Buick Lacrosse

Buick has been undergoing a reinvention of sorts, launching new models designed to reinvigorate its image and broaden its fan base. The Buick LaCrosse is one example of this strategy. Its name relates to the exciting sport of lacrosse, which is a hockey-like game played on a grass field. In French Canada, the word is rather naughty, so the LaCrosse is known as the Allure to our northern neighbors. Though the latest LaCrosse is notably more dynamic than its predecessor, it still holds firm to the Buick qualities of a relatively cushy interior and a smooth, quiet ride.

Overall, any Buick LaCrosse offers a driving experience that will suit older, more traditional Buick drivers just fine, while the current LaCrosse may offer enough style and athleticism to appeal to somewhat younger ones as well. Shoppers interested in this type of car will also want to check out established front-wheel-drive rivals like the Acura TL, Lexus ES and Toyota Avalon, as well as the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis, before settling on the Buick. But we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the current LaCrosse to anyone in search of a comfortable yet capable large sedan.

Current Buick LaCrosse

Redesigned for 2010, the Buick LaCrosse is a large front- or all-wheel-drive sedan that rides on an enhanced version of the Chevrolet Malibu's platform. The LaCrosse blends modern styling and surprisingly accomplished handling with traditional Buick traits like light steering and a cushy ride. There are three trim levels: CX, CXL and CXS. Engine options consist of a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder (182 horsepower), a 3.0-liter V6 (255 hp) and a 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp), all paired with six-speed automatics. The LaCrosse is front-wheel-drive except for the CXL, which can be had with all-wheel drive.

Base LaCrosse models come standard with a power driver seat, full power accessories and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system. Higher trims net such niceties as alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, heated power leather seats, rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a USB port. There are a number of appealing options as well, including adjustable shock absorbers, xenon headlamps, a head-up display, a hard-drive-based navigation system with a rearview camera and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest displays.

Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave is a relatively recent entry in the luxury crossover SUV segment that has earned Buick some accolades, ending the brand's string of so-so products. It shares a platform with GM's latest group of large crossovers and features a fully independent suspension, a powerful 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The Enclave's interior can accommodate adults in all three rows and offers up to 116 cubic feet of cargo room -- more than many traditional full-size sport-utilities.

A full-size crossover SUV, the Buick Enclave sports a number of family-friendly features, such as a roomy cabin with easily accessed and adult-friendly third-row seats. There are three trim levels: base CX, CXL1 and top-of-the-line CXL2, all with standard seven-passenger seating. An available second-row bench seat increases capacity to eight. The 3.6-liter V6 is rated at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

The well-equipped CX comes with luxuries such as xenon headlights, a power liftgate, triple-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and OnStar. The CXL1 adds remote ignition, rear park assist with a rearview camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat and memory positioning for the driver. The CXL2 adds active headlamps, power-folding sideview mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cooled front seats and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a USB audio jack. Option highlights include a navigation system (with real-time traffic), a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a dual-panel sunroof.

Inside, the Buick Enclave feels genuinely first-class, with a design reportedly inspired by private jet cabins, with a gently curving dash, rich-looking wood-grain inlays and soft, double-stitched leather. Adding interest are a Tiffany-style analog clock and aqua blue instrumentation. With such roomy accommodations, most will probably overlook a few lower-quality trim choices and some minor, overly complicated controls. Access to the third row is excellent, with second-row seats that tilt and slide out of the way, and there are a useful 19 cubic feet of space behind the upright third-row seat.

GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 offers three body styles (regular, extended and crew cabs) and trim levels ranging from no-frills "Work Truck" to ultra-plush Denali. The most popular trim is the midlevel SLE, which provides desirable standard features like air-conditioning, full power accessories and a CD player.

Powertrain choices, traditionally a strong point, encompass everything from a frugal 4.3-liter 195-horsepower V6 to a muscular 6.2-liter V8 with 403 hp. Most Sierras, however, will be fitted with either a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 or a 315-hp 5.3-liter V8. A four-speed automatic is standard on the 4.3 and 4.8, while a six-speed is fitted to the 5.3 and 6.2. Either rear- or four-wheel drive can be specified.

