The Buick LaCrosse made its debut in concept form in 2000. Its curvy bodywork and smooth flowing lines were inspired by the Buicks of the past. And while designs with retro touches draw mixed reactions, the LaCrosse concept had a lot of admirers. Like with most concepts though it was a design exercise that didn’t have a lot of restrictions whereas the one that made it production did.
Nonetheless, the production-ready Buick LaCrosse that was introduced in 2005 still did have many interesting elements about it. It arrived as a replacement to the Century and Regal and became Buick’s latest premium midsize sedan. The car was available in a total of three trim levels – CX, CXL, and CXS. While this buyer’s guide is about the CXS, we’ll be touching upon the other two variants as well.
What Does CXS Mean on a Buick Lacrosse?
Of the three trim levels, the CXS was the top-of-the-line offering. While the entry-level CX and CXL used a 3.8 liter V6, the CXS came equipped with a more powerful tech-laden engine, namely the GM High Feature LY7 3.6 liter V6. Being the top trim level, the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS also featured additional equipment and revision to improve the overall experience. All three trim levels came equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Taking a Look At The 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS
The centerpiece of the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS certainly is its LY7 3.6 liter V6. This six-cylinder engine used a dual overhead camshaft and variable valve timing. The engine also had quite a high compression ratio of 10.2:1 and was relatively light at 370 lb. This was also the first generation of the High Feature engine and was used in several different vehicles. It made different power and torque figures in different applications.
As far as the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS is concerned, it put out 240 hp at 6000 RPM and 225 lb-ft at 2000 RPM. Other differences in the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS came in the form of thicker anti-roll bars at the front and rear, and 17-inch wheels with grippier tires. The CXS also came with parking sensors and a remote start feature, which were a big deal over 15 years ago. Keep in mind, that the above-listed features were in addition to the equipment you’d find on the CXL which was the mid trim level.
What Is the Difference Between Buick Lacrosse CXL and CXS?
Being the mid-trim level, the CXL missed out on the engine and features exclusive to the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS. However, it was still well-equipped and got a bunch of equipment that is shared with the CXS which the base CX trim level missed out on.
It includes leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an adjustable steering wheel, power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, a split-folding rear seat, and a driver information center that displays real-time fuel economy numbers. The CXL was also $3000 cheaper than the CXS trim level.
2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS – What Made It Special
The 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS wasn’t a head-turner or a performance-oriented machine. Despite being a new design, it was considered to be a little too simple by many. That said, it still had elements that made it special. The V6 engine that the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS used was up there with the best in terms of technology. Additionally, it also gave the car the propulsion it needed.
What the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS was really about though was refinement and comfort. The car was impressively quiet inside and out and the suspension is also said to have been rather comfortable. Despite its comfort-oriented suspension set-up, the handling wasn’t considered to be sloppy. It was known to be relaxed in terms of its dynamics. Overall, it wasn’t a car for everyone, but it really appealed to those looking for one just like it.
What Are the Problems With a 2006 Buick Lacrosse?
While the Buick delivered in many regards, it isn’t a car that can be considered to be bulletproof in terms of its reliability. The 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS has its fair share of problems, here are the most notable ones.
Ignition Coil Issues
Despite being quite modern, the coil on plug ignition coils on the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS makes it to this list. It’s not because of the plugs, but instead the engine that needs replacements quite often.
While the service life varies on the usage pattern, it is known to require replacements a little sooner than one would expect. It’s best to replace the set of six if you are newly acquiring this engine. Make sure to get high-quality replacement ignition coils like Bosch 0221604112 as that’s the only way to properly deal with this issue.
Faulty Headlights
One of the most widely reported problems of the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS has to do with its headlights. The most common cause of concern is that the low beams are known to go off intermittently.
There have also been cases where the headlights completely fail and this can occur while driving. While the problem is unacceptable, the only good thing is that it’s fairly inexpensive to get fixed as it involves replacing either the headlight bulb or the headlight relay. A recall was announced in 2015 to fix this issue.
Door Lock Problem
Fixing the door lock problem on the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS can involve replacing the locks and the actuators which can be quite expensive. However, in some cases, one could fix the hinge of the actuator instead of replacing it to stop it from sticking in the open position. This will allow the cable to continue pulling open the latch which in turn will open the door.
Airbag Light
The airbag light on the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS could also illuminate without reason. This can occur while driving and the cause of this problem still hasn’t been diagnosed. While there are no solutions, owners have gone as far as replacing the airbag module on the car to get rid of the pesky light. While that has worked, it can be a costly affair.
No Dashboard Lights
Another electrical fault with the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS is dashboard light failure. Yes, not only can the headlights fail, but the lights used to illuminate the dashboard can go out. That being said, this is a lot less common.
Timing Chain Trouble
The only engine you could get with the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS was GM’s 3.6 V6 and while it was an advanced and powerful unit, it had some reliability issues. The biggest one, by far, has to do with its timing chain. Early engines, like the LY7 used in the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS had a chain that was prone to stretch. And when that occurs, it messes up the timing of the engine and can cause some major issues.
Weak Water Pump
Another issue that plagued the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS was a weak water pump. There are multiple reports of the unit going bad prematurely. This is a problem you want to get fixed as soon as possible because the water pump is responsible for keeping the engine cool. It’s advisable to replace the water pump if you are picking up a higher mileage 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS, regardless of the recommended service interval.
Camshaft Actuator Problem
Another problem that the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS could have is with its camshaft actuator. Earlier versions of the GM 3.6 V6, like the one seen in the CXS, can have faulty actuator solenoid valves. The biggest reason for this problem is low or bad engine oil as actuators rely on oil pressure to work correctly. The best way to avoid this problem is by being consistent when it comes to oil changes.
Is The 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS Reliable?
The 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS is not one of the most reliable vehicles around, but its problems are nothing that can’t be dealt with. Aside from the electrical issues, its major problems revolve around the GM High Feature LY7 3.6 liter V6 it uses. That said, there’s no way to avoid this engine, especially if you are after the CXS trim level of the Buick LaCrosse.
Many owners consider the basic 3.8 liter V6 found on the CX and CXL to be comparatively more reliable. However, it offers less performance and isn’t nearly as refined. The 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS trim level certainly has its advantages and disadvantages. What it comes down to is whether you are ready to provide additional care required by the GM High Feature LY7 3.6 liter V6.
What to Look For When Shopping For One?
The CX and CXL were priced at $22,935 and $25,435, whereas the 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS would set you back by $28,435 when new. These were prices for basic models. Fully specced ones went for more. The price for it today though really depends on the condition and mileage of the example. The average price for a clean example ranges between $3,000 and-6,000. Don’t forget to inspect the car thoroughly and check if all of the problems listed above have been addressed.
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