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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  Buick: Depenable & Luxurious - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Robert - May 23 - 12:16 am

  This has to be one of the best automobiles GM has ever built. I just picked it up a couple days ago, and I love it. I have owned a few GM vehicles in the past, and all I can say is GREAT job. The car rides smooth, drives smooth, and GM was not kidding when they said this car is QUIET. I feel safe in this car being a large sedan, but you feel like you are driving a midsize sport sedan. The craftsmanship of the car is "Beyond Precision." Gas mileage is 27-28. This is one car that GM should not have to use rebates to sell, especially when the car is competitively priced. The car won me over, and I said I would never drive a "grandpa car." Thinking of a Toyota, think again and try a Buick!!!

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  Best New Car Ever Purchased - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Randy Reddell - January 25 - 11:46 am

  Buick got it together this time with the Lucerne CXS. Great appearance and smooth, quiet ride. The Northstar V-8 is awesome on power and response. Built tight and handles smoothly with the 18-inch tires and stabililty-track system. Interior is elegant in appearance; leather bucket seats are extremely comfortable with every adjustment feature at fingertip or memory. Interior is roomy with plenty of leg room especially in the back seat. This car is in the luxury class. As a previous Cadillac owner, the Lucerne CXS has it all at a great price. Best new car Ive seen for 2006. The Lucerne CXS is top choice for new car full-size sedan.

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  Wow - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JaneandWaldo - January 13 - 12:10 am

  I have owned 3 LeSabres in the past and have been very pleased with them. Once I got my hands on this car I was way past pleased. This car has everything you could want and more. It has performance, styling, and creature features. I just love the heated/cooled seats, heated windshield washer, XM satellite radio, and the power from the Northstar V8. If I could afford to buy another one for myself (This one is my wifes main drive) I would do it in a heartbeat.

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  A bargain - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JJB - December 23 - 1:10 pm

  What an impressive vehicle for the price. Current LeSabre and Park Ave owners will feel at home, yet the quality is far superior. I have owned both the LeS & Park, and the Lucerne is priced about $5000 below those cars comparably equipped. Very quiet, excellent quality, looks substantial. I encourage anyone who thinks that the Toyota Avalon is the only game in town to do themselves a favor and try American!! The car is larger than it appears in pictures. I have only about 100 miles on it, but I reset the fuel economy calculator when I picked up the car and have averaged about 28.5mpg. The V-6 is even smoother than before, and the stereo is excellent. Great job Buick!!

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  A winner by any measure. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Aheadofmytime - December 22 - 5:33 am

  Ive spent the last 3 years mostly in a Camry and was generally pleased except that the Camry is hard to get in and out of and, frankly, is just not that comfortable. I was looking to buy an Avalon which is a better car than the Camry but decided to first test drive the Lucerne CXL. I bought the Lucerne the same day. Honestly, I dont know how they can make it so good and sell it so cheap. I would recommend anyone in the market for a new car to check this car out. I am extremely satisfied.

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  Buick To Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By A.Markowitz - December 17 - 10:20 am

  Chose this car over Lincoln Zypher because of the comfort and styling.Wason the open road and handled very well. Averaged 25mpg on regular. All extras appear to work with reliability.Has slight pull to right. Will be corrected. Learning to find all other comfort and running features.

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  Now that Ive had it a while - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Carl Losapio - November 5 - 6:40 pm

  I rated this car shortly after my purchase, and was optomistic about it. Now that Ive taken it on a 3k trip, I have some opinion changes. While driving it through mountains at 75 mph, I found myself fighting the wheel. This car did not handle well on curves. I felt unsafe driving it. I also noticed that the turning radius is forever. I have trouble pulling into parking spaces because it does not turn sharply enough. It does have enough power but just handles poorly. The cruise feature is the best but I have turned off every other feature because of poor design. Exit/entry feature was designed by a chimp. Seat retracts on exit, but not on entry. If you dont lock this car it stays retracted.

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  This car has beautiful body style. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Doody - September 18 - 4:32 am

  Plastic around drivers seat just cracked off. Wheels look like aluminum film is peeling off on them, this amazes me I thought buicks to be better made. Brakes noise, power stearing empty on fluid tho not leaking, have to keep a check on it. Overall pretty good car. This car dont seem to be as well made as older models like everything else you buy these days.

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  Best car built for under $40,000 - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By dave - August 24 - 12:26 am

  This drives like a much more expensive car. It is totally unlike my 2000 Lesabre, which I really liked. Great take-off great handling and pretty good mpg when I keep it under 70, which is pretty hard. One of the quietest cars I have been in.I extended the 4 year warranty to 6 years because I cant see ever wanting to get rid of this car.

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  High Maintenance GM product. - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron - August 11 - 2:07 pm

  2008 Buick, currently has 53,000 miles. From 30,000 miles to current, the following items have been replaced, 1/2 shaft in steering, power steering rack, power steering pump, front struts, rear air shocks, brakes on all 4 corners, rear brake calipers (leaking), new battery. Currently has an engine oil leak.