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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  2007 Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Lucerne - November 21 - 9:21 am

  Just purchased a few days ago. Excellent fit and finish and very comfortable interior. Smooth ride

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  Hard to Improve - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Buick Fan - November 18 - 8:52 pm

  This is my fourth Buick since 1989 including 2 LeSabres and a Park Avenue. The quietness of my test drive convinced me to buy. The luxuriouness of interior and exterior are impressive for the money. Handling with 17-inch wheels is a plus. I love to drive it.

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  Nice - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By budeboy - November 14 - 11:28 am

  This car has great features, a great ride, and great looks. Quiet as a Lexus

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  Disappointed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By prepress - November 7 - 2:40 am

  Initially, serious pull to the right. Finally after 3 stabs the problem was corrected. Sight lines are terrible for backing out of a parking spot. Headrests are right in the middle of the side window. Do not like not having the trunk release available other than key or glove compartment. No trunk net, why not? Do not like system for bright lights, too easily clicked without intention. No cigarette lighter. Gas mileage less than expected on highway. No drop down seat in back. Small pass thru is not adequate.

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  The Best Vehicle For Long Trips - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By lucern - November 4 - 9:25 pm

  A great ride. Quiet, smooth, and easy handling. Great if you like a roomy interior with soft seats that adjust at a touch of a button

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  Wonderful - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Suzie - October 31 - 6:40 am

  I love this car. We have always had a truck and to have a car to drive this one is the best one I have ever been in. It is fun and we turn heads were ever we go. We have the Sage mist green and Black interior. When people see this car they fall in love with it. It is a beautiful car, it drives and rides like a cloud, and very quiet.

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  CXL V8 - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Tom H - October 28 - 10:04 am

  Have owned this car for 9 months and put over 10,000 miles on it. Very reliable and comfortable. Nothing more than routine maintenance necessary so far. Plenty of power, great for long trips. Gas mileage could be better, but still good for car this size with V8 engine.

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  My Lucerne CX - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By rod lowther - October 24 - 7:43 pm

  This car has done everything the manufacture said it would and has better gas mileage than claimed. 20.2 city/34+ highway. It is the quietest auto I have ever owned. Steering, precise, excellent power, solid handling. You can whisper to each other at 80mph in this car with no problem hearing. There is ample leg room in the rear seat area for a 6ft + Man, superior thigh support excellent back support.The ride is very comfortable and complements the handling.I am not at all disapointed in this car, It has exceeded my expectations. After 5000 miles I just cant wait till tomorrow morning for the drive to work.

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  Nice full size car. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Davidb - October 24 - 1:50 pm

  This car is a pleasure in both ride and drive. I had three problems after delivery. Have been working with dealer to correct and have been very satisfied with their response. So far the dealer has replaced three of the Continental tires (unable to Balance). Pull to the right required four wheel alignment. Entire car had what appeared to be overspray

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  Quality American Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Al Hass - October 17 - 1:39 pm

  This car has the feel and looks of a luxury automobile and the performance of a sports car. The ride is very enjoyable. Buick has the attention of all ages and within a price tag of reality.I was dissapointed that the Park Ave left but after owning this Lucerne my reaction is "Out with the old and in with the new".