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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  Excellent Auto - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Wayne - May 12 - 6:53 am

  Drove auto across country two days after purchase. Excellent trip, comfort driving and riding. No complaints, good gas mileage, or 26 mpg. Driven locally since and same positive experience. Did not tire me out to drive.

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  Former LeSabre Owner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Phil - May 12 - 3:33 am

  Having owned three LeSabres, I have been a loyal Buick owner. I was about to change to something new when the Lucerne came along. Its a great improvement, delivering the comfort of the LeSabre with much better styling. The 17 inch wheels deliver a smooth comfortable ride. I opted for the Sharkskin ($900.00) paint and find that the color gives the car a more European look. 3 months of driving and very pleased over all.

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  I still love this car ! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Terry Schulz - March 21 - 9:30 am

  I like it so much , I may not trade it in yet.

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  Buick has a winner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Jim Van Auwelaer - March 2 - 7:03 am

  Owned this car for three months and love its handling, performance, and styling. If you can afford the extra money and the 2 less miles/gallon, the Northstar V8 is the only way to go. Much more refined than the 3.8 6 cyl. Also the speed sensitive steering with the V8 makes handling much better. Without it, the cars steering is too loose and gives the feeling of instability at higher speeds. Quietest car Ive ever owned.

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  Stunning car, love it - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JMB - January 29 - 2:23 pm

  Only had it a week but I just fell in love with the pictures. I was going to go for Infinity or Jag but I wanted to wait for this car. Im glad I did. No kidding. I work at a law firm and my coworkers teased me that I had bought a Buick. Then we went out to lunch today and they were amazed. Absolutely amazed. One of my partners -- a die-hard Lexus owner -- asked to drive it. He really liked it.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By john allen newman - January 3 - 11:43 pm

  I just purchased the vehicle this month and can only say that it is one fantastic automobile. The ride is so quiet, you almost dont realize the engine is running at idle. And for those who think that there are some luxury appointments missing, no way. This car is luxury all the way, from the rich leather/wood grained interior, air/heated seats, to the remote starter; yes thats right, remote starter. From 180 feet, you can fire up the engine and have the interior waiting for your arrival at your specifications. The trunk is huge and the 18" nickel chrome plated wheels make one phat ride. If you want performance and luxury,and spend more than this, you need therapy.

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  Impressive - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ally - December 11 - 9:30 am

  This is the most impresive vehicle I have owned in my life. Well built, quiet, fun to drive, reliable, sporty, and not to mention great to look at!

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  The Avalon Killer! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Papa - November 6 - 2:10 am

  Looked at many full sized cars including Avalon, Amanti and Monteray. The Lucerne trumped them all for ride quality, off the line torque, quietness, trunk space when compared to the Avalon, price and appearance. Every seam and panal is very precise and nothing is out of place. The seats are far superior to the Toyotas and on an even keel with the Amanti. The Buick also has a better warrenty than Toyota and Mercury, 6 passenger room which none of the others have and better reliabilty. Love the port holes, chrome doo moldings, grille and flashy appearance too. Have seen nearly 30 mpg on the open road too. This is Buicks and GMs best kept secret.

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  Solid, well built - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By M Nolan - August 4 - 12:36 am

  Does what it is expected to do. Only drawback for me was lack of quickness from stop. But it is a big car and was not advertise as quick. Just my desire.

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  Great Car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Eugene Shulick - August 3 - 5:59 pm

  Always get complements on the smoothness and comfort of its ride.