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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  Too Much Air Noise - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Georgia - February 3 - 2:10 pm

  We love our new Lucerne, except for the air noise that comes in through the windows. We purchased it for fuel economy, comfort and the advertised guarantee of quietness. We average about 24 MPG on the road and it is comfortable. But the door/window design must be flawed because the air noise that comes through the windows at speeds over 45 mph is awful. It is like driving in a wind tunnel. The dealership promises to replace the gaskets around both of the front doors, so we hope that this helps. Just make sure that you test drive on a highway where you can drive over 45 MPH before you buy this vehicle.

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  Cant See Instruments - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Martin Brower - February 1 - 12:28 am

  When driving during the day without lights, the three dials on the instrument panel are dark. I just came back from the dealer, and he tells me thats the way it is. My wifes Toyota Camry instrument panel lights up during the day. The bottom half of the center dial lights, but the top half with the speedometer numbers is dark. The guage on the right with fuel level etc is completely dark. So is the RPM guage, but I dont need that. I cant believe that the 2007 Lucerne has been designed this way. Had I noticed this during the driving test, I wouldnt have bought it.

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  Very nice Buick - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By thomasw - January 24 - 2:44 pm

  I have found a few very minor things that are annoying but nothing that would keep me from buying another Lucerne. I have not had the car back to the dealer for any problems since I purchased the car in March.

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  My new LuCerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Repeat Buick owner - January 12 - 4:21 pm

  Have had three previous Buicks. This one is really good, but not a good as the old Park Ave or LeSabre. Not enough head room and the seats are not as wide. The rear vision is not as good. Back seat and trunk are very roomy.

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  The Worst Buick Ever - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By buickman1 - January 10 - 1:14 pm

  I replaced a 2004 Park Avenue with a 2007 Lucerne, big mistake! The Lucerne is far smaller than a Park Avenue. The interior is a joke! It is so cheaply done, as soon as you sit in it for a month you begin to feel like your setting in a Kia. Buick made their first mistake back in 1996 when they dropped the Roadmaster and now they have really gone looney by dropping the Park Avenue! The interior room in the Lucerne is so small, I felt like I was in a circus car and clowns should have been in there with me. Go with a Lincoln Town Car! The Lucerne is a big mistake, treat yourself with a true luxury car: go with the Lincoln Town Car!

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  Buick Surprise - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Dennis - January 9 - 2:34 pm

  Buick Lucerne CXL was the best quality and greatest value. I drove the Cadillacs, Acura TL, Chrysler 300, both Toyota sedans and even the Azera. This sedan is loaded with extras, provides great fit and finish and is truely and luxury car! I researched every car and read the reviews but I think if the car is not an import the published reviews are not as good. I now belive the car press is not open minded about the American made cars! This sedan is worth a drive and you will be surprised at the quality and features.

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  2006 Buick Lucerne Great Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By ronmckean - January 8 - 12:24 pm

  The Lucerne is a great value. Ride, performance and build quality is excellent. It is a joy to drive.

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  Lexus Who? - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By 27 year old Fan - December 29 - 1:26 pm

  I spent a week in the Lucerne over the holidays. Two words: First-Class. The vehicle is large, but drives and feels like my mid-sized car. Smooth power all the way and car is so quiet that people on cellphone didnt realize I was calling from the car! The seats are so comfortable and supportive they feel like my overstuffed chair at home. Fit- and-Finish are superb. I stopped at a gas station and two total strangers commented to me on the looks of the car (both were over 40 however). My wife drives an 03 Lexus ES300. I use to refer to her car as the Smoothie Queen because its a very smooth comfortable ride. With this new Lucerne a new day has begun.

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  Love This Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JEFF IN TX - December 28 - 3:40 am

  I have only had the car for two weeks and absolutly love it. It has great comfort and plenty of power for me. I traded in a Lincoln town car and couldnt be happier. I would advise anyone to test drive this car if your looking for comfort and safety.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Chuck S - December 21 - 5:48 am

  Dead quiet. Smooth as silk on the road. Great handling for this size of car.