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:

• 

  It Really Should be Called a Wildcat! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By JEFF SHADOW - August 21 - 4:58 pm

  I finally relented and traded in our 1998 Aurora with 105,000 miles. It had virtually no problems. I did not want a Cadillac yet and will never buy an import vehicle. With Oldsmobile gone I turned to Buick and leased a black 2007 Lucerne CXS with the Cadillac Northstar 4.6 litre V8. The Buick now has three "Wildcat" badges from the 1968 version and has the style to go with the name. GM should have brought back a name like Wildcat rather than Lucerne. In California a "Lucerne" is a half gallon of milk from Safeway, not a county in Switzerland!

• 

  Kinda wish Id kept my Park Ave Ultra - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron S - August 16 - 9:43 am

  This is a very nice car but it is definitely not a Park Ave replacement! So far Ive not had any problems but I miss the roominess and some features of the 2003 Park Ave Ultra. I miss the Ultra Heads Up Display feature the most but it appears to be not available in any type of sedan style auto. I swore that I would not buy a new vehicle without HUD but I broke down since it appears that no HUD is forthcoming in the next several years models. Center console convenience of this car leaves a bit to be desired. Door and window posts are a bit too thick and impair visibilty. Also needs more infinite steering wheel adjustment so when in driving position view of speedometer is not obstructed.

• 

  Not quite what was advertized - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike S - August 5 - 7:31 pm

  This is not a Park Avenue. Was told by salesman this was the replacement. The car is not very comfortable at all after about 45mins, your lower back/rear end really start to ache. Lent the car to my secretary, she made the same comment. Have also had the front air deflector fall off 3 times at highway speeds, which Buick will not replace as a warranty item. Finally tore it off and just drive without it. Heated seats work well, but the AC seat function cools about a 3x8 inch strip of the seat near your crotch, nothing more. If you want a car for long drives, look elsewhere

• 

  Great car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Bonbon - August 2 - 3:32 pm

  I have only had the car since July, but I enjoy driving it. It is a very quiet and smooth riding car So far, the mileage has been good.

• 

  This is the best car I have ever owned. - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike - July 28 - 4:04 pm

  This car has all of the bells and whistles. OnStar is great, and I love satellite radio built in. Comfortable seats and stylish interior. The outside of the car looks sharp. It has the quiet tuning, so it is smooth and quiet inside the car. Just a real elegant, sophisticated driving experience. American made quality, with refined luxury. Im only 36 and all of my friends rag on me for getting a Buick, but now that I own one I see why all of the older guys out there buy them over an over again!

• 

  This is one serious sedan! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By seargentslate - July 27 - 6:36 pm

  I drove so many cars in search of the perfect sedan that had all of the features I was looking for. I wanted something very comfortable with lots of room and little road noise. This car rides so smooth and quiet, there are times when you do not know if the engine is running and you have to press the accelerator to see if it is! My CXL is loaded with Nav, Remote start, air conditioned seets and the awesome sharkskin paint. GM has really outdone itself and they still can build great cars. Buicks 4yr warranty is proof of their confidance. You have to drive this car. Forget Honda and Toyota. This is a serious sedan and at zero percent interest, you cannot lose!

• 

  Who designed this car? - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By elevator-craneman - July 23 - 8:04 pm

  For a big car it is small inside. The seats are not comfortable. Very little elbow room between seats. In the first year the car has been back at the dealership for four weeks. I have had a lot of electrical problems, erratic fan blower twice and remote entry failure. The owners manual says that the climate control is suppose to automaticly cool and heat with remote start, it does not. The dealership tells me it is not suppose to. I guess the owners manual must be wrong, not! I have had it back twice for a knock in the steering column. Turning radius is no very tight. Have to make wide turns when entering head in parking spot

• 

  Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By michael - July 21 - 2:06 pm

  Wow! I have hit the jackpot!! After almost three months, I still get as excited about driving this vehicle as I did the day I bought it. Buick really deserves credit for getting this one right!

• 

  Best Buick Ever - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By mm22 - July 20 - 1:15 am

  great performence with the 4.6L NorthStar. The fully loaded CXS is a true luxury car for a cheap price.

• 

  Very Good Buy - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Dr Gene - July 19 - 7:06 pm

  I traded in a Toyota Avalon for the Lucerne. From the rear they look similar. Beaautiful car. Very comforrtable, heated seats a must for my wife. Milage very good. Engine a little noisy, but not bad. Over all quitness is great.