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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  Not a Roadmaster "but" - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Harold - August 18 - 7:55 pm

  This is not my 95 Roadmaster but I didnt expect it to be. Mileage is a little disappointing with the 6 cylinder, 17-19 city 28.5 - 30.6 Highway excellent fit and finish, like the driver info center. plenty of leg room. head room when entering could be better.

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  A beautiful car - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Happy owner - August 6 - 4:17 pm

  A couple of years ago I bought a used 2006 Lucerne and was so pleased with it, I bought a new 2008, I am a big, long legged man, so the first thing I look for in a car is driver leg room and comfort. The Lucerne abounds in them. Its ubiquitous 3.8 litre engine provides all the power one could want unless they are a "drag racer" and the car handles beautifully. I have always gotten 27.5 MPG on the road which amazes me in that big a car. I am 72 years old and have owned many cars, foreign and domestic, and the Lucerne is the most satisfactory one I have ever owned.

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  Lucerne Super - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Larry - August 2 - 9:54 am

  Have driven Cadillacs for over 27 yrs, my last being a 2001 DHS. First Buick ever. My Buick Super is giving me excellent performance. No wind noise. Fuel economy is what is to be expected with a 292 HP Northstar engine, (20mpg city driving) and absolutely fun to drive. A great many options comes with this vehicle. Ive also saved several thousand by buying the Buick over the Cadillac with just about all the same options. Completely satisified

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Longhorn1 - July 25 - 2:48 pm

  Have over 22,000 miles and love this Buick. Have had zero problems. Car is very comfortable and especially quiet. I get 21.5 mpg in all around driving. I find seats are very comfortable even after long trips. It is a great car!

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  Roughrider - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By car-fetish - July 17 - 1:29 pm

  I think the car rides hard, as if it had too much air in the tires. I guess it needs to break in. I also would like better acceleration. This is my 4th car with the 3800V6 and its the slowest off the line. Yeah, I know it aint no hotrod but its not your Grandpas Buick either! Overall, Im happy with the car.

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  2006 Great Choice - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Dan - July 16 - 3:36 am

  I test drove several luxury brands including Lexus, Infinity, Mercedes, Cadillac and Lincoln. I stopped by the Buick dealer on a whim, and am so glad I did! It was ultimately between the Cadillac STS and the Lucerne GXS. The Lucerne by far was the superior automobile, in style, comfort, and drive. The Northstar V* is a real plus!

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  A nice ride - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Tom - July 9 - 1:20 pm

  This a a great car for a lont trip, the interior really roomy, especially on the passebger side. The acceleration is very smooth and no jerking when accerlerating.

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  My Lucerene - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By rod - July 6 - 10:39 am

  This Buick Lucerne is the best Buick I have ever owned. The gas mileage is everything GM said it would be, (even better, 21 city and 34+ highway.) Quality, oh yeah! Performance is really good, seating could use a little more support. I have had no trouble with options. I just cant say enough about ride quality, handling, and performance. It is more comfortable than any Benz, Ford, Mercury,or Chrysler that I have looked at in this price range. Thanks GM, you have a real winner in the Lucerne.

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  My 1st Buick - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Joe from Pennsyvania - July 3 - 11:10 pm

  This car was a demo with 6000 miles on it when I got it. I have been very happy with the overall performance and ride. I just took a road trip to the Jersey shore and I got 25mpg doing 70 mph. I Have the 3800 V-6, good motor history. I did have problems with noise front brakes when I first got it but the dealer changed out the pads and its been fine.

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  Nice sedan - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Derek - July 3 - 4:43 pm

  The Buick Lucerne is a very nice sedan. We got the almost fully loaded model for around 33k. The ride is very quiet and smooth and the interior is very spacious