Calling cards of the GMC Sierra 1500 include strong performance, a refined and quiet ride (even with the heavy-duty towing package) and a comfortable, well-finished cabin.


Feature Highlights for Sierra 1500 Interior Features

• Driver Information System
• Available Bluetooth for phone
• Available DVD Entertainment System
• Available front leather-appointed bucket
seats, power reclining, heated
• Available navigation system2
• Available Power Door Locks and Windows
• Available Rearview camera system
• Available Sunroof
• Standard XM Radio with a 3 month trial
subscription3
• Available XM NavTraffic4
Safety Features
• Available head curtain side air bags5
• Dual-stage frontal air bags with
passenger sensing system6
• Experience OnStar ®7
• StabiliTrak

Exterior Features

• Fog lamps
• Available Grille chrome
surround
• Available side-view mirror,
power, heated, auto-dimming
Engines
• Vortec 4.3L V6
• Vortec 4.8L V8
• Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active
Fuel Management
• Vortec 5.3L V8 with E85
FlexFuel capability and Active
Fuel Management
• Vortec 6.2L V8 with E85
FlexFuel capability

Trim-Specific FeaturesWork Truck 1SA-Build and Get Pricing• Air conditioning, single-zone manual

(Crew and Extended Cab only)• AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD
player and 4-speaker system (6 on
Extended/Crew Cab)• Chrome bumpers
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Driver Information Center
• Floor covering, graphite-colored
rubberized-vinyl• Experience OnStar ®, one year of Safe &
Sound Plan7• Glass, Solar-Ray light-tinted, all windows
• Power door locks (Crew Cab only)
• Seat trim, Dark Titanium vinyl
• Seats, front 40/20/40 split-bench, 3-
passenger, manual reclining• Solid Smooth Ride Suspension
• StabiliTrak (V8 engines only)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (does
not include spare)• Standard XM Radio with a 3 month trial
subscription3SL Crew & Ext. 2SA-Build and Get PricingFeatures shown below are in addition to, or in place of, WT 1SA features
• Air conditioning, single-zone, manual
• Chrome grille surround
• Cruise control
• Floor carpeting, color-keyed
• Glass, Solar-Ray deep-tinted (all
windows except light-tinted glass on
windshield, driver, and front passenger-
side glass)• Moldings, bodyside, body-colored
• Power door locks, power windows, power
heated outside mirrors• Remote Keyless entry
• Seat trim, Dark Titanium Cloth
SLE 3SA-Build and Get PricingFeatures shown below are in addition to, or in place of, SL Crew 2SA features
• Remote starter prep package
• Seats, front 40/20/40 split bench, 3-
passenger, manual reclining, manual
lumbar adjusters, and lockable
storage compartment in seat cushion• Premium Select Cloth seat trim
• Spare tire lock
• Steering wheel, leather-wrapped with
theft-deterrent locking feature• Suspension Package,
Handling/Trailering• Tow Hooks
• Transfer case, electronic Autotrac
(4WD only).SLT 4SA-Build and Get PricingFeatures shown below are in addition to, or in place of, SLE 3SA features
• Air cleaner, high-capacity
• Air conditioning, dual-zone automatic
climate control• Bluetooth for phone
• Bose® premium speaker system
• Console, floor with storage
compartment, dual cup holders and two
auxiliary power outlets.• Defogger, rear-window electric
• Differential, heavy-duty automatic
locking rear• Fog lamps, front, halogen
• Inside rearview mirror, auto-dimming
• Outside mirrors, heated, power-folding,
driver-side auto-dimming• Rear audio system controls with
headphone jacks (Crew Cab models
only)• Remote vehicle starter system
• Seats, front bucket, includes 10-way
power driver and front passenger seat
adjusters, 2-way power lumber control,
heated seat cushions and seatbacks, 2-
position driver memory, and adjustable
outboard head restraints• Seat trim, Ultra-Soft leather appointed
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls