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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  2006 Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Stan Bowers - January 23 - 5:46 pm

  Have owned (3) Park Avenues in the past 12 years. Looked with anticipation to the Lucerne. Found a vibration throughout that has not been fixed even though wheels were balanced twice. No trunk key entry. Gas filler flap opens when touched. Great for those disposed in siphoning out your gas. Because of recessed instrument panel dials, can not see them in the daylight. Steering is much too stiff. The ride is "harsh" and the noise level is no better than my Camary, or Miata Rides like a pick up truck. Engineers have gone to great lengths to ruin the traditional great ride associated with Buick. Very disappointed in this car and would like to get rid of it as soon as possible.

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  Low quality interior craftmanship - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Adina - January 16 - 6:22 am

  This car handles very well, doesnt get good gas mileage, but its been reliable. But I wasted too much time in the dealership for minor but annoying fixes. Right now its at the dealers, again, for probably the 5th or 6th time. I had gaping wholes in the posts liner, the headliner is not trimmed at the windshield, started rattling and is ragged. Ive had a rattling speaker replaced. Dashboard lights are on supposedly not because theres anything wrong with the devices they warn about, but because some absconse electrical parts are defective (unclear answers from the mechanics annoy me as well). And the latest: a bulge in the tire.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By rmward - January 6 - 8:19 am

  Ive owned/own a MB C320, 2006 Infiniti M45 and a 2005 Lexus EX330. I bought the Lucerne as an "everyday" car not expecting much. It is fun to drive a great value and has been problem free. The leather seats are comfortable, XM radio is great and the park assist is valuable in this size of car. I urge to check out the Lucerne as youll probably end up buying one! Its a great value and has a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty. Plus, its much less expensive to maintain than any of the imports Ive owned. Less expensive and the same build quality, how can you go wrong?

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  New Lucerne Owner - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Alan - January 5 - 12:01 pm

  I am a big man (60" waist 32" inseam) so finding a vehicle that I fit in is the first step. I am quite comfortable with plenty of leg room, its a little squeeze in and out but I took it for a 300 mile drive and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the heated steering wheel and seats, and that was something that I really didnt want but to get the features I wanted they came on the car. The turning radius is not as tight as I would prefer. The blind side alert and lane alert work quite well. Those are two feature I wanted. The night driving is excellent, my old vehicle had too much reflection and glare. I hope to drive this for a long time, my first two tanks of gas are in the 20 mpg range.

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  2008 Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Glenn T. - January 2 - 9:15 pm

  Bought the Buick because of the "quiet interior" advertising and ratings. Interior has an annoying rattle under the dash (started at 1400 miles). Dealer did not get it fixed when brought in for repair. "I think we fixed it, but if it still rattles, bring it back". I expected more from Buick. Every day I hear the rattle and I am dissipointed. If not for that, I would be very satisfied. The vehicle rides nice and handles well, and the price is reasonable for what you get.

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  Love my Car But??? - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve - December 6 - 3:42 pm

  I love my new Lucerne, however I do find it a little difficult to get in and out of. Wish the trunk open button was is a move conivent place (believe this has been changed for 2008). Wish there was a lock on gas door. Open from inside of car, and find it hard to use ATM from car.

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  Lucerne speaks for itself - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Ray - December 4 - 6:08 am

  I have found that My Lucerne CSX is one of my better purchases from my previous GM cars. I have been compimented about my Lucerne. I have had people that have commented on the ride, the quiteness, the sport car type handling. I just say with the price of gas today. It is the only drawback, in as far of not getting good gas mileage. But one has to expect that when you have 275 horses to pull you around. All in all I would recommend the Buick Lucerne to all those that would be considering a Japanese equivelent. Quailty, performance, price, and better warranty than those from the Pacific rim. No contest!

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  Noise - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By back bug - November 22 - 8:08 am

  It was rated as the quietest sedan in it class in 2006. After a few months the wind noise around the two doors was bad and gets even worse during the cold weather up north. We love the car overall as a great car.

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  2007 CXL Lucernce - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Don - November 21 - 9:50 am

  I have purchased several new Ford Taurus and one used Lincoln LS since 1988. The 2004 Lincoln LS does not have enough leg room in the back and even though it had bumper to bumper, a wheel bearing, drum, and 3 rims were replaced. Also a recall with a problem in the steering column, I lost all confidence and decided to go with GM. We purchased the last new 2007 CXL Lucerne after test driving the 2008 Sable and Taurus. The Buick felt safer and is built better. With the OnStar and other nice features (including the depreciation difference)we are glad to have a well built, comfortable and dependable car.

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  Beautiful car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By hugh - November 12 - 11:52 am

  Im retired so I can hardly wait to find some place to go so I can drive our Lucerne. We love the ride, handling, power, controls and I guess there isnt anything that we dont like. We live in the mountains of north central PA where we have no city driving and avg 22.5. Went to Baltimore, MD last weekend and driving 70mph for 250mi.I got 26.4mpg