Overview & Reviews

The Buick Lucerne was the last sedan of what we'd call traditional Buick design. Without a doubt, this front-wheel-drive, full-size car put passenger comfort as its top priority. Seating was spacious and luxurious front and rear, and Buick's "Quiet Tuning" measures, which covered everything from the thickness of the carpet padding to the design of the windshield wipers, made the Lucerne one of the quieter cars on the market. Soft suspension tuning provided a plush, absorbent ride.

Although this Buick's coddling nature was a strong attribute, consumers looking at used full-size sedans should be aware that the Lucerne has numerous faults, the main ones being a lack of desirable luxury features, sloppy handling, unimpressive V6 acceleration, subpar brakes and a dated four-speed automatic transmission. Traditional Buick buyers may be willing to overlook these faults, but otherwise we think used luxury sedan shoppers can do better with other, more highly regarded choices such as the Hyundai Genesis or Toyota Avalon.

Most Recent Buick Lucerne
The Buick Lucerne full-size sedan was produced from 2006 through 2011. Trim levels initially consisted of the CX, CXL and CXS. Powering the CX and CXL was an underwhelming 3.8-liter V6 good for just 197 horsepower. The more desirable CXS came with a 275-hp, 4.6-liter V8 that was optional for the CXL. The 4.6 could move the big sedan to 60 mph in a respectable 7.7 seconds.

The base CX was well equipped with alloy wheels, full power accessories (including driver seat), a CD player and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls among its standard features. The CXL added larger wheels, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an MP3-capable stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. The CXS featured driver-seat memory, a Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio, 18-inch wheels and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension.

The Lucerne was essentially unchanged its sophomore year, while '08 saw the debut of the Super (which replaced the CXS and offered a more powerful 292-hp V8) as well as the adoption of modern technologies such as lane departure and blind-spot warning systems.

For 2009, the 3.8-liter V6 was finally retired as the Lucerne got a new 227-hp (219 hp in California-emissions states) 3.9-liter V6. That year also saw the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. The following two years brought minor styling and equipment updates, though the final year saw stability control become standard across the board.

Mostly unchanged throughout the years, the Lucerne's cabin has a clean design with solid materials and simple, well-organized controls. Unfortunately, there are some cheaper plastics thrown into the mix, and build quality can be inconsistent.

Though the CXS and Super boast adaptive "Magnetic Ride Control" shock absorbers (that automatically firm up the suspension when the car is pushed on a curvy road), the Lucerne still won't appeal to demanding drivers. However, its comfortable cruising demeanor was hard not to like on long road trips. Braking was not one of the Lucerne's strong points, as testing revealed stopping distances that were the longest in the full-size sedan class.

User Reviews:

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  It takes More than Quiet to Make Luxury - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By C. Sherwood - October 20 - 2:35 pm

  Car was a dealer demo. I was sold based on a test drive. It was and remains very quiet and luxurious feeling in that aspect. However, the drivers seat left side molding cracked and broke of its own accord, with a quarter-sized piece popping off and landing in the drivers foot well. Now, two weeks later, it seems like the entire drivers door interior panel is trying to separate from the metal, with a give of at least an inch when closing the door. Two months ago, the OnStar stopped working on its own and took 3 tries to fix. Handling feels weird at 45 mph like Cruise is taking over on its own. Very disappointing all around and I wish I could have my Chrysler 300 back.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By F. J. WULFF - October 15 - 8:33 pm

  The 2008 CXL is an excellent sedan, with high mechanical reliability. It has adequate power, very comfortable, the design is most attractive and is a pleasure to drive. If you want a special long distance traveling vehicle, consider the Lucerne, it is comfortable and reliable.

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  2006 Lucerne is great! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By mehtahim - October 14 - 1:06 pm

  Like the sleek styling and comfort. Its roomy with room for 6 passengers if needed. Clean practical IP.

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  Comfortable and Quiet - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Michael - October 9 - 12:19 am

  This car is very quiet and comfortable. I previously owned an Olds 88 LSS and this is by far a better car. The heated seats are great in the winter. The sound system is good. The build quality is excellent. I have not found one flaw in the car yet after putting 6000 miles on it. No squeaks or squawks. This is a well designed car, built to last. The 3.8L V6 engine in the CXL has a cast iron oil pan. Thats how rugged the engine is built. All previous 3.8L GM engines that I am familiar with have a formed sheet metal oil pan. This one is cast iron with cross members bolted to it. Built reliable like an aircraft engine.

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  New GM owner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Teecee - October 6 - 8:56 am

  I am really enjoying our new Buick Lucerne. The walnut interior is nice. The inside is roomy. The idea of having side airbags makes me feel safer. My family loves it. Well be putting it on the road this summer.

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  Excellent - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By R. B. - September 26 - 1:56 pm

  Excellent performance; Very smooth ride; comfortable inside; looks great; fun to drive. But when my battery went dead after only 2 days, I could not open the trunk to get at my jumper cables. Trunk lid cannot be opened without battery power. Design flaw. Reason for recall?

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By F. J. WULFF - September 21 - 5:59 pm

  The 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL is an excellent vehicle. Build quality is high, performance is adequate to high, reliability is high, and value for money is high. Would recommend and purchase, again, this model.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Glenn Frohring - September 16 - 2:26 pm

  I have owned a number of Buicks, including Park Avenue Ultras (last car 2000 model). I am very pleased with this cars performance. It is "tight"--a term I would use for agile, steady handling, much like a German car. The Northstar engine is super responsive, and emits a NASCAR like growl under accelleration. Seats are comfortable and it has many great new features such as heated windshield washers. Road noise is well isolated at cruising speed. I believe the only down side to this car will be fuel economy. I have averaged about 19 mpg so far vs. an average of 22.5 with the supercharged Ultra.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By rich - August 26 - 4:40 am

  I have owned many cars in my life, but this Buick has almost everything, from the OnStar to a custom paint job. The comfort level is perfect and my mileage is 17 city 33 hwy. I cant wait to buy one for my wife.

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  Car okay but transmission whines - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Bob Muzik - August 24 - 9:33 pm

  Traded a 96 Caddy for this in May. After driving a few days, found that the transmission whines loudly in the 15- 30 MPH range. This is the 4T80E transverse transmission which only comes with the 292 on the Super and the Cadillac DTS. GM has a bulletin out on this but a design change projected for early August did not come through. Totally unsatisfactory. GM knew about this way back in 2007 but didnt tell anybody. All other aspects of the car are really good except, as noted below and disappointing MPG. My Caddy got over 30 MPG on flat land and this only gets 25. My 1984 Olds 98 still gets 27. I guess thats progress for you.