2011 Buick LaCrosse Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After a hefty redesign for 2010, expect few changes in the 2011 Buick LaCrosse. This venerable, five-passenger, entry-level luxury sedan...
After a hefty redesign for 2010, expect few changes in the 2011 Buick LaCrosse. This venerable, five-passenger, entry-level luxury sedan stands a notch below the Lucerne and a couple below Cadillac, but remains a staple on the Buick menu. Three trims, the base CX, midlevel CXL, and top-shelf CXS are once more available for the next-gen LaCrosse, with the CXL trim available in either an inline four-cylinder (I4) front-wheel-drive (FWD) version or a V6-equipped all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim. Always popular with the over-30 crowd, a recently available adaptive suspension system is geared toward attracting a somewhat younger clientele to this staid, family-oriented auto. Lauded by those in the know for its quiet, contemporary, and notably spacious cabin, the LaCrosse, unfortunately, does provide a bit of a letdown with its smallish (13.3 cubic feet) trunk. Ford’s Taurus rerun presents the greatest domestic challenge to the 2011 LaCrosse, with the Lexus ES 350, Hyundai Genesis, and Acura TL representing its closest Pacific Rim competition.
The LaCrosse’s underperforming 3.0-liter V6 has been dropped in favor of the more economical four-banger, but its legendarily quiet and dignified ride may suffer as a result. Remaining for 2011, then, are the 182-hp, 172 lb-ft/torque 2.4-liter I4, which will be standard for the CX and CXL trims, and the 280-hp, 259-lb-ft/torque 3.6-liter V6 that will equip the AWD CXL and FWD-only CXS versions. Both engines will be under the management of a six-speed auto-manual transmission, with the CXL AWD featuring a center-mounted mechanical limited-slip differential for full-time power to all four wheels. Variable valve timing should allow the I4 to achieve a respectable 20/30 mpg, and the V6 a rather ordinary 17/27 in FWD trims, with a bit less in the CXL AWD.
Standard appearance, comfort and convenience features for the 2011 LaCrosse CX include 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front bucket seats, remote power door locks, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with mounted transmission, audio and cruise controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, simulated wood and alloy dash and door accents, a single-CD player with seven speakers, XM satellite radio, and OnStar telecommunications service. The CXL, meanwhile, adds 18-inch painted alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, leather upholstery, multi-level heated front seats, remote engine start, universal remote garage door opener, and Bluetooth communications technology integrated into the OnStar system. In keeping with its top-dog image, the LaCrosse CXS heaps 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, reverse-tilt mirrors and a 380-watt Harman Kardon audio system with 11 speakers into the mix.
Options for the CX trim level include many standard items from the upper-level trims, while the CXL offers an available oversize power sunroof, DVD or HDD navigation, upgraded machined aluminum wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a rear-view camera. The CXS, meantime, adds 19-inch aluminum wheels and a selectable suspension with Sport Mode to the options list.
The 2011 LaCrosse is awash with standard safety features, including four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm, daytime running lights and an OnStar-integrated post-collision safety system. Additionally, the CXL and CXS trims are delivered with standard front fog/driving lights, and the CXS gets standard turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors. Optional for all trims are rear-seat thorax airbags, with the CXL and CXS offering available HID headlights, a blind-spot warning system and the popular head-up display that projects vehicle safety info, including speed and engine performance information, onto the windshield.
Owners of the 2010 LaCrosse seem divided in their opinions of its highly touted cabin ambiance, with some thrilled and others disappointed with interior materials, fit and finish. The smallish trunk and lack of a cabin-installed trunk release has many owners scratching their heads, while disconcerting visibility issues have many owners lined up to install the available rear-view camera system. On the positive side ride comfort, spacious seating, a touch of luxury and spiffy styling add up to decisive owner appreciation for the overall value of this entry-level luxury sedan. The available adaptive suspension system is also praised for giving the LaCrosse a sportier aspect suitable to the younger generation.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2011 Buick LaCrosse seem very pleased with their cars, consistently praising its comfort, luxury features, and engaging driving experience. Many enjoy the stylish design and the high level of technology included in the vehicle. However, a common complaint is the limited trunk space, which some find to be a drawback despite all the positive attributes. The smooth drive and powerful engine are frequently highlighted, making it a fun option for those looking for a blend of sportiness and luxury."
This is a beautiful car and worth more than the asking price. It is basically my dream car. I only did not buy it, because my funds could not stretch that far. Anyone would be blessed to own this car. Well kept and respected by current owner, as well as very clean. This car provides fantastic lumbar support, even for tall individuals, and its seat heater warms quickly. The wind block on the sun roof creates a quiet and Smooth drive on a warm summer day. Smooth break transitions and travels easily over uneaven terrain and parking ramps. All in all, if you want an easy, comfortable, and truly enjoyable drive, I highly recommend this lovely automobile.
May 31, 2020You couldn't ask for better handling. Takes off and accelerates with ease. I feel extremely safe in driving this car. It's luxury at it's finest. Who knew you could own a vehicle classified as a sedan that could be so fun to drive. 35,000+ miles and no problems yet!
