storage area and a console-mounted gearshift lever. Six-passenger models have a column-mounted shifter and feature a "flip and fold" seatback cushion that can be converted into a spacious center console/armrest with a large storage bin.

Premium features throughout

In keeping with LaCrosse's position as a premium sedan, standard features on all models include remote keyless entry, a power driver's seat, automatic programmable power door locks with lockout protection, power windows with express-down driver's window, six-speaker stereo radio with CD player, and full interior illumination with delayed entry/exit lighting and theater-style dimming. LaCrosse CX has cloth seats, while the CXL and CXS have premium leather seat surfaces.

Available comfort and convenience items include a power sliding sunroof; heated front seats; steering-wheel-mounted audio and climate controls; and stereo system upgrades such as in-dash six-disc CD changer, MP3 player, Concert Sound III and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only).

New safety and security features

The LaCrosse also has dual-stage frontal air bags for supplemental protection for front seat passengers. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system's control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

LaCrosse also has a stronger "safety cage" structure and a new full-perimeter aluminum engine cradle that directs impact forces away from passengers.

The OnStar safety and security system with a one-year subscription to its "Safe & Sound" plan is standard on the LaCrosse. LaCrosse features OnStar's new sixth generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. The Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

The PASSLock III theft deterrent system with engine immobilizer also is standard.

Available on the LaCrosse are head curtain side air bags that act like a protective curtain when deployed, unfolding from the roof rail between the A-pillar and C-pillar. When the bag deploys in a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front- and rear-seat outboard passengers.

Other safety and convenience features available on the LaCrosse include: Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that detects objects behind the vehicle and sounds a warning when the vehicle is being backed up; and a factory-installed remote starting system - a first for any Buick car - with a range of up to 450 feet and an interface with the climate control.