2008 Buick Lucerne: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.