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:

• 

  The Drivers Car... Buick? - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By D Waters - November 7 - 7:11 am

  I love cars and I am considered a car nut by everyone that knows me. I have owned over thirty cars and have driven countless more in my persuit of the perfict one for me. I never make a purchase without very extensive investigation. If anyone ever told me that my favorite car would be a Buick, I would instantly recommend they seek professional counseling! The 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL is dollar for dollar pound for pound the best inexpensive (23,000) car I have ever owned. There is nothing on the market today that even comes close for the price. I know because I drove everything in the price range of under 30,000 including Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Ford and Chrysler. The car is irresistable

• 

  Best Buick ever - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gene Lander - November 6 - 8:01 pm

  The Buick Lucerne CXL is the best Buick or car that we have ever had. The quality of the fit finish is outstanding. A super quite ride with none of the road noise gives you a refreshing finish after driving it daily or on a long trip. We have 9 vehicles one other 2007 and 5 restored colector cars that have all one best of show or peoples choice.

• 

  Pretty but Uncomfortable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Laurie - November 2 - 6:42 pm

  Bought it because it was pretty and felt comfortable. After a week of driving to and from work (40 miles per day), my lower back began to hurt. After three weeks I was unable to drive the car. Driver and passenger seats have no lumbar support. Back seat is comfortable. Traded cars with my husband. He now has to drive with cushions on back of seat. Dealer was of no help. They recommended having an upholsterer rebuild the seats which we will try. We like the very quiet ride and many of the features. Headliner is of poor design with raw edges front and back. Cup holder design is poor.

• 

  Crystal Red Tintcoat - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron B - October 29 - 7:49 am

  As a Buick owner for years now and wanting something "different" I went to Nissan,Toyota and Honda . They were nice but I didnt like the idea of them saying "the cars sell good so we dont have to drop our prices " and another one said "Hay , try it if you want ,or dont , I dont care " made me realize I would try out a Buick again . I just drove it on small local trip, maybe 200 mile round trip and sure enjoy the comfort . The driving of this Cx model is a joy and I feel very safe with the options included. The V6 has enough power ,the gas mileage is great(27 mpg) and yes I have standard options on this that I wouldve had to pay thousands for on the "other" cars. this is an aswome car.

• 

  Super American car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Hy. Lasker - October 24 - 2:16 am

  This an excellent car, fun to ride and handles beautifully. The value is great considering the features that are available in the car. The size is excellent for my needs, no foreign car can match it, especially at this cost. The long term reliability will have to be proven with time. But, I have confidence that it will from what I have experienced so far.

• 

  Excellent car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By cxl v8 4dr sedan - October 15 - 12:14 pm

  This is the best Buick I have ever owned. It has a quiet smooth ride, handles well in tight spots, the V8 gives a positive edge to the overall performance of the car. So far very satisfied

• 

  Very pleased - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike C - October 15 - 10:20 am

  Dollar for dollar, this car is the best in its class. I purchased a base model for about $23,000 and at that price none of the other vehicles mentioned was even close in ride, power, or equipment. The Chrysler 300 in that price range is incredibly spartan in the interior and has a seriously underpowered 2.7L V6. While the 300 and Toyota handle better, this is clearly due to both vehicles wider stance and lower profile tires, which necessarily create a rougher ride. If the owner simply wants a powerful, quiet, smooth riding car, rather than one which will take exit ramps at 60 mph, the Lucerne is it.

• 

  My Buick Rating - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By H.Higdon - October 8 - 2:48 pm

  With a few exceptions the Lucerne is a fantastic automobile. It drives and rides like a dream and is the quietest vehicle I have ever ridden in. The drawbacks: visability is poor - cant see where the front or rear is in the case of parking - windows too high obstructing visibility in tight parking areas, cant see parking slot markings. Dont campare vehicle with its competition in close proximity because the rough sounding 3800 V6 just doesnt sound like something coming from a real classy car. Gas mileage is also 6 to 7 MPG less than my 03 Lesaber with same engine/trans, etc. Softer leather on the seats would also help. Even with these problems, its a fine road car.

• 

  Poor Visability on Left Turn - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By W. Lifson - October 5 - 7:59 am

  When making a left turn, the side view mirror and the wide A pillar block your view of the road. Car was delivered with a faulty Body Control Module (computer) resulting in intermittent error messages. My 2001 Park gave a smoother ride. Fit and finish were very good. Complex electronic driver controls are difficult to master,esspecially for seniors.

• 

  What a Car! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Bizman - October 2 - 12:27 pm

  I really love the looks of the car inside and out. I know that GM has finally started making great cars again that can compete with any make. It is a driving dream and the first trip we received 33 mpg at 60 mph on cruise. Nothing to complain about. I had looked at a Honda Accord and felt I was getting more vehicle for my dollar with the Buick.