2011 Buick LaCrosse Review

The Buick LaCrosse has quickly become a staple in the offerings from Buick.

2011 Buick LaCrosse

The Buick LaCrosse has quickly become a staple in the offerings from Buick. Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the Century and the Regal, the LaCrosse is a luxury sedan that can rival offerings from Lexus. Designed for luxurious comfort, it also delivers the looks and exciting driving experience those appeals to younger drivers.

Features

The LaCrosse features a power driver seat that is standard and full power accessories throughout the vehicle. Available dual-zone climate control can keep everyone in the car comfortable while the Bluetooth connection with the Intellilink system allows for hands-free cell phone use. Two memory settings allow two different drivers to record their personal settings for convenience.

Other options include xenon headlamps, a head-up display and a hard-drive based navigation system that includes a rearview camera and rear-seat entertainment system. The screens for the DVD system fold neatly into the seatbacks of the front row for a sleek appearance and easy viewing.

Higher trim levels also feature heated power seats and rear parking sensors. A seven-speaker audio system that can play both CDs and MP3s is standard while an 11-speaker system is available on the higher trim models. Steering wheel mounted controls help you stay in control of the music without taking your hands off the leather-wrapped wheel. Sirius radio is also available for those drivers who want a greater selection of music, news and entertainment. Adjustable speed sensitive volume control automatically lowers the volume when the car slows down, allowing you to hear the important things that might be going on outside of the car.

Performance

The LaCrosse offers a smooth ride with light handling and impressive responsiveness. The trim levels offer two different engines including a powerful 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 280 hp. Both trim levels feature 6-speed automatic transitions for a quiet and smooth ride. The sedans are all front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive being offered on the CXL trim model.

People who are familiar with the comfortable, plush ride offered by most Buicks will be pleased that the LaCrosse delivers. But this car is also made for performance. It can deliver on twisting, back roads where quick response time and smooth handling matter the most. The drive is quick and the car’s ability grip on the road is secure. While it doesn’t handle quite like a sports car, its handling is far superior to other luxury family sedans.

Reviews do report that the smaller 2.4-liter engine has sluggish handling while the larger engine provides all the power that you need. For this reason, it is recommended that you opt for a higher trim level that will provide you with additional horses under the hood.

There is also an available electric engine, known as the eAssist. This motor offers drivers power that is comparable to the 4 cylinder engine with better fuel economy. Owners of the eAssist can expect to get an addition 6 miles to the gallon out of every tank of gas.

Styling

The LaCrosse stays true to its luxury roots with leather seating and ambient lighting that is a pleasant ice-blue. A soft-touch instrument panel surrounds the driver to make the ride pleasant and enjoyable for the driver. Rounded corners and smooth transitions create an interior that is soothing and welcoming. Simulated wood trim gives the car an elegant feel while the interior air filtration system keeps everything fresh and clean.

The car features large front and rear windows that to maximize visibility for the driver and the occupants while an impressive sunroof fills the area above the driver and front passenger. The rounded lines are continued on the exterior of the car with aerodynamic, rounded lines and a powerful front grille that appeals to drivers of all ages. The flowing design is pleasing to the eye and the seamless transitions maintain a look that is worthy of a luxury sedan.

The back seat is spacious and comfortable, providing passengers with plenty of leg room. The front seats offer plenty of support while also retaining their ability to cradle you in the lap of luxury and comfort.

The QuietTuning engineering process used by Buick helps to reduce road noise while blocking and absorbing interior noise. Passengers in the LaCrosse can enjoy a remarkably quiet ride as a result.

Safety

This luxury sedan from Buick is loaded with safety features. 4-wheel anti-lock brakes help the car stop quickly when needed. Front and rear mounted airbags protect the necks and heads of all occupants, including those passengers in the rear of the vehicle. Dual front side-mounted airbags provide extra protection for the front passengers.

Rear door child safety locks and child seat anchors help keep the little ones safer in the backseat. Daytime running lights make the vehicle easier to see while the duck sensing headlamps will come on automatically when they need to.

The LaCrosse also offers advanced safety features such as electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control and traction control. The vehicle can sense when handling limits are nearing their maximum capacity and will automatically reduce engine power or apply the brakes to help the driver stay in control. The traction control system will engage automatically when the drive wheel starts to slip, helping drivers avoid losing control of the car. The electronic brake force distribution system works to deliver the ideal braking force to both axles, helping the car stay stable and upright even in severe circumstances and when heavy braking is applied.

Loaded with safety features and tech equipment, the LaCrosse offers everything drivers need to stay comfortable on long drives. Designed with the family in mind, it is built to help prevent accidents and to keep the passengers safe should something drastic happen.