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2008 Buick Lucerne Full Review
Date Published: 5/15/08
Also in the 2008 Buick Lucerne Review:
5.
6.
Buick Lucerne Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Buick Lucerne Review
The 2008 Buick Lucerne lineup gains some new models, including the CXL Special Edition and sporty Super. Buick's largest car shares its basic design with the Cadillac DTS. A 197-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine is standard in the CX, CXL, and CXL Special Edition V6. A 275-hp 4.6-liter V8 is standard in the CXL Special Edition V8 and CXS. The new Super has a 292-hp version of the same V8, along with revised steering, sport suspension, and specific interior trim. All Lucernes use a 4-speed automatic transmission and seat five. An available front-bench seat on CX and CXL increases capacity to six. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Also available are blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning systems. Leather upholstery is standard on all but the CX. Other available features include remote engine start, heated and cooled front seats, and a navigation system. Evaluations of the 2008 Buick Lucerne Super are based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large inside and out, they offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.
The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.
The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
News
No major near-term changes loom for this reworked version of the once-popular LeSabre. The next few years may see Buick replace the hoary 3.8 V6 with GM's modern 3.6-liter V6, but that's just our guess.
Further out, sources say Lucerne will be replaced for model-year 2010 by a rear-wheel-drive sedan built on the new "Zeta" platform engineered by GM's Australian branch. Some spies think the Lucerne name could be dropped for what would be a platform cousin of Pontiac's upcoming 2008 G8 sedan. It would be Buick's first rear-drive car since the 1996 Roadmaster.
Further out, sources say Lucerne will be replaced for model-year 2010 by a rear-wheel-drive sedan built on the new "Zeta" platform engineered by GM's Australian branch. Some spies think the Lucerne name could be dropped for what would be a platform cousin of Pontiac's upcoming 2008 G8 sedan. It would be Buick's first rear-drive car since the 1996 Roadmaster.
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2008 Buick Lucerne Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy (V8) |
| Quietness | Visibility |
| Instruments/controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
All Lucerne engines provide adequate around-town power and work well with the smooth-shifting transmission. A test CXS did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph. The V6 trails both available V8s for merging and passing power, and none match the rival Chrysler 300's V6 and V8 engines for outright muscle.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
All Lucerne engines provide adequate around-town power and work well with the smooth-shifting transmission. A test CXS did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph. The V6 trails both available V8s for merging and passing power, and none match the rival Chrysler 300's V6 and V8 engines for outright muscle.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, CXS models averaged 15.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 22.4 with more highway use, and just 14.5 in a test that included gas-eating performance runs. We've not had an opportunity to measure fuel economy with the V6 engine. Lucerne V6 models use regular-grade gas. Buick recommends premium for the V8.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, CXS models averaged 15.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 22.4 with more highway use, and just 14.5 in a test that included gas-eating performance runs. We've not had an opportunity to measure fuel economy with the V6 engine. Lucerne V6 models use regular-grade gas. Buick recommends premium for the V8.
Ride Quality
CXL models are compliant over bumps, but unwanted body motions abound, including float at higher speeds and bobbing over broken surfaces around town. CXS versions are very nearly as compliant and better composed thanks to standard Magnetic Ride Control, which uses sensors to automatically adjust the suspension based on road conditions. These models still suffer more unwanted motion than their large car rivals, however. The Super has tighter steering and sportier suspension tuning that results in better ride control with a slight loss in compliance. Buick says the Lucerne CX has a more comfort-oriented suspension, but GM has not made any of those models available for us to test.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
CXL models are compliant over bumps, but unwanted body motions abound, including float at higher speeds and bobbing over broken surfaces around town. CXS versions are very nearly as compliant and better composed thanks to standard Magnetic Ride Control, which uses sensors to automatically adjust the suspension based on road conditions. These models still suffer more unwanted motion than their large car rivals, however. The Super has tighter steering and sportier suspension tuning that results in better ride control with a slight loss in compliance. Buick says the Lucerne CX has a more comfort-oriented suspension, but GM has not made any of those models available for us to test.
