The Buick Lucerne is a very interesting vehicle that if combining some of the best design from older vehicles with some new technology to make it more usable and make it more interesting to a whole new generation of buyers. The newest model of Lucerne offers Bluetooth compatibility, XM NavTraffic, XM Radio, Adaptive Remote start and many more "smart" features that put it way ahead of the curve when it comes to implementation of technology. This is one area where Buick as a company has failed in the past, so they are now making every effort possible to catch up.
This new standard for Buick sedans has many features that have never been seen on any Buick model before. The base models start at under $30,000 but if you add on all the extras, you will be barely able to keep the price under $40,000. The Lucerne Super is the high end model that comes packed with extra features like heated and cooled seats, Harmon Kardon Sound and much more. The standard Lucerne comes with a 227 HP 3.9 liter V-6 engine, but if you opt for the Super package you will be upgraded to a V-8 that produces 292 HP.
The Range
Bodystyle: Sedan
Engines: 3.9L V-6, 4.6L V-8
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Models: CX, CXL, EXL, Super
What's New
Lucerne rides into the sunset with two new radios for five-passenger models. One is an AM/FM stereo with USB port, auxiliary input jack, CD player and MP3 playback. The other integrates similar features into the optional navigation system. Neither radio is available with the optional front bench seat. StabiliTrak with full-function traction control is now standard on all models.
Exterior
Lucerne's aged design does have that "longer, lower, wider" look, although with the short dash-to-axle style of a front-wheel-drive car. Three ventiports per side denotes the V-6 engine, four per side indicates the V-8 option.
Interior
The aforementioned six-passenger, front bench seat option is a hard to find feature. The car benefits from Buick's Quiet Tuning technology, and the Lucerne Super features a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French seam stitching.
Performance & Handling
Modern V-6s make more power than the aged V-8's 279 horses, and turbo fours can match the ancient V-6's 237 horsepower. To make matters more sentimental, both engines are saddled to a four-speed automatic transmission in an era of six-, seven- and eight-speeds. The suspension is tuned to keep you from noticing potholes, but you won't want to corner very fast.
Safety
Lucerne has two leading edge safety features, Side Blind Zone Alert with laser sensors scanning a 150-degree field of view, and Lane Departure Warning, which uses cameras to warn the driver of inadvertent lane changes.
EPA Fuel Economy
CX, CXL, EXL: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Super: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Reminiscing
- Sleeping in the back seat
You Won't Like
- Nostalgic design
- Outdated engineering
- Four-speed automatic
- Marshmallow ride
Sum Up
Cars like this nearly killed Buick
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chrysler 300
- Toyota Avalon
- Ford Taurus