2009 Buick Lucerne Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2009 Buick Lucerne includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Buick Lucerne from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Buick Lucerne, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Buick Lucerne help you decide if a 2009 Buick Lucerne is right for you.

2009 Buick Lucerne Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Visibility

Quietness

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CXL	Class Average
5	6.2

The V6 engine provides adequate around-town power and works well with the smooth-shifting transmission. The V6 trails the refined V8 for merging and passing power, and neither engine matches the rival Chrysler 300's V6 and V8 engines for outright muscle.

Fuel Economy

CXL	Class Average
5	4.4

No opportunity to measure. Lucerne V6 models use regular-grade gas. Buick recommends premium for the V8.

Ride Quality

CXL	Class Average
7	6.6

CXL models are compliant over bumps, but unwanted body motions abound, including float at higher speeds and bobbing over broken surfaces around town. Buick says the Lucerne CX has a more comfort-oriented suspension, but that model has not been made available for us to test.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CXL	Class Average
5	6.3

CXL versions suffer from a lot of body lean in turns. The steering is vague and overboosted on the highway. All 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

CXL	Class Average
8	6.7

Lucerne is impressively quiet. The engine is hushed in all but full-throttle situations.

Controls

CXL	Class Average
7	6.9

Gauges are clearly marked. Major controls are well-placed and refreshingly easy to operate.

Details

CXL	Class Average
6	6.3

Cabin materials are mostly of high quality, but a few lightweight plastic panels seem out of place given Lucerne's pricing.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CXL	Class Average
8	7.4

Headroom and legroom are ample. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with the available cooling feature an unexpected surprise. Visibility to the corners is compromised by large roof pillars.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CXL	Class Average
7	6.7

Only the very tall 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

CXL	Class Average
4	4

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

CXL	Class Average
7	7.8

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.

Total Score