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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  I said, this aint your papas buick! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By DampShip - December 26 - 10:21 pm

  Purchased with 3800k in 03/08. Now has 58500k. This car continues to drive like a gem. The only incident Ive had with it was the driver side door handle broke off once. It was repaired under warranty. The Northstar 4.6L DOHC V8 with Magnetic Ride Control, Magnetic variable assist Rack & Pinion steering & 4-wheel independent suspension is what makes this vehicle a true pleasure to drive. The power seats afford a multitude of comfort settings. Luxurious & quiet, yet rugged and sporty. Can "hug the curves when needed" for a vehicle this size. Acceleration continues to operate flawlessly. Like all V8s, its hungry for gas. However, aftermarket performance parts can help up MPG.

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  First 100,000 Miles - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By James Goodson - December 19 - 5:47 pm

  My first 100,000 miles in this Buick Lucerne CXL have been a truly awesome experience. I changed a rear tailight bulb...and thats it! The only normal wear items have been 1 set of tires and brakes. Great mileage at an average in the mid 20s but 28 on the highway at 70. Not bad for such a large car. The V6 is absolutely bulletproof with a long history for reliability. Motor is adequate, but at 197 horsepower were at the low end of acceptable. The plus side is endless quiet cruising ability. Brakes are very good. My wifes Infiniti lives at the dealer, but we can always rely on the Buick. Im looking forward to the next 100K....unless I buy a 2010 Buick Lacrosse!

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  My Cream Puff Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By HPR - December 18 - 10:55 pm

  My Lucerne is a Certified Used Car originally leased for 3 years. The instrument cluster legibility was poor and GM upgraded my 2007 under warranty to the 2009 version with LED lit graphics, lit whenever the ignition is on. Legibility greatly improved. This vehicle is very quiet, smooth and responsive with the 3.8 liter V-6. The powertrain on this model has very high reliability ratings. I can find no fault with this excellent car, and have invested in a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires. The tires are great and enhance cornering and highway performance VS the Continental OEM tires.

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  My dream car is now my nightmare - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By My Dream Car - November 30 - 11:42 am

  Door handle fell off drivers side when I went to open it. Had it replaced. My main problem is that I am riding down the road and it just cuts off. Sometimes it will crank back up but most of the time I have to have it picked up by a wreaker. This has happen 4 times in the last 3 months. The dealer cannot find out what is causing it because when they get it will not do it again. I pick it up and drive it for two weeks and it happens again. Love my car but am very frustrated with it. I am afraid to go on a trip at all.

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  This is not your Pops Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By David - November 25 - 5:13 am

  Finally, the American market can rejoice over an American designed and built car. The styling, performance and attention to detail is superb. I have had numerous very positive comments from friends and people checking out the car. People have slowed down next to me just to look at the car. Thanks GM.

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  My "Views" - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Opadave - November 11 - 5:12 pm

  After having this vehicle for about a month, it rides like a dream, except it "wont get out of its own way. There are several concerns that are certainly safety issues. The passenger side headrest virtually blocks the drivers view when trying to see through the rear side window. Front pillar/outside mirror combo on drivers side creates blind spot. Message center display is difficult to see when wearing polarized sunglasses. Same conditions probably exist with all models of this design.

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  A fine car - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By udiablo - November 2 - 6:46 pm

  The so-called experts are wrong. The 2009 Buick Lucerne Super is a good value. I looked at the Toyota Avalon, Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac DTS and STS. The Lucerne Super was hands-down the best value. Have put almost 7,000 miles on it since mid-Sept.09 (I travel a lot) and it has been very enjoyable.

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  Smooth - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Indymom - October 24 - 11:39 am

  We have owned this car for over six weeks. My husbands intital reaction was "were not old enough to drive a buick". He drives a BMW 530 was won by its ride and looks. In this time we have taken road trips and much city driving. The incentives and generous trade in made it a very affordable. The interior is understaded but has all the comfort and extras one could want. The flex E85 fuel presents surprising low cost per gallon but lower MPG as well. Jury is out on the net savings. The 60 day guarantee is awesome but our advise is take the cash as you will not be considering a return. It will become a fixture in your garage if you value comfort, style and convenience. Its a keeper!

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  My 2006 Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Juan - October 24 - 3:26 am

  I just had it for three weeks and I really enjoy it. I always felt that a Buick was a nice riding car and this purhcase proves it.

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  The Down Side of Safety Equipment - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike - October 21 - 8:40 pm

  In general, we like the car. It has good safety ratings, but some of this safety comes from thicker roof pillars and side and curtain air bags. The side and rear window size has also been reduced compared to older cars, probably for styling purposes. The result is reduction in safety due to big blind spots, especially at both the front and back of the door pillars. Unlke the car we replaced, the front mirrors dont have adequate range of motion to see into the side blind spots . Buick has side blind zone alert avaialble as an option. We dont have it, but would not buy this car again without it. The design of this and other modern cars makes this type of system almost a necessity.