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:

• 

  From Audi to Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Daniel - July 13 - 10:36 am

  My first GM car since my Chevrolet Citation in 1981. I was attracted to the Lucerne because it is built over the Cadillac DTS platform. I rented a DeVille a few times wile travelling in California. I was very please with the DeVille. The overall finish is at par with Japanese or German. Lets see if it is as reliable as my fathers LeSabre.

• 

  Not Stunning - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By sequoyah101 - June 27 - 5:10 pm

  My wife insisted on a V8 to replace the Park Avenue so we got this one after looking at an Avalon, 535 and 350GS and a CTS. If this car had a 6 speed transmission and the engine wouldnt rev so high at cruise (feel like I have to keep my foot in it) and it could get much better mileage (never been better than abt 24 to 25 and abt 20 in mixed driving) it would be great but it doesnt and it isnt but it is OK. This should be a 30 mpg car like the old PA. Buick just went too far with the acceleration "performance" tuning of this car to no good end. Like the styling, interior is nice without being fussy though the seats hit me wrong for some reason it is still comfortable enough.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ray - June 20 - 2:36 pm

  The Lucerne is a great car. It is comfortable, has a roomy interior, enough power to satisfy me and not make me feel I cant get on the interstate without a problem. However, several small things have been a problem. The cup holder in the console is a dud. Cant see the heated seat lights in the daytime. The seats squeak and the remote trunk opener should not be in the glove box. Would I buy this car again? In a minute. I can overlook the small stuff because it is fun to drive, confortable and with only 2200 miles, problem free. The 3.8 engine is old technology, but if past history is any indication, it will run for ever withoiut a problem, and get decent gas mileage for a car this size.

• 

  Great Car-Cosmetic Problems - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ken - June 6 - 9:31 pm

  This has been a great car, comfort and style is very good. Gas mileage is really good, over 30 miles per gallon on last trip from Portland Or. to Idaho Falls Id. My problem has been cosmetic,all outside chrome strips on windows have been replaced twice due to rust spots. Since i have just over 50,000 miles now Im worried about the next time it happens. The finish is also rapidly coming off the wheels leaving black splotches. The dealer refuses to do anything about it except make note of the problem. They blame it on the current problems GM is having for not taking any positive action on it. As I stated Great Car, very dissapointed in the cosmetic problems.

• 

  Outstanding car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JDOLANMAN - May 26 - 3:10 am

  I have owned this Buick since January 2006 and it is excellent in all respects. It looks good, feels good and it is the most quiet automobile that I have ever owned. Rack up a winner for Buick and General Motors.

• 

  Buick Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Albert Strickland - May 21 - 1:11 pm

  This is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. I have owned Cadillacs Olds, and Pontaics over the years and some of them were bad. It is a shame that it took GM this long to wake up and build a car of the caliber

• 

  Nice car but annoying rattle in front - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gary R. - May 1 - 10:13 pm

  Bought as a replacement as I wrecked my 07 saturn vue. 08 Lucerne CX was a dealer demo with approx. 2,400 miles on it. Started to hear a rattle/buzzing noise within the first month coming from the front end area. Brake lights stayed on until I went to the dealer for the repair. Dealer replaced a fuel line problem as there was a GM bulletin on that. To date, I have had the car in 5 times for the rattle and still rattles/buzzes. Im "disenchanted" with this Buick. Im going to try the rattle repair one more time.....then Ill contact GM personally. (They probably wont care/ or respond) Dealer has been sympathetic to my issue anyway. Im going to buy Honda next time.

• 

  2009 Lucerne CXL - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By jack - April 23 - 3:57 pm

  My first Buick after a long line of Pontiacs, Dodges, Toyotas and Fords over the years. Reason for choosing Buick was the great looks and an incredible price with GM incentives on what is a high-end luxury car. First impressions-car looks great in Black with Titanium leather interior. Smart lines all around outside and inside, elegant and quietly stating luxury. Strong 3.9L V6 engine coupled with a capable 4 speed transmission. This is a luxury car not a sports car and tuned accordingly for strong performance but not "burning rubber off the line" or "cornering at 75mph". The inside is beautiful with no gimmicky controls- logical and within reach engineered for elegance. I love this car!

• 

  Great Car - Problem Fixed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Rob1958 - April 22 - 2:05 pm

  Reading my previous review, you will see the problem with the oxygen sensor. After two more visits regarding the same problem, the GM advisor recommended that the Dealership check the wires. magic, one of the wires had a short in it which was affecting the oxygen sensor. Problem has been repaired and the car is just humming along. I would still recommend this vehicle even with my problem since that was not a design flaw but instead a supplier issue with the wiring.

• 

  I expected more - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By disappointed - April 16 - 9:24 pm

  Trading in my 2000 Lesabre with 142000 miles I expected a big improvement> Not so! Rattle in front end, trunk doesnt open but half way, wind noise is terrible, engine has no power> Quiet tune? they must have forgotten to do this one, 67 MPH very annoying drive train noise. sun visors not even close to what was on the 2000. Mileage is not as good either. cant reach door handles to close doors. Plastic push pins used in many places all loose.