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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  Great Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By azguy - June 2 - 5:26 am

  I purchased my Lucerne CXL with a 6 cylinder 2 weeks ago. I added the luxury package as well as the driver confidence package and my M.S.R.P. was still under $30,000. I have owned several luxury cars in past years and I have to say that the Lucerne dollar for dollar is in my opionion the best overall buy of any new car. the ride is just unbelievably quiet, the leather 8 way bucket seats are extremely comfortable,dual climate control is great & the driver information center together with the OnStar keeps you informed of everything from how many miles per gallon to when you need an oil change. I researced all the cars on the market and the Lucerne was in a class of its own for the price.

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  Lucerne 2006 CXL - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Jim - May 9 - 8:16 pm

  The initial drive was very good. However, several problems occured immediately. First the catalytic converter failed and was replaced at 1200 miles under warranty. Second the engine is giving off noises during acceleration at 2200 miles. The front seats creak during starts and stops after 2000 miles. Initially it seems a great car, however I am not so sure anymore.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Al Peterson - January 22 - 4:26 pm

  Its a beautiful car, the quality is great, and the fuel economy is better than expected. A real game changer from Buick.

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  Its a Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Jeff - December 15 - 7:48 pm

  Only owned the car for a couple of months, but I love it so far. Not the best on gas, 23 mpg freeway, but not horrible. Its a comfortable ride, looks better in person than in the pictures. Lots of interior room, black leather looks awesome, plenty of room for a family of four. Some reviews complain about it not competing with Avalons or BMWs, well, thats because its a Buick. Its big, its comfortable, its not a performance sedan, but it does have power with the Northstar. Big and heavy, front wheel drive, good for Minnesotas winter. It is what it is, its a luxury car with a good mixture of old and new. If you like full size Cadillacs, Buicks or Lincolns, then youll probably like this car.

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  Well Done, Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Joe - September 14 - 4:43 am

  It is about time! I am really pleased with the Lucerne. With plenty of interior room and very attractive styling, what a wonderful leap from the old, stodgy designs in Buicks recent past. Im really impressed with how quiet the car is and love the many standard features, including the automatic volume adjustment made in the radio at higher speeds to compensate for road and air noise. I like to move my seat way back and allow my legs to be almost straight in reaching the pedals and this one has all the space I need. Rides very smooth. I purchased several neat options including the remote start and heated and cooled seats, which adds to the wow factor.

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  The Best Buick Ever - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve Engel - July 7 - 6:10 am

  I picked up my new 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL at the dealership on June 9th and drove it immediately from Daytona Beach to Boynton Beach, FL, a distance of 210 miles. The car was so smooth and quiet. Up to today I believed the foreign made Lexus had the smoothest and quiestest ride but that title now belongs to the Buick Lucerne CXL. Weve had Park Avenues in the past but this new Lucerne is a much nicer car than the Park Avenue. Being a native Detroiter, I was glad to see Buick bring back the portholes. This vehicle is every bit as good as a Cadillac DTS and at a much less price. We liked the car so well, that we bought TWO 2006 Lucerne CXLs the same day.

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  No More Cadillacs - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Marty - June 14 - 7:10 am

  This car is driven mostly by my wife. Almost every day she comments on how much she enjoys it. This car has every conceivable option you would ever need. Otion out any of its competition and the price difference will amaze you. The interior is spacious; the truck is huge. The Lucerne should be on everyones test drive radar. May be the best GM vehicle we have ever owned.

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  GM comes through! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Bobnym2 - April 29 - 2:03 am

  GM, in its best days, built full size sedans with a large engine and automatic better than anyone. They seem to be back on track. This car was delivered in flawless condition and does the job it is meant to do: move five or six people very comfortably. The car is quicker than most sports cars at any RPM. It is as quiet as any car. The ride is smooth without floating. On the downside, the variable power steering is too light at most speeds. It is large, but handles mountain roads better than the vast majority of cars. Gas mileage is OK, considering its size. Buy it if you want a practical, quick and comfortable car for a relatively bargain price.

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  Upgrade from 2002 LaSabre - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Rod - April 15 - 3:30 am

  In comparison to our previous 2002 V6 LaSabre: Lives up to quiet interior claims for engine, air stream and tire noise at least up to 75 mph. Turning diameter is annoyingly greater. Comfortable cruising at 75 vs 70 mph with LaSabre. Not tiring to drive long distances except for no lumbar support. Entering freeway or passing acceleration was uncomfortable - requires more throttle or even downshift. Average mileage on 4600 mile vacation trip including 3 city stays was 28.5 mpg; only 3.3 % less than similar trip made last year with the LaSabre. Love the exterior design even though I now notice similar features on several older foreign makes.

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  Buick has a winner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Gene Endicott - March 30 - 12:56 pm

  We just took delivery of the CXL 6 cylinder on Dec 15, its a crimson pearl which is a beautiful color. Ive driven others including the Toyota Avalon, and the Lucerne is the pick of the litter. Weve just driven 250 miles, but other than fuel economy it is a pleasure to drive. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power and quiet and smooth running. As far as Im concerned Buick has a definite winner!