Steering/Handling/Braking
CXL versions suffer from a lot of body lean in turns. CXS also leans in turns but handles better overall. The Super is more athletic still, though still short of sporty. On V6 Lucernes, the steering is vague and overboosted on the highway. The CXS's variable-assist steering is only slightly more precise, but the Super's feels tighter. All Lucernes have a wide turning circle for poor close-quarters maneuverability. All stop with confidence, but some testers complain of a dull brake-pedal feel.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
CXL versions suffer from a lot of body lean in turns. CXS also leans in turns but handles better overall. The Super is more athletic still, though still short of sporty. On V6 Lucernes, the steering is vague and overboosted on the highway. The CXS's variable-assist steering is only slightly more precise, but the Super's feels tighter. All Lucernes have a wide turning circle for poor close-quarters maneuverability. All stop with confidence, but some testers complain of a dull brake-pedal feel.
Quietness
Models tested were impressively quiet. CXL's 17-inch tires generate less rumble than the 18s on CXS and Super, but none are intrusive. The engines are hushed in all but full-throttle situations.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Models tested were impressively quiet. CXL's 17-inch tires generate less rumble than the 18s on CXS and Super, but none are intrusive. The engines are hushed in all but full-throttle situations.
Controls
Gauges are clearly marked. Major controls are well-placed and refreshingly easy to operate.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Gauges are clearly marked. Major controls are well-placed and refreshingly easy to operate.
Details
Cabin materials are mostly of high quality, but a few lightweight plastic panels seem out of place given Lucerne's pricing. The Super benefits from a leather-covered dashtop and upgraded trim more befitting the car's near-luxury status.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Cabin materials are mostly of high quality, but a few lightweight plastic panels seem out of place given Lucerne's pricing. The Super benefits from a leather-covered dashtop and upgraded trim more befitting the car's near-luxury status.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Headroom and legroom are ample. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with the available cooling feature a pleasant surprise. Visibility to the corners is compromised by large roof pillars.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Headroom and legroom are ample. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with the available cooling feature a pleasant surprise. Visibility to the corners is compromised by large roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Only taller riders might wish for more head clearance. Legroom is good, but foot space is tight. Some testers say the seat is too low for best support. Three-across travel is complicated by an uneven floor and cushion shape. Large door openings make entry and exit a breeze.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Only taller riders might wish for more head clearance. Legroom is good, but foot space is tight. Some testers say the seat is too low for best support. Three-across travel is complicated by an uneven floor and cushion shape. Large door openings make entry and exit a breeze.
Cargo Room
Lucerne has a large trunk opening, but its lid hinges intrude into the cargo area. Its small rear-seat pass-through is a poor substitute for folding seatbacks. Despite a two-tier center console, interior storage is subpar due to a small glovebox and door map pockets.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Lucerne has a large trunk opening, but its lid hinges intrude into the cargo area. Its small rear-seat pass-through is a poor substitute for folding seatbacks. Despite a two-tier center console, interior storage is subpar due to a small glovebox and door map pockets.
Value within Class
Lucerne occupies a middle ground between the flamboyant Chrysler 300 and the conservative Toyota Avalon, with the well-appointed CXL offering the most value for the money. The costlier, but still reasonably priced CXS and Super, are tempting for their better ride control and the added bonus of V8 power.
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Lucerne occupies a middle ground between the flamboyant Chrysler 300 and the conservative Toyota Avalon, with the well-appointed CXL offering the most value for the money. The costlier, but still reasonably priced CXS and Super, are tempting for their better ride control and the added bonus of V8 power.
Total Score
| CXL | CXS | Super | Class Average |
| 68 | 69 | 71 | 69.2 |
Scores for all Large Cars
| Low Score | 58 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 77 |
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2008 Buick Lucerne Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/11/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| CX 4-door sedan | $26,925 | $25,444 | $765 |
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| CXL 4-door sedan | $29,570 | $27,944 | $765 |
|
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| CXL Special Edition V6 | $31,385 | $29,659 | $765 |
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| CXL Special Edition V8 | $33,085 | $31,265 | $765 |
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| CXS 4-door sedan | $36,680 | $34,663 | $765 |
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| Super 4-door sedan | $38,630 | $36,505 | $765 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| Lucerne | $1500 cash back or 2.9%-6.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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
CX
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, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, digital-media player connection, tachometer, intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, load-leveling suspension, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
CXL adds to CX:
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, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Cornering lights, upgraded suspension, 235/55R17 tires.
