If there’s one thing Buick has done consistently well over the years, it’s been providing a comfortable, almost luxurious ride befitting a terrific highway cruiser, if not a corner carver. In this regard, the 2005 Buick LaCrosse clearly earns the right to bear its family badge. At home on straight freeways, the LaCrosse offers decent steering feel with a bit of on-center vagueness at highway speeds, so don’t expect sports-car-tight steering from this sedan. Venture off the expressway to some twisty roads, and soon discover the Buick LaCrosse’s tendency to plow in corners, propensity for body roll, and the Goodyears’ willingness to squeal. Keep this Buick pointed forward or limit the speed, and it’s all good. Otherwise, prepare to test those driving skills. Controlling the ride, the fully independent suspension includes MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, fortified with standard front and rear stabilizer bars. CXS models offer added control via larger stabilizer bars and a standard traction control system. The suspension handles bumps well, with little disruption felt through the steering wheel. Despite a bit of tire and wind noise and a rattling sunroof, our 2005 Buick LaCrosse’s cabin remained quiet under all driving conditions. This is due to what Buick calls “QuietTuning,” a process that includes adding laminate to the vehicle’s glass and more sound deadening material throughout the structure. While the LaCrosse is indeed quiet, it’s got a ways to go before it will be confused with a Lexus, QuietTuning or not. Slowing the 2005 Buick LaCrosse are vented disc brakes up front and solid discs in the rear; the CXS model adds ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The result is impressive stopping power under dry conditions, though there is a marked decrease in performance when the brakes are wet. Regardless of the weather conditions, the LaCrosse’s brake pedal is responsive. As with the brakes, visibility is an important safety factor. Overall, the 2005 Buick LaCrosse does a good job of giving drivers visual access to their surroundings, though a small rear window, thick C-pillars, and integrated rear outboard headrests are a bit of a hindrance. On a positive note, the exterior mirrors are large, encompassing a substantial viewing area, and small windows incorporated into the rear roof pillars somewhat offset their width.
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