2006 Buick Lucerne Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

All new when it replaced the LeSabre and Park Avenue in Buick's lineup, Lucerne enters its second model year little changed. Lucerne shares its basic architecture and V8 engine with the Cadillac DTS. CX and CXL V6 models have a 197-hp V6. CXL V8 and the top-line CXS have a 275-hp V8. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Lucernes come with front bucket seats and a center console for five-passenger seating. CX and CXL models seat six with an available front bench. Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, ABS, and OnStar assistance are standard. An antiskid system is standard on CXS, optional on CXL V8. Exclusive to CXS is GM's Magnetic Ride Control, designed to adjust suspension firmness to match road surfaces with driving conditions. Leather upholstery is standard on CXLs and CXS, unavailable on CX. Available features include remote engine start and heated and cooled front seats.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac DTS.

Buick Lucerne is new or significantly redesigned.

News

No big changes loom for Lucerne, say our sources. GM's 3.6-liter "high feature" V6 may replace the hoary pushrod 3.8 at some point, but that's just our guess.

Meantime, a big new rear-wheel-drive Buick flagship sedan could surface by decade's end, now that GM has reactivated a platform program previously known as "Zeta." The move paves the way for several new GM cars, including a reborn Buick "Roadmaster" sedan. If approved--and it hasn't been yet--it would be the first rear-drive V8 Buick since 1996.

2006 Buick Lucerne Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy (V8)

Quietness	Visibility

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
5	7	7	5.6

Both engines provide adequate around-town power, work well with smooth-shifting transmission. V6 trails refined V8 for merging and highway passing power, and neither engine matches Chrysler 300C powertrain for outright muscle.

Fuel Economy

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
5	5	5	4.5

No opportunity to measure V6. Test CXL V8 averaged 18.1 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving, test CXS models averaged 15.4 in mostly city driving, 22.4 mpg with more highway use. V6 uses regular-grade fuel. Buick recommends premium for the V8.

Ride Quality

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
6	6	7	6.7

CXL models compliant over bumps, but unwanted body motions abound, including float at higher speeds and bobbing over broken surfaces around town. CXS very nearly as compliant, better composed thanks to Magnetic Ride Control, but still suffers more unwanted motion than necessary. No opportunity to test CX, which Buick says has more comfort-oriented suspension tuning than other models.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
4	4	6	5.9

CXL versions suffer copious body lean in turns. CXS also leans in turns, but handles better overall. With V6, steering vague, overboosted on the highway. V8 models get variable-assist steering that feels more precise. All Lucernes have a wide turning circle for poor close-quarters maneuverability. All stop with confidence, have reassuring brake pedal feel.

Quietness

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
8	8	7	6.8

Models tested impressively quiet. CXL's 17-inch tires generate less rumble than CXS's 18s, but neither is intrusive. Engines muted in all but full-throttle situations.

Controls

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
7	7	7	6.5

Gauges clearly marked, controls well-placed, refreshingly easy to operate. Cabin materials mostly of high quality, but a few lightweight plastic panels seem out of place.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
8	8	8	7.8

Ample head, leg room. Seats comfortable, supportive; available heating and cooling work well. Visibility to corners compromised by large roof pillars. No opportunity to evaluate with bench seat.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
7	7	7	7.1

Only taller riders might wish for more head clearance. Leg room good, but toe space tight. Some testers say seat too low for best support. Three-across travel compromised by uneven floor, cushion shape. Large door openings make entry/exit a breeze.

Cargo Room

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
5	5	5	5.8

Large trunk opening, but lid hinges intrude on cargo area. Small rear-seat pass-through a poor substitute for folding seatbacks. Despite two-tier center console, smallish map pockets and glovebox mean only adequate interior storage.

Value within Class

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
6	5	5	7.1

A step up in roominess and features from the Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue sedans it replaces, Lucerne occupies a middle ground between the flamboyant Chrysler 300 and the conservative Toyota Avalon. The well-appointed CXL V6 may be the most Lucerne for the money. However, the costlier but still reasonably priced CXS is tempting just for its better ride control, with V8 power an added bonus.

Total Score

CXL V6	CXL V8	CXS	Class Average
61	62	64	63.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		63
High Score		70

2006 Buick Lucerne Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CX 4-door sedan	$25,265	$23,875	$725

CXL V6 4-door sedan	$27,265	$25,765	$725

CXL V8 4-door sedan	$29,265	$27,655	$725

CXS 4-door sedan	$34,265	$32,380	$725

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, compass, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Full-size spare tire, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

CXL adds to CX:

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Cornering lights, upgraded suspension, 235/55R17 tires.

CXS adds to CXL:

Powertrain

4.6-liter V8 engine.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), mirror-mounted turn signals, Harman/Kardon sound system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, 245/50R18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
CX	$450	$374
Heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing wipers.

