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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  Disenchanted owner - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gary R. - October 17 - 11:10 am

  I wrote a review on this car (2008 Lucerne CX)in May of 2009 and here is an update. With the help of an Attorney, a Lemon Law Lawsuit was filed (June 2009) against Buick division regarding possible mechanical failure.(Steering rack/transmission/power steering unit) GM responded "You claim does not cover apperance issues, therefore your claim is denied. Appearance issues? Where did that come from? In addition, shortly after filing the lawsuit, GM filed bankruptcy and guess where that left me. NEVER AGAIN will I by GM junk. They lost a faithful customer who bought many of their cars/trucks over 35 years.

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  Steve Preston - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve - September 30 - 3:18 pm

  My new Buick gives me 3 mpg less mileage than my 1993 La Sabre. Acceleration at 60 is very, very poor especially when typical highway speed is 65 to 70 mph.

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  2008 Buick CXL 3.8 V-6 - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By EAB - September 28 - 5:20 pm

  Not much of an Automobile. Door Handle pulled out of door at 9000Miles, BBrake rotors warped at 5500 Miles, Dealer wanted to turn rotors and put old Brake Pads back on, Customer was of no assistance, paid for new pads and rotors out of my pocket, I have driven Buicks since 1965 and this is my last GM Car. Will definately buy Lexus Or Toyota Avalon.

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  Great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By June - September 13 - 3:43 pm

  I turned in my leased Town Car and opted for a change after 10 years of driving Lincolns. The Lucerne has surprised me with its comfort and performance. It really competes well with the Town Car. I took all the options except the sunroof, and opted for the bucket seats in front. The V8 will get up and go on demand! Handles really well. It is a fun car to drive and gets a look over everywhere I go. I took it to Goodyear for its first oil change and it created quite an interest in employees and customers alike.

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  Great American Car - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Anthony Vrsalovich - September 8 - 3:33 pm

  I have had three Mercs two Audis all mid to upper level. I brought a 2008 Lucerne CSX V8 and I am absolutely delighted with it - and would put it up against any car in its class. With what I have on my car - I would have to have paid a fortune in extras on the foreign models. Ultra quiet, fantastic build quality built to incredible tolerances. The Northstar engine is silky smooth. Very respectable mph for a V8 Exquisite lines no matter what angle you look at it. I would recommend anyone looking at a mid or full size saloon to "a least" take a test drive at your local Buick dealership.

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  Love at first drive - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By mrpleased - August 26 - 7:30 pm

  This is my second Lucerne. I still have my first. I just couldnt bring myself to trade it in. I just love driving this car. It has been an absolute joy. It is so quite and smooth I sometimes forget that Im driving. Whenever I give anyone a ride they cannot believe how nice of a vehicle it is. Last year I drove my 06 on a 3000 mile trip and averaged 32 mpg at 75 mph. I was astounded. I think the 09 will do better based on what I have experienced so far. I shopped hard for a new car in 06 and as soon as I took a test drive of the 06 Lucerne I bought it on the spot. After two months with the 09, I am not sorry.

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  Much better than the pros rate it - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By unklray - August 1 - 2:52 pm

  We have only owned this car a month but it was a service rental and had 5300 miles on it. At that point it had averaged 20.7 miles per gal. My wife drove it locally a week and it went to 20.8. We drove it 125 miles mostly freeway at 70 mph and got 30.2 mpg. This car drives so smooth, quiet. Plenty of pickup and power. It has everything but the kitchen sink for options. I cant believe all the criticism I see when the pros rate it. Definitely recommend it if you want a great ride and value in a luxury sedan.

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  2008 Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Terry - July 29 - 9:15 am

  My lease ran out on a Jeep Cherokee and I was in the market for a BMW, Lincoln, Audi or Toyota. I stopped by my local GM dealer just to see what the Buick Lucerne was all about. It had all the amenities I wanted and I loved the ride and handling. I wanted a comfortable car and a safe car. I got a great deal because it is a 2008 and GM was in the midst of financial problems. I did not go to any other dealer. I knew what I wanted and got the price I wanted. I plan on keeping my Lucerne for a long time. As a road warrior, I want something safe and comfortable. I bought it.

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  Great Cruiser - but little else - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By mbarker - July 16 - 7:56 pm

  I bought the Lucerne due to a job change that requires that I drive 125 interstate miles roundtrip each day. Very comfortable/roomy car that is very quiet. It was made to cruise the highway. Even with the V-8 its not very spirited and it handles like a bus. It was not made for evasive or sporty driving. The fuel mileage has been on average about 26 mpg with 90% of driving on the highway. The cooled seats are great and keep you comfortable in hot humid weather. The Harmon Kardon stereo is average at best. It has the Continetal tires and there is a vibration the dealer cant get rid of. They claim "excessive road force variation" and its not covered by the certified warranty.

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  WOW! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By DJ - July 15 - 10:08 pm

  I have had a Lincoln and 3 Cadillacs, but this Lucerne is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It has luxury and performance and is GM, which I think makes the best American cars on the market. This car is so comfortable and is a real beauty! I love the features, especially the heated seats. We have long, cold, snowy winters here, but I use the heated seats during long trips even during the summer because of the comfort it gives my back. Great sound system, smooth ride, and the most comfortable seats ever make this car my all time favorite.