The 2008 Buick LaCrosse gets interior and exterior upgrades as well as an available V8 engine. Four models of this midsize sedan are offered. CX and CXL versions have a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. The sporty CXS has a 240-hp 3.6-liter V6. New for 2008 is the high-performance LaCrosse Super with a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8, sport suspension, and unique trim. All 2008 Buick LaCrosse models have front-wheel drive and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include curtain side airbags, ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system. Satellite radio and OnStar assistance are standard. An available front-bench seat for CX and CXL models raises passenger capacity from five to six. Also available are leather seating and rear-obstacle detection.

Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new. The 2008 model will also offer four new exterior colors, including Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.

Inside, the ’08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.

Interior styling received a makeover for 2008, and the LaCrosse deserves its place in the entry luxury segment. Sporting a new cowhide-wrapped wheel, intrusion proofing, cosmetics mirrors, XM Satellite radio, and air conditioning, the cabin of the LaCrosse is the place to be. The driver’s envelope is well placed, to easily scan the instrument cluster, and to track only a short distance laterally to find radio and environmental controls.

Whether you opt for the CX, CXL, CXS, or the Super, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse tops the segment with standard safety features. Curtain side airbags, front driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a traction stability system buffer your passengers against injury. Safety accounted for, the LaCrosse responds gingerly to a tap on the accelerator, hugs the corners, and breezes to a safe stop using the best suspension and steering assemblies available.

What Buick is hoping is for the new LaCrosse Super and its 300-hp V-8 to really bring in new fans. The all-new trim level adds a 5.3-liter V-8 engine with active fuel management to keep mileage reasonable, yet still reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The rest of the lineup retains the same engines as the outgoing 2007 models, in CX, CXL and CXS trims. We’re a bit surprised GM didn’t significantly alter the LaCrosse’s interior. With so much attention paid to the new grille and Super trim level, the interior didn’t get the new upgraded materials seen in most other new models, including the Buick Lucerne.

2008 Buick LaCrosse Models:
2008 Buick LaCrosse CX
2008 Buick LaCrosse CXL
2008 Buick LaCrosse CXS
2008 Buick LaCrosse Super