Buick has entered the hybrid market in a big way with the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist model. It has all of the same great looks and features that you would expect from a luxury sedan from Buick. However, the hybrid engine helps cut down on your carbon footprint.
Key Features
The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist features a full color driver information center, a manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, dual zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, airbags, and brake assist. It also offers USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Changes for 2012
The biggest change is the introduction of the eAssist model, which was new for 2012. It features a 15-horsepower electric motor that can help drivers to save a substantial amount of gas.
What We Like
Even though this is a luxury sedan, it is still well within the affordable range for these types of vehicles, yet it can still go toe to toe with many of the more expensive luxury vehicles on the market. It has a lot of style, and thanks to the eAssist, it is very fuel efficient, which can save consumers at the pump.
What Concerns Us
The vehicle does bring up some concerns though. The storage space in the trunk is relatively small when compared with other, similar vehicles. It is certainly still usable, but some consumers may want more trunk space. In addition, the rear visibility is poor, which could cause some drivers trouble when they are backing up in the vehicle.
Available Models
The vehicle features a hybrid engine, and a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter offers 182 horsepower at 6,700 RPM and 172lb of torque at 4,900 RPM. The vehicle is able to get 25 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Major Recalls
The vehicle has had several major recalls since it was first brought to market. There was a recall due to improper calibration on the electronic stability control, as well as recalls for faulty defrosters, and the transmission software.
Common Issues
Consumers who bought the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist have found some issues with the vehicle that have not been problematic enough to cause a recall. The most common include car doors that do not open, issues with the navigation system not working, and high revving engines that reduce the gas mileage, which defeats the purpose of having a hybrid vehicle.
