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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  RAM - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Roger - September 25 - 10:32 am

  My third Buick, previous two were LeSabres. This is by far the best, a smooth quite ride. The 3.8 V6 has plenty of power for me.

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  The Americans Finally Did It Right - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By CARL - September 23 - 11:00 am

  Great looking car. I get a lot of complaimts on it. Its loaded to the max. I am 6-3 and the room inside is great. Got the old school split seat 40 20 40. Ii can sit behind me with the seat all the way back. Gas mileage is not what they say, getting 10 miles to the gal not 17 to 19, but I live in Brooklyn, so we stop every 20 feet. I was a Lincoln owner for 30 years. They lost my bussiness and did not care that they lost me. Being old school, the car needs whitewall tires. Put vogues on it. Really a sharp looking car

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  A true luxury vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Mary M- Ft Worth, TX - September 16 - 10:27 am

  Abeautiful vehicle. Turns heads everywhere I go. Very comfortable ride, and extremely roomy in front and back seats. I am a GM girl, however, this is my first Buick. So far, so good.

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  Great CXS - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Perry - September 13 - 3:38 pm

  I really enjoy my CXS. I decided on the CXS over the 300. It had everything that I wanted and was more reasonably priced. It is definitely a keeper.

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  Disgusted with this vehicle. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Eldon Lindsey - September 11 - 7:03 pm

  This vehicle has a long list of items that do not work as they should. The left side mirror insists on moving to where you cannot use it. The DIC says I get 13.8 MPG, my check says I get 10.2, 10.3, 13.0, 13.1. It locks itself if you do not take the key out. I found a cable hanging loose under the car. The sunroof would not close until I repaired it. I have not been able to get "Mr. Goodwrench to repair anything on this car. The drivers seat races forward when I unlock the car, before I can get in. And they are more problems with this car, the Lucerne CXS. I currently have a commplaint filed with BBB.

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  2007 Lucerne CXS - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By cltdriver - September 8 - 8:04 pm

  Worthy successor to the LeSabre/Park Avenue. The CXS has plenty of room, excellent build quality, perfect ergonomics and a smooth, quiet ride. I have received many positive comments about the car, including the cocoa/cashmere interior, which is new for ’07. I checked out an Avalon and the quality and ergonomics of the Lucerne are superior. And no recalls for steering failure or reported transmission issues that have plagued the Avalon. The Northstar delivers turbine-like power with no audio drama. You step on the gas and it moves. The steering is tight and direct which makes this much more of a driver’s car than the Ultra, while still a very comfortable cruiser on the open road.

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  Good Value - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jollyviking30 - September 8 - 6:41 pm

  The setting of, and operation of the controls is very confusing. Damn car wants to take over ( ie windshield wipers, lights etc)Brakes are very weak, and I know the pads are going to have to be changed yearly. Mileage is not very good, and no gas station attendant has figured out how to open the gas cap .I love the color and shape of this car. Overall I liked my 1997 Bonnevile better.

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  Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By not old - September 7 - 9:03 am

  On a recent 2200 mi trip I really enjoyed my drive. I drove the entire trip by myself. I did find that the seats were comfortable and the heated seat helped with fatigue even in July. Avg about 29 mpg at 75 - 80 mph. There was a problem with the AC dripping condensation on my left foot.

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  Fond of first American car in years - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JAY CIPES - September 7 - 1:59 am

  We find it a very quiet, responsive, comfortable car. No regrets. Just the gas mileage.

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  Stylish enough for the younger crowd - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ray - September 1 - 4:48 pm

  This is the best car I have ever been in. I am so happy to own this car. The 0% does not hurt either. So quiet. I dont have the worry that I would have if I had bought the Huyndai Azera. Toyota fell off with the 2007 Camry and Avalon. Now that I own a Lucerne, I dont want any any of the others. When driving the other cars I still wanted a Lucerne. And Im only 31 yrs old.