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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  Happy Owner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Willie - June 3 - 1:10 pm

  I only looked at the Buick Lucerne & the Hyundai Azera,the Azera offered much more value and a better warranty and many extra features.Both cars could use more trunk space..The Azera is a stiffer ride which is fine,the Buick is a softer ride..Neither offer a automatic release of the emergency brake like the Ford does..The black trim on the Azera is a flat finish and will require a coating to keep it from turning whiteish and fading..The reason I went with the Lucerne is that it is a larger car and a American company..The Azera comes from Korea..I must say if I could afford it I would buy the Azera for the wife who now owns a Regal which has been very good..Both cars are impressive,

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  Excellent Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Marilou - March 28 - 10:33 pm

  This is the quietest sedan I have ever driven. It is comfortable, reliable, and I have received many compliments on the looks and ride. Due to letting others try it out, it looks like Buick will be selling a few more Lucernes. I am averaging 24 miles per gallon in the mountains of North Carolina, 29-30 miles on the expressways. Buick is and shall be my car for a long time to come.

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  Return to Buick - 27 Years Later - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve Johnson - March 15 - 2:13 am

  I decided to buy a Buick after a 27 year hiatus after viewing and riding in the LaCrosse. I decided to purchase the Lucerne because it was roomier. It most reminded me of the luxury and comfort of the Duece and a quarter., The port holes really caught my attention. The only reason I did not get the V8 was due to availability (none in pool). The only thing that needs to be improved in the interior is to add an additional 12VDC power outlet at the ft or rr base of the front seat on the bench seat version. On the exterior option package, please make the chrome 17 wheels standard. The dark metal ones in VIN 6U145870 are not appealing to admirers.

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  No More Round - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Carl Losapio - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  Best car for the price considering options and quality. Glad to see Buick finally getting away from the Le Sabre look theyve had for the past 15 years. The car is tight and handles well in traffic and is smooth on the highway. Visability is excellent and plenty of headroom for my 64 frame. I only wish they wouldnt charge me an extra $1000 for my one year of free OnStar. I know its in the base price somewhere.

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  Who needs Lexus - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By rolf westgard - February 11 - 3:16 am

  Have owned LeSabres since 99. Liked comfort, good mpg, and reliability. Handling and styling were average. The Lucerne keeps the good features of LeSabre and is much improved for styling and handling. Also quietest car I have ever ridden in. Getting about 25 mpg in local driving like LeSabre. Hwy should be the 30 mpg I got from LeSabre.

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  Simply a great vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By AHK - January 28 - 12:30 pm

  This new Buick has it all, excellent styling, performance, ride, handling, workmanship, etc. Just got it and it is a dream come true. A world class car. GM has come up with a winner. A real head turner. Drives and handles so much better than past Buicks and other vehicles. My wife loves it. So glad we made the choice. First saw it at the Auto Show, and we knew this was the car.

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  Buick finds its way again! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Sam Spear - January 28 - 10:43 am

  This car is quiet, powerful, well- built, comfortable, and an absolute joy to drive. The sound system is exceptional. The drive train is smooth, but gets the car up to cruising speed in a hurry. Mine is Black Onyx and is quite eye-catching. This is Buick as Buick should be - a premium car in every respect!

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  WOW! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By CG - November 19 - 6:10 pm

  Ive owned appx. 6 DL88s and a Buick LeSabre over the past 15 years - all new. This vehicle has all the positive features of those (3.6L V6)- but improved, upgraded, and more fun. Feels luxurious, handles like a sports car and is a head turner. Congratulations BUICK - super!

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  Very pleased, great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Dog gone it - August 17 - 11:23 pm

  This is a classy car with comfort and style. Loads of trunk space, rear leg room and glass. Big turning radius and some blind spots in side and rear. Steering wheel controls need wrap around protector to keep from accidentaly touching when griping the wheel. A bit difficult to exit as bucket seat seems deep and high. I still rate it a 10. On-star is great and already has been put to good use. On 840 mile expressway trip it delivered 29 MPG at mostly 70 mph but including small amount of city streets. In city/express mostly about 24 MPG. Im satisfied with mileage. Six cylinder is enough power but if you want added zip there is the V8.

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  Way to go, Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Oldguy - July 30 - 3:06 am

  We took delivery on Dec 15 and have driven 2000 miles since. We drove an Avalon and the Lucerne is way ahead in styling and equal or above in comfort. The rear assist for parking is very handy and being able to turn the heat on the back of the seat is very comfortable for a bad back. Everything is positive except for two minor details. The trunk release is very inconvenient to access in the glove box,and the placement of the compass needs to be back on the rear view mirror. Other than that Id rate it a 10.