2005 Buick Allure CXS Road Test

The Allure's ride is not only quiet, it is comfortable, too. This sedan is gentle on the middle-aged body it targets. The

Buick's taut midsize sedan is a pleasure to pilot, although steering feedback is not as communicative as desired. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

optional Grand Touring fully-independent suspension setup connecting my tester to its 17-inch chrome aluminum wheels did a marvelous job of reworking a rough road surface. The compliant ride remained stable over the worst surfaces my town could serve up.

In spite of its forgiving ride, the Allure's underpinnings step up to the plate when sharp turns are dialed-in through the optional Magnasteer, magnetic speed-sensitive variable assist, rack-and-pinion steering.

The handling thresholds of the Grand Touring components combined with GM's quick, crisp Magnasteer make the Allure very satisfying when tackling twists and turns; however, steering feedback is not as communicative as desired. Nonetheless, Buick's taut midsize sedan is a pleasure to pilot.

When equipped with GM's Stabilitrak vehicle dynamic control technology and the optional side curtain airbags, piloting an

While the Allure doesn't pull out ahead of its Camry and Accord rivals, it's at least in the same line and creeping up quickly. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Allure can be notably safe. Strong, if not somewhat over-sensitive, four-wheel disc brakes are standard equipment, adding to the Allure's safety net. It's too bad Buick didn't go a step further by including antilock technology as standard fare, although on the top-line CXS it is included.

The Allure is available in three trim levels beginning with CX, notching up to CXL and crowning with the CXS. In addition to the heavily contented CXL and CXS plateaus, several option packages and standalone selections are available to individualize one's Allure.