CXL Special Edition V6 adds to CXL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), heated steering wheel w/radio controls, mirror-mounted turn signals.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy wheels.
CXL Special Edition V8 adds to CXL Special Edition V6:
Powertrain
4.6-liter 275-horsepower V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic heated steering wheel w/radio controls.
CXS adds to CXL Special Edition V8:
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Harman/kardon sound system, remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: chrome alloy wheels.
Fog lights, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, 245/50R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Super adds to CXS:
Powertrain
4.6-liter 292-horsepower V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Woodgrain/leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather/suede upholstery, heated/cooled front seats, harman/kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport Magnetic Ride control suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
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||
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CX
|
$950
|
$789
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|
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 6-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, cargo net.
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Luxury Pkg.
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CXL
|
$995
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$826
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Heated 8-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), heated steering wheel. Std. CXL Special Edition.
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Driver's Confidence Pkg.
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CX, CXL
|
$995
|
$826
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Antiskid system, brake assist, rear-obstacle-detection system, remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid, alarm.
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Ultra Confidence Pkg.
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CXL
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$1,685
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$1,399
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Driver's Confidence Pkg. plus blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning system.
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Spring Appearance Pkg.
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CXL
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$795
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$660
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Special paint, unique exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels. NA CXL Special Edition.
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Chrome Appearance Pkg.
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CXL
|
$245
|
$203
|
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Chrome grille, chrome decklid molding. NA CXL Special Edition. NA w/Spring Appearance Pkg.
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Safety |
||
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Blind-spot alert
|
||
|
CX, CXL, CXL Special Edition V6, CXL Special Edition V8, CXS, Super
|
$395
|
$328
|
|
Requires lane-departure warning system. CX requires Driver's Confidence Pkg., Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
|
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Lane-departure warning system
|
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CX, CXL, CXL Special Edition V6, CXL Special Edition V8, CXS, Super
|
$295
|
$245
|
|
Requires blind-spot alert. CX requires Driver's Confidence Pkg., Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
|
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
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CXL, CXS, Super
|
$1,945
|
$1,614
|
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Power sunroof
|
||
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CX, CXL, CXL Special Edition V6, CXL Special Edition V8, CXS, Super
|
$900
|
$747
|
|
CX requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
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CX, CXL, CXS
|
$300
|
$249
|
|
harman/kardon sound system
|
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CX, CXL
|
$495
|
$411
|
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Heated/cooled front seats
|
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CXL, CXS
|
$895
|
$743
|
|
CXL requires Luxury Pkg.
|
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Front split bench seat
|
||
|
CX, CXL
|
$295
|
$245
|
|
NA CXL Special Edition.
|
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6-way power passenger seat
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CX
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$350
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$291
|
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Heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
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CXL, CXS
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$100
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$83
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Includes wood shift knob w/std. bucket seats. CXL requires Luxury Pkg.
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Extended-range remote keyless entry
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CX, CXL
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$50
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$42
|
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NA w/Driver's Confidence Pkg.
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Chrome grille
|
||
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CXL, CXS
|
$195
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$162
|
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NA CXL Special Edition.
|
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Black chrome grille
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CXL
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$245
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$203
|
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NA CXL Special Edition.
|
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Special paint
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CXL, CXS
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$495
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$411
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Premium paint
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CXL, CXS, Super
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$995
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$826
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Engine-block heater
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CX, CXL, CXL Special Edition V6, CXL Special Edition V8, CXS, Super
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$75
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$62
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Chrome alloy wheels
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CXL, CXS
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$750
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$623
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Std. CXL Special Edition.
|
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.8 /231 | 4.6 /279 | 4.6 /279 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 197 @ 5200 | 275 @ 5200 | 292 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 227 @ 3800 | 295 @ 4400 | 288 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 4-speed automatic | 16/25 | 15/23 | 15/22 |
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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Buick Lucerne Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Buick Lucerne Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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