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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  Disgusted with the vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Eldon Lindsey - August 28 - 10:40 pm

  I have discovered a multiple of defects in the mechanics of this vehicle. Prominent is the left side mirror moves to unusable positions. Mechanics have refused to repair the defect after bringing it to them about 10 times. Also, the sunroof would not close. I had to repair it. I found a cable loose under the car the second day I owned it. Gas mileage has registered as low as 10.2 MPG, while the DIC says 13.8 consistently. The doors sometimes lock on their own when the vehicle is setting still, unattended. And there are more.

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  My driving experience - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Horace alex jr - August 28 - 6:14 am

  This car does for me what the big boys have without the price. A very smooth ride with the feal and ride to a much heavier auto. To this point no problems with realibality. As much power as one will need in todays driving world. Fuel comsumption is better than expected with the V-6 at about 19.5 city and 29 hiway. Very large rear seeting area for 3 normal size indivuals. Sporty body style .

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  Nicest Car I Ever Owned - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By John Summers - August 28 - 6:02 am

  This car has more bells and whistles than one can imagine. Remote start is great in south Texas where the humidity is so oppressive. Its great to get into a cool car. Gas mileage is great. I can go to Lafayette, LA and return on one tank of gas.

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  Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By tom - August 25 - 4:27 pm

  I really enjoy the comfortable ride and the soundproofing that was put into this car. Excellent room and has a large truck with low riser that my wife appreciates. Considered an Avalon but this was a better value based on pricing and features.

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  2006 Lucerne CX - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By waynenovotny - August 25 - 12:23 pm

  Weve only had the car a couple weeks but are very happy with it so far. Rides smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than my V-6 Chevy Malibu. It feels very solid on the road. Like a friend of mine said when he saw it, "that car screams road trip!"

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  Try it, you will like it - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jabutix - August 21 - 4:07 pm

  The car drives and rides beautifully. The family felt wonderful after a 600 mile drive, so conmfortable it is. I was amazed at the gas mileage. Very good for such a big car.

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  Lucerne is a jewel - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jsieks - August 21 - 11:00 am

  After 6 months and a 3000 mile road trip to the midwest, I am still beaming about my Lucerne. Its design, a departure from older Buicks, is forward looking. The chrome portals (four of them) on each side not only designate the car as a Buick but puts a nifty look to the car. The power of the 8 cylinders in the CXL is very satisfying, allowing for safer changes of lanes on the highway and an occasional "gotcha" to all those red sports cars out there. The average MPG on the highway turns out to be about 24, not too bad for so much power and a 4000 pound vehicle. And, it is proof that an American vehicle is better than Asian cars

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  So far, excellent - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Geonar - August 21 - 8:05 am

  Had to have wheel alignment and tires changed before delivery, because of right pulling, and tires where out of round. After this correction, car ran good. False air bag alarm while starting engine, fault cleared after several starts, no record of problem in black box.

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  Best Ever - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Don - August 17 - 4:29 pm

  I am a 73 year old male and so have had some experience behind the wheel. This is by far the best car I have owned. The ride is smooth and quiet and the quality and fit of the interior materials is better than I expected. There are better rated cars on the road but considering the price range and target market for this vechile, it would be hard to beat. This is my third car with the GM 3.8 liter V6 and it has plenty of power at the low end where you need it. I drive freeways 5 days a week and have no trouble merging and cruising along with the traffic flow.

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  Our Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By John R - August 16 - 10:41 am

  We have owned Buicks since 1988. Our first 3 were all Buick Rivieras - the last two were the retooled luxury sports sedans of 1995 and 1998 and we loved them. We were most disappointed when Buick shelved the Rivs. However, even though our Lucerne is 4- door, we equate its handling to that of our beloved Riviera. It is fun to drive and it is quiet. And it is sharp looking as well. After only a couple of weeks my wife and I were both saying - we love this car. Thanks Buick. You kept us around by introducing the Lucerne.