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:

• 

  Love my Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By J.R. Cobb - May 8 - 9:16 pm

  Looked at Toyota Avalon and Ford 500, as well as the Lucerne but continued to go back to Lucerne and traded my 2003 LeSabre for the 2007 Lucerne CXL. Rides like a dream, highway mileage is great, city not so good but no terrible for a car this size. Fit and finish outstanding and the body style turns heads. Get lost of compliments. A relative liked mine so well he just purchased one as well.

• 

  Fine auto - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Don - May 3 - 2:28 pm

  This is a fine auto, crafted with care. More economical to buy than Cadillac but similar quality and features. Six cylinder is plenty of power. It is so quiet it has no wind noise and little road hum. The only car I know that you can carry on a conversation front to back seat at 70 mph. Handles very nicely (except tight parking). Impressive appearance

• 

  Not Surprised - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By L. Dillon - April 18 - 11:54 am

  Ive owned more Buicks than any other car over the years. Ive never shopped brands before, with the exeption of Buick. I was originally shopping for a Lacrosse, but didnt want the bucket seats, so I moved up to Lucerne. Glad I did. I even get compliments, lots of compliments, a first for me. I even impressed my mother-in-law. Classy looking and a sweet ride with a solid body and well appointed. Detroit got it right this time.

• 

  Buick has done it again. - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By dccaptnc - April 5 - 11:23 am

  I have just purshased this vehicle. It gives the most quiet ride I have had in any automobile I have owned. It provides ample room inside.

• 

  Best Buick Yet - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By wildfirebuick - April 2 - 11:04 am

  This is the fifth Buick I have owned and is by far the best assembled. The ride is firmer than other Buicks I have had and it makes driving more fun.

• 

  The best car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron - April 1 - 10:28 pm

  Great ride and handling. Great styling. Sportier looking than Toyota Avalon or Cadillac DTS (two of my other considerations). Lots of head and leg room both front and rear (and Im 61"). Interior layout is great (all cotrols are right where they should be). Quality is first class. Not one problem to report after six months of ownership. Forget the Northstar V8 and stick with the 3800 V6 engine. Its a solid engine with a long track record. I had it in my 92 LeSabre and it was still going strong at 200,000 miles. Getting around 22 MPG in town and averaged 31 MPG highway on a recent 700 mile trip.

• 

  Classy style, Great value - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Elizabeth R. - April 1 - 5:02 pm

  This car is a head-turner. It has as much or more style as a much more expensive luxury car. The optional packages are loaded with great features and are a terrific value. The interior is roomy and comfortable. The controls are within easy reach, attractive, and laid out nicely. It has a quality fit, look and feel. The standard sound system is exceptional and OnStar is a lifesaver - it has an integrated phone and navigation service. The cars exterior does not look cheap. I would prefer if it didnt have the side vents, but Ive gotten used to them. It is a solidly made car. I wish the car had a little more power, and a 5 or 6 speed transmission.

• 

  Chucks Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Chuck - March 31 - 10:11 am

  Many features are very difficult to master. Even the seat controls are difficult to master. The width of the drivers floorboard is not wide enough for comfort and seem to crunch large feet. I do like many of the features such as backup warnings and overall appearance. If I had the purchase to do over I would select a different vehicle.

• 

  Good Car/ Poor Dealer - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Laverne - March 25 - 2:50 pm

  Fun car! Took to the dealer for a minor adjustment. (2400 miles) They did a recall on the remote control. Today, the ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, and the tire pressure monitor warning light came on and stayed on. Now, we will see if the dealer can undo the miscue. Slightly less "get-up-and-go" of my LeSabre. Otherwise I am pleased with the overall performance and looks of the car.

• 

  Owner of 03 Lasabre and 06 Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Julius L. Brown - March 18 - 10:59 am

  Seat belts cuts into plastic where it comes out of the holder. Should be a harden ring of plastic or metal to stop this. This has already been replaced one time and it is cuting in again. Where headliner comes to the back glass there should be a finish molding strip. I also have an 03 Buick Le Sabre which is better designed, has a valet key and a button on the door to unlock the trunk which is really nice. The 06 Lucerne is inconvient to use the fob or go in the glove compartment to unlock the trunk.