October 23, 2012About as awesome as you can get. Gorgeous (mine is black with chrome trim), fun to drive, comfortable leather, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, bluetooth, fog lights, panoramic sun/moon roof, sun shade in rear window, keyless entry and start, the beautiful ice blue ambiance lighting is quite the comforting touch and beautiful to look at,,,,Oh and did I mention, Sooooooo much fun to drive. The outstanding modern look of the body and the softness and richness of the leather interior are second to none. Oh Yes and Soooooooo Much Fun To Drive! One and only one complaint is the small trunk. I had to scale down, but it is a small price to pay for all of the rest that you get. It "Is" Sooooooo Much Fun To Drive!!
February 15, 2011What owners say
This is a beautiful car and worth more than the asking price. It is basically my dream car. I only did not buy it, because my funds could not stretch that far. Anyone would be blessed to own this car. Well kept and respected by current owner, as well as very clean. This car provides fantastic lumbar support, even for tall individuals, and its seat heater warms quickly. The wind block on the sun roof creates a quiet and Smooth drive on a warm summer day. Smooth break transitions and travels easily over uneaven terrain and parking ramps. All in all, if you want an easy, comfortable, and truly enjoyable drive, I highly recommend this lovely automobile.
May 31, 2020You couldn't ask for better handling. Takes off and accelerates with ease. I feel extremely safe in driving this car. It's luxury at it's finest. Who knew you could own a vehicle classified as a sedan that could be so fun to drive. 35,000+ miles and no problems yet!
October 23, 2012About as awesome as you can get. Gorgeous (mine is black with chrome trim), fun to drive, comfortable leather, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, bluetooth, fog lights, panoramic sun/moon roof, sun shade in rear window, keyless entry and start, the beautiful ice blue ambiance lighting is quite the comforting touch and beautiful to look at,,,,Oh and did I mention, Sooooooo much fun to drive. The outstanding modern look of the body and the softness and richness of the leather interior are second to none. Oh Yes and Soooooooo Much Fun To Drive! One and only one complaint is the small trunk. I had to scale down, but it is a small price to pay for all of the rest that you get. It "Is" Sooooooo Much Fun To Drive!!
February 15, 2011I love this car. The sits cooling is great especially when the temperature over 110 Fahrenheit. The two small car icons in the side mirror are very helpful too . Nice shape and full load car .
July 13, 2021Really, my wife and I reviewed cars on paper and in person for nearly a year. We could not find any slightly used car between $30-40k that had as much styling and features as the Buick LaCrosse. Nothing came close! I cannot express how impressed we are that GM took such efforts to design a Chinese/German/USA engineered car that can compete directly with Lexus and others. This car could be a cornerstone to save GM after the bailout. I love the styling that starts outside and finds its way inside. For instance, the roofline arc continues through the center console and doors. The red color (in either the 2010/11 red or 2012/13 red) is beautiful, although the pearl white and deep blue colors are fantastic too. The combination of OnStar and onboard voice/NAV/Bluetooth/XM/DVD systems are so much technology, it blows me away. An unexpected surprise was the recording of live radio with an onboard HDD. Heads up display is very useful without being a huge distraction. The halon lights that move when you turn is also an unexpected luxury. Blindside alerts on this model is almost necessary with the large frame around the back window. Heated steering wheel, seats and cooled seats pamper you. What does this car NOT have?? And we were able to acquire a loaded one for less than $30k! You just can't beat it!
December 30, 2012I was biased against buicks and couldn`t understand why anyone would buy one but luckily a relative of mine did and when I saw it and looked it over I was impressed. The car has a sort of modern jazzy luxury feel to its interior that for some reason had enjoying the 1930`s station on the sattelite radio. As a piece of design work it is great, so I was delighted to turn the key and take it for a spin. Everything old buicks got right was improved which could be expected. It was more comfortable and quiter than ever. What wasn`t expected was improved driving dynamics and feel. I felt like I was piloting a smaller nimbler car on a silky smooth road and not flattening out a bumpy road in a small land ship. The steering and chassis feel stiff and percsise which was a pleasent shock in a buick. I loved the power too. 260hp from a 3.0litre engine that gets 36mpg. Buick is serious about being competitve again and they hit the nail on the head. I have been driving the car on and off for 6 months and no matter how hard I try I have only been able to come up with one minor flaw. rear visability is not great because of the aerodynamic C pilars and the rear passenger head rests. If thats the worst thing about the car you have then you aren`t doing to bad. Congradulations Buick. Grand slam with this one.
February 6, 2011Excellent acceleration as well as feel of the road. The appearance has people stop and staring contantly! Very fun to drive and exceptional comfort. I have zero regrets about buying this car. Also has a standard 54,000 mile warranty. Not bad considering most vehicles are 36,000 miles standard.
October 14, 2010Quality is back at GM. Old guard management is gone/ They have listened to the engineers/ This by far the best GM car that I have owned. The car guys are in charge thanks to the Government bailout and reorg of GM. They now are in tistening to the needs of the consumer.
July 13, 2013The things I like the most is the comfortable ride, comfortable interior and the power that the engine provides.
September 8, 2020Beautiful car. Way too many mileage. But Thor that price you get what you pay for.
February 25, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,130 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 182 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,690 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 182 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,205 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 280 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $33,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 280 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$27,130 - $33,900
Current avg. market price
$7,231
Trending up by 0.7% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
