2005 Buick LaCrosse

Peaceful, powerful new player in the midsize match

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Funk and Wagnalls defines "lacrosse" as "a ball game of American Indian origin... the object being to advance the ball into the opponent's goal." Buick defines "LaCrosse" as an "all-new premium mid-size sedan" the object being to steal some of the competition's sales.

Buick used the name on a shapely concept in 2000, but this new production model bears little resemblance to that LaCrosse. And while Buick's beautiful 2004 Velite convertible concept previewed the brand's soon-to-be launched new design direction, LaCrosse arrives too soon to showcase it.

LaCrosse boasts Jaguar-like sculpting, precise body fits and tight fender-to-tire clearances. So while LaCrosse doesn't get the natty new signature suit of clothes, Buick sees it as distinctly different from the Century/Regal it replaces thus justifying its new nameplate. And though still conservative in style, it's less so than it might have been had GM not hired North America Chairman Bob Lutz in the fall of 2001 to revitalize its product lines. He took a look at the bland new midsize Buick then underway and ordered it redone, delaying it a year.

Lutz popped in to chat with assembled journalists during a LaCrosse media preview. "Judge this car objectively," he entreated. "Forget that it's a Buick. Forget its nationality. Forget that it's got some carryover parts." He knows that car critics tend to pre-judge new vehicles by national origin, reputation and past experience, so changing established preconceptions is a major challenge.

We like LaCrosse's Jaguar-like sculpting over the quad lamps flanking its upscale oval grille, its stance, and its rear appearance. Outside, precise body fits and tight fender-to-tire clearances project new levels of quality. Inside, premium materials and quality fit and finish lend credence to Buick's stated pursuit of its Lexus-level target while demonstrating clearly that GM's much-needed (Lutz-driven) interior revolution has truly begun.