2011 Buick LaCrosse

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(4.4) 77 reviews
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2011 Buick LaCrosse
Compare 3 Trims View Local Inventory
Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2011 Buick LaCrosse. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Sedan See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    21-24 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    182-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 (regular gas)
  • Drivetrain:
    Front-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    6-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
  • View more specs

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

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

Notable Features of the 2011 Buick LaCrosse

  • 3.0L V-6 dropped
  • 2.4L four-cylinder gets 30 mpg highway
  • Available AWD
  • Standard six-speed automatic
  • Available rear DVD screens

2011 Buick LaCrosse Overview

By Cars.com Editors
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:
  • 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:
  • 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



View 20 Photos

Latest 2011 LaCrosse Stories

See all 2011 Buick LaCrosse articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.4
77 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.7)
Performance
(4.3)
Interior Design
(4.6)
Comfort
(4.6)
Reliability
(4.3)
Value For The Money
(4.3)

What Drivers Are Saying

(2.0)

jdbyrider sells junk and that is what i have junk

by midget40 from pgh,pa on August 14, 2018

jdbyrider tells you we put 2000 dollars in to every car before we sell them but i have had my car there five times for the same problem and now they cant figure out what it is so now they tell me ... Read full review

(4.0)

I am really satisfied with my car

by Tee money from MEMPHIS tn on July 31, 2018

My car is very clean and has all of the bells and whistles. .. The sales associate really made me feel comfortable with my decision. .. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse currently has 2 recalls

IIHS Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.

Head Restraints and Seats

Dynamic Rating
good
Overall Rear
good
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry
good

Moderate overlap front

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Left Leg/Foot
good
Overall Front
good
Restraints
good
Right Leg/Foot
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Other

Roof Strength
good

Side

Driver Head Protection
good
Driver Head and Neck
good
Driver Pelvis/Leg
good
Driver Torso
good
Overall Side
good
Rear Passenger Head Protection
good
Rear Passenger Head and Neck
good
Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg
good
Rear Passenger Torso
good
Structure/safety cage
good
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers.

Manufacturer Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    48 months / 50,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 100,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    60 months / 100,000 miles

CPO Program & Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned by Buick

Program Benefits

Two Factory-Backed Warranties, CPO Scheduled Maintenance Program, Vehicle Inspection & Reconditioning, 3-Day/150-Mile Vehicle Exchange Program, 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation, OnStar & SiriusXM Satellite Radio Trial Offers, and a Carfax Vehicle History Report

  • Limited Warranty

    Two Factory-Backed Warranties

    6-Year/100,000-Mile, Powertrain Limited Warranty and a 12- Month/12,000-Miles, Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty, both with $0 deductible

  • Eligibility

    Under 5 years / 75,000 miles

    Vehicles receive a 172-Point Inspection & Reconditioning.

    See inspection details.

Have Questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The LaCrosse received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker