2011 Buick LaCrosse Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$27,130 to $33,900

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(23 reviews)
2011 Buick LaCrosse Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Buick LaCrosse

Write a review
User rating:
by Jess L
Sep 09, 2024
I think its very nice and luxuries and a good car Sep 09, 2024
by Giovanni S
Apr 28, 2024
Il y’a de rouille sur le côté droit ce qui me fait beaucoup hésiter Apr 28, 2024
by José V
Nov 04, 2023
This vehicle belongs at the pick your part.yard!.!!! Eng was not running properly. A/C not working. The pictures posted. Didn’t showed the actual. Horrible Nov 04, 2023

2011 Buick LaCrosse Pricing

Original MSRP
$27,130 to $33,900
Price range
$7,060 to $8,578
Average price on CG
$7,508
YoY price change
$8,578 to $7,508

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Skid plate(s): front

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Battery: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Skid plate(s): front

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Wireless headphones · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: dual level · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.77

Engine

Battery: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Skid plate(s): front

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-appointed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 385 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.77

Engine

Battery: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Skid plate(s): front

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

See all trims (4)