Vehicle Class:
Full-size sedan (often classified as a premium mid-size sedan).
Target Audience:
Designed for comfort-oriented drivers, families, and those seeking a refined American sedan experience.
Key Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler 300.
Premium Appointments:
Known for its quiet cabin, comfortable ride, and available premium features like leather upholstery and advanced audio systems.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on American luxury, comfort, and a smooth driving experience.
Engine:
Detailed coverage for all available engine variants, including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
Transmission:
Comprehensive information on automatic transmissions, including repair, adjustment, and diagnostic procedures.
Brakes:
Full coverage of ABS, electronic brake force distribution, disc brake systems, and parking brake.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, and alignment.
Steering:
Coverage of power steering systems, steering column, and steering gear.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, sensors, and control modules.
HVAC:
Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Bodywork:
Information on body panels, trim, glass, doors, and exterior components.
Restraints:
Comprehensive coverage of airbag systems, seat belts, and related components.
Cooling System:
Detailed procedures for radiator, fan, thermostat, and coolant flow diagnostics and repair.
Fuel System:
Coverage of fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emissions control.
Exhaust System:
Information on catalytic converters, mufflers, and exhaust manifold repair.
Wheels And Tires:
Specifications for wheel bolt patterns, tire sizes, and pressure monitoring systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal and installation.
Diagnostics:
Detailed guidance on using diagnostic scan tools (e.g., GM Tech 2), interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and performing system tests.
Component Replacement:
Specific procedures for replacing key components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, and various sensors.
Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Depth:
Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners.
Diagnostic Tools Required:
Identification of specific tools and equipment needed for diagnosis and repair, including OEM diagnostic interfaces.
Digital Format Details:
Likely a PDF or similar document format, optimized for readability and searchability. Hi-resolution illustrations and photos are emphasized.
Illustration Quality:
High resolution, clear and detailed illustrations, photos, and diagrams.
Physical Format Binding:
Not applicable for digital, but implies a robust, factory-standard compilation if printed.
Physical Format Paper:
Not applicable for digital, but factory manuals are typically printed on high-quality, durable paper.
Engine Options:
3.6L V6 (LY7), 3.8L V6 (L32 - Supercharged), 3.9L V6 (LZ9)
3.6L V6 (Ly7):
2005-2009: 3.6L DOHC V6, 255 hp @ 6300 rpm, 250 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm. Features Active Fuel Management (AFM) in later models.
3.8L V6 Supercharged (L32):
2005-2008: 3.8L OHV V6 Supercharged, 240 hp @ 5200 rpm, 280 lb-ft torque @ 3600 rpm. Used in the Allure Super model.
3.9L V6 (Lz9):
2007-2009: 3.9L OHV V6, 240 hp @ 5800 rpm, 253 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm. Variable Valve Timing (VVT).
Horsepower Range:
240-255 hp
Torque Range:
250-280 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECM:
GM Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM), specific model dependent.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-star (driver and passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard on most models, optional on some.
Stability Control:
StabiliTrak (optional on many trims, standard on some higher trims)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), side-impact airbags (front/rear), optional head curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front seat pretensioners, rear seat anchors for child seats (LATCH system).
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems from Bose, CD player, MP3 playback capability, optional satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Remote Start:
Available remote vehicle start system.
Onstar:
Available OnStar system for emergency assistance, navigation, and vehicle diagnostics.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (synthetic recommended).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 60,000-100,000 miles (e.g., iridium plugs for 3.6L V6).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended) for 3.6L and 3.9L V6. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 3.8L V6 (check owner's manual).
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible antifreeze.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 89021183 (Dexron VI ATF also often specified).
Common Problems Engine:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (3.6L V6), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, timing chain issues on early 3.6L V6 engines.
Common Problems Transmission:
Torque converter shudder on 4T65-E transmissions, occasional solenoid issues.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn sway bar end links, strut mount issues, power steering pump whine.
Common Problems Electrical:
HVAC control module failures, window regulator issues, power seat module problems.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, founded in 1899, has a long history of producing comfortable, reliable, and upscale vehicles for the American market.
Allure Lineage:
The Buick Allure (known as the LaCrosse outside North America from 2005) replaced the Buick Regal and Park Avenue. It was based on the GM W-body platform, a shared architecture with other GM sedans like the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Prix.
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Facelift Dates:
A minor facelift occurred for the 2008 model year, introducing revised styling and features.