Overview
Is this the car for you?
The Good
- Interior quality
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet cabin
- Elegant styling
- Well-executed navigation system
- Doesn't need premium fuel
The Bad
- Small trunk
- Crowded controls
- Mushy brakes
- Backseat too low to the floor
- Modest acceleration with AWD
- Numb highway steering
What to Know
about the 2011 Buick LaCrosse
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3.0L V-6 dropped
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2.4L four-cylinder gets 30 mpg highway
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Available AWD
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Standard six-speed automatic
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Available rear DVD screens
Our Take
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
Although it shares aspects with the Chevrolet Malibu, the Buick LaCrosse is intended to compete with premium or near-luxury models like the Volkswagen Passat. It was designed in the U.S. and China, where Buick has a significant presence.
New for 2011
Buick drops its 3.0-liter V-6 engine and keeps the 3.6-liter V-6 and its more efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Exterior
Though it's a midsize sedan, the LaCrosse is a bit larger in all dimensions than the Malibu, and a few hundred pounds heavier. The grille is large and bold, and there's a distinctive accent line that runs along the side from headlight to taillight. It's a stronger statement than the previous generation, but Buick hasn't redefined itself to an extent that will turn off traditional buyers.
The three trim levels are distinguished more by equipment than cosmetic aspects. The CX has 17-inch wheels. The CXL has 18-inch wheels and adds fog lights and turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors. The CXS has chrome 18-inch wheels, but 19-inchers are optional. Exterior features include:
Interior
The interior is modernized with features such as ambient LED lighting and analog and digital stereo inputs. It doesn't trade the classic interior for anything too edgy. There are wood accents, high-quality materials and contrasting-color stitching. The backseat truly has room for thre...
Although it shares aspects with the Chevrolet Malibu, the Buick LaCrosse is intended to compete with premium or near-luxury models like the Volkswagen Passat. It was designed in the U.S. and China, where Buick has a significant presence.
New for 2011
Buick drops its 3.0-liter V-6 engine and keeps the 3.6-liter V-6 and its more efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Exterior
Though it's a midsize sedan, the LaCrosse is a bit larger in all dimensions than the Malibu, and a few hundred pounds heavier. The grille is large and bold, and there's a distinctive accent line that runs along the side from headlight to taillight. It's a stronger statement than the previous generation, but Buick hasn't redefined itself to an extent that will turn off traditional buyers.
The three trim levels are distinguished more by equipment than cosmetic aspects. The CX has 17-inch wheels. The CXL has 18-inch wheels and adds fog lights and turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors. The CXS has chrome 18-inch wheels, but 19-inchers are optional. Exterior features include:
- Optional 19-inch wheels for the CXS
- Available limited-slip differential
- Optional real-time adjusting suspension
Interior
The interior is modernized with features such as ambient LED lighting and analog and digital stereo inputs. It doesn't trade the classic interior for anything too edgy. There are wood accents, high-quality materials and contrasting-color stitching. The backseat truly has room for thre...
Vehicle Overview
Although it shares aspects with the Chevrolet Malibu, the Buick LaCrosse is intended to compete with premium or near-luxury models like the Volkswagen Passat. It was designed in the U.S. and China, where Buick has a significant presence.
New for 2011
Buick drops its 3.0-liter V-6 engine and keeps the 3.6-liter V-6 and its more efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Exterior
Though it's a midsize sedan, the LaCrosse is a bit larger in all dimensions than the Malibu, and a few hundred pounds heavier. The grille is large and bold, and there's a distinctive accent line that runs along the side from headlight to taillight. It's a stronger statement than the previous generation, but Buick hasn't redefined itself to an extent that will turn off traditional buyers.
The three trim levels are distinguished more by equipment than cosmetic aspects. The CX has 17-inch wheels. The CXL has 18-inch wheels and adds fog lights and turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors. The CXS has chrome 18-inch wheels, but 19-inchers are optional. Exterior features include:
Interior
The interior is modernized with features such as ambient LED lighting and analog and digital stereo inputs. It doesn't trade the classic interior for anything too edgy. There are wood accents, high-quality materials and contrasting-color stitching. The backseat truly has room for three passengers. Optional interior features include:
Under the Hood
The LaCrosse comes with one of two engines: a 182-horsepower, Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder in the CX and CXL FWD, and a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 in the CXL AWD and CXS. Both are direct-injection designs, a relatively new development in gasoline engines that portends good gas mileage for the engines' size and power. Both engines drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The middle trim level is eligible for all-wheel drive.
The LaCrosse is tuned for a softer, quieter ride than GM's other midsize sedans.
Safety
The LaCrosse has front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats and curtain airbags that cover all the side windows. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control are also standard, as is OnStar communication system with a year's free subscription. Optional safety features include:
Although it shares aspects with the Chevrolet Malibu, the Buick LaCrosse is intended to compete with premium or near-luxury models like the Volkswagen Passat. It was designed in the U.S. and China, where Buick has a significant presence.
New for 2011
Buick drops its 3.0-liter V-6 engine and keeps the 3.6-liter V-6 and its more efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Exterior
Though it's a midsize sedan, the LaCrosse is a bit larger in all dimensions than the Malibu, and a few hundred pounds heavier. The grille is large and bold, and there's a distinctive accent line that runs along the side from headlight to taillight. It's a stronger statement than the previous generation, but Buick hasn't redefined itself to an extent that will turn off traditional buyers.
The three trim levels are distinguished more by equipment than cosmetic aspects. The CX has 17-inch wheels. The CXL has 18-inch wheels and adds fog lights and turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors. The CXS has chrome 18-inch wheels, but 19-inchers are optional. Exterior features include:
- Optional 19-inch wheels for the CXS
- Available limited-slip differential
- Optional real-time adjusting suspension
Interior
The interior is modernized with features such as ambient LED lighting and analog and digital stereo inputs. It doesn't trade the classic interior for anything too edgy. There are wood accents, high-quality materials and contrasting-color stitching. The backseat truly has room for three passengers. Optional interior features include:
- Navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual-display DVD entertainment system for the backseat
- Heated and ventilated seats
Under the Hood
The LaCrosse comes with one of two engines: a 182-horsepower, Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder in the CX and CXL FWD, and a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 in the CXL AWD and CXS. Both are direct-injection designs, a relatively new development in gasoline engines that portends good gas mileage for the engines' size and power. Both engines drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The middle trim level is eligible for all-wheel drive.
The LaCrosse is tuned for a softer, quieter ride than GM's other midsize sedans.
Safety
The LaCrosse has front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats and curtain airbags that cover all the side windows. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control are also standard, as is OnStar communication system with a year's free subscription. Optional safety features include:
- Adaptive headlights
- Blind spot warning system
- Brake assist system
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Most reliable and best car I've owned
I love my car it has such a smooth ride much leg room and a nice size trunk and I get so many compliments on the exterior and interior style Read full review
Great sporty looking car
Love this car!!! Nice looking inside and out. I have a black crx and although I have owned it for years it still looks sporty. Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Buick
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
48 months / 50,000 miles
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Powertrain
60 months / 100,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
60 months / 100,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits
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Maximum Age/Mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
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Basic Warranty Terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
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Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
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Dealer Certification Required
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Roadside Assistance
Yes