Luxury Pkg.
CXL	$895	$743
CXL w/heated/cooled front seats	$595	$494
Heated 8-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors).

Entertainment Pkg.
CX, CXL	$795	$660
Harman/Kardon sound system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month). CX requires optional radio.

Driver's Confidence Pkg.
CX, CXL, CXS	$595	$494
Rear-obstacle-detection system, remote engine start, alarm. CXL V8 requires antiskid system.

Safety
Antiskid system
CXL V8	$495	$411
Requires Driver's Confidence Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
CXL, CXS	$1,795	$1,490
CXL requires Entertainment Pkg.

Power sunroof
CX, CXL, CXS	$900	$747
CX requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
CX	$150	$125


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
CX	$450	$374
CXL, CXS	$300	$249


Extended-range remote keyless entry
CX, CXL, CXS	$50	$42
NA w/Driver's Confidence Pkg.

Heated/cooled front seats
CXL	$1,075	$892
CXS	$500	$415
Requires heated washer fluid. CXL requires Luxury Pkg.

Front split bench seat
CX, CXL	$250	$208


Power passenger seat
CX	$350	$291


Heated washer fluid
CXL, CXS	$100	$83
Requires heated/cooled front seats. CXL requires Luxury Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
CXL, CXS	$495	$411


Premium paint
CXL, CXS	$995	$826


Engine-block heater
CX, CXL, CXS	$50	$42


Chrome alloy wheels
CXL, CXS	$650	$540

2006 Buick Lucerne Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Buick Lucerne 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	115.6

Overall Length, in.	203.2

Overall Width, in.	73.8

Overall Height, in.	58.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3764

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	41.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.8 /231	4.6 /279

Horsepower @ rpm.	197 @ 5200	275 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	227 @ 3800	292 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	19/28	17/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Buick Lucerne 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Buick Lucerne
Trim Level: CXL
Arrival Date: 01/26/2006
Engine: dohc V8
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $30,265
Price as Tested: $34,800
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 2828
Mileage at End of Test: 3465
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 34.99 gals.

Major Options: Heated and Cooled Front Seats, 17-inch Chrome Wheels, Driver Confidence Package (remote vehicle starter system, theft deterrent system, rear parking assist), Luxury Package (driver 8-way power seat, passenger 8-way power seat, memory package for 2 drivers), Stabilitrak, AM/FM Stereo w/6-Disc CD Changer, MP3 Player, Theftlock, Heated Washer Fluid.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.21 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Lucerne is a critical car to the viability of Buick, and it enters the market with some very serious challenges. GM had to create a car that wouldn't alienate the core buyers of the LeSabre and Park Avenue. At the same time, it had to not only be good enough for them, but also be good enough to go up against stellar products from Chrysler and Toyota. GM has succeeded on both fronts, offering buyers a variety of models and features set at compelling prices. The whole package is dynamically sound and assembled with great care, with the CXL V8 representing the best value in the lineup.

Tom Appel Whack. That's the sound of Buick's first home run of the new millennium. This is not a perfect car, but it is an ideal large car for drivers who don't expect to derive fun from their ride. Big, quiet, nicely built, and powerful. Lucerne is the best new Buick in a very, very long time. When Buick builds a large Toyota...well actually, they just did.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Buick Lucerne
Trim Level: CXL
Arrival Date: 06/26/2006
Engine: dohc V8
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $29,265
Price as Tested: $36,585
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1249
Mileage at End of Test: 1973
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 39.81 gals.

Major Options: Touchscreen Navigation Radio, Heated and Cooled Seats Â– Driver and Front Passenger, Entertainment Pkg. (9-Speakers, Harman/Kardon Sys, XM Satellite Radio Service), Driver Confidence Pkg. (Remote Vehicle Starter System, Theft Deterrent System, Rear Parking Assist), Luxury Pkg. (Driver 8-Way Power Seat, Memory Pkg. for 2 Drivers), Stabilitrak Â–Stability Control, Premium Paint, Heated Washer Fluid

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.19 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
John Biel With a starting price just over $29,000 (with options and deliverly, the vehicle in this test came to $36,585), the Lucerne CXL V8 offers a roomy and powerful package for a decent price. Driving dynamics will probably be best appreciated by veteran Buick customers.

Mark Bilek Lucerne is a fine car that deserves a look. CXL rides a little too soft for my tastes, but CXS is much better with little increased harshness. Shame on GM for not offering a 5- or 6-speed automatic.

Tom Appel We rate this FIVE points lower than the comperable Avalon? If Avalon is a 9, then this is a 7 or 8.

< 2006 Buick Lucerne Photos

Also in the 2006 Buick Lucerne Review:

Buick Lucerne

Buick Lucerne Road Test

Buick Lucerne Prices & Equipment

Buick Lucerne Specs & Safety

Buick Lucerne Photos

Buick Lucerne Full Review

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