CD Article: 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL V6

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

All-new for 2006, the Lucerne is Buick's full-size premium sedan, offered with a choice of two engines and three trim lines. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh drives the V6 and reports that it's roomy, comfortable and aimed squarely at its audience, but a bit too plain for the price.    More...

[a4_tom]

One evening I followed a rental in the traffic light, I thought I was following the awesome but underrated Phaeton with its quad tailights and rear sceen. When it took off, I saw a Buick emblem and I scream to my GF "Damn Phaeton rip-off!!"

[Benhaze]

That is so funny. I had the exact same reaction but thinking it was the new Passat. I actually think it looks better than the Passat. Yikes!

[Benhaze]

Well from the rear and 3/4 rear view anyway. But how come so standard stability control? And still 4-speed auto trans? Interior still needs some work per this review. The 3.8L is a good engine with lousy sound -nothing smooth about it- and is starting to be long in the tooth.

Looks like another good intention from GM but half finished. Tss.. 

[Howswedeitis]

I have to agree when I first saw this car I thought it had more than a passing
resemblance to the VW Phaeton! Indeed from the rear it's clear that car
was this ones' "inspiration". That being said, the car is overall a very nicely
styled piece that will not look dated in just a few years. Unlike the
Avalon and Lexus that are well JAPANESE and have that weird overstyled
look that doesn't do anything for me (just look at past generations of these
cars and it's clear they definately look dated by the end of their product cycle)
perhaps that's the idea! I have no problem with the 3800 engine, yes it's
not a multi valve affair but it's very reliable has a proper torque curve and
is fuel efficient. As for the interior, I agree that GM could have done
a little more with the dash that seems to me a little on the plain
side but it certainly doesn't offend and I'm guessing those seats are
supremely comfortable. I'm sure GM will sell everyone of these they make
as it represents great value plus I wouldn't be surprised if the car attracts
a much younger audience.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Agree with Howitis.

For the price, and for the right buyer, this car is a great option. It's large, its' quiet, it's comfortable, has the right features (even washer tank heater and in some Magnetic Ride Control), engines, and a contemporary but modern look. I think this is one of GM's best sedans to date, and unfortunately the tester does not show off how good this car can look.

For $30 - 40Gs, this is good value, especially closer to $30.

The rear does look TSX/Phaeton rip-off, but then GM has outright targetted VAG for it's redesigns and interiors.

Funny enough, I pulled up behind a car at a light and thought it was the new quad taillights on a G35 sedan. Must have been daydreaming, as when it pulled away I realized "Wait a minute, that's a PHAETON!"  . Yep, I MUST have been daydreaming... how dreamy that car is to me (driven by a mid-30's Asian gentleman with VW of Windsor plate surround). While in Florida driving in the dark it took awhile to recognize the Phaeton's LED tail lights too.

[wing]

^ maybe it was Mcombie?

[a4_tom]

Compare to Park Avenue it replaces, Lucerne really does look a lot classier and more contemporary thanks to its European-influenced styling. Buick owners, just like Avalon and ES ones, are very loyal bunch of matured customers that are hard to sway brand. So it would be interesting to see how Lucerne match up with ES350, which is also all-new this year.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think you're getting the space and comfort of a near Caddy DeVille/DTS (which shares it's platform with Lucerne) or Avalon at a Toyota Camry V6 price.

[a4_tom]

Next time I need to rent a full-size sedan for a 1000+ km long road trip, I will surely check with Avis to see if Lucerne is available, possibly at a lower rates/class than DTS.

[Bullet Blue]

Maybe I missed this, but is it also replace the Le Sabre? Or as that already been cut? I wouldn't mind trying one of these out as a rental either. It would be an excellent highway car.

[Howswedeitis]

From what I gather the Allure is the model that has replaced the LeSabre.

GM has what I feel is a very competitive combo with the Allure / Lucerne
offerings. Both are modern albeit admittedly not "cutting edge" but very
capable and competitive sedans which will surely broaden their client
base to include those under the 'golden age' set.

Heck I'd argue that the Lucerne with 18 inch wheels in white or silver
is as attractive as any sedan out there today...boy can't believe I
said that!

If not a home run...a solid 3 base hit for sure.

[Bullet Blue]

From what I gather the Allure is the model that has replaced the LeSabre.


Heck I'd argue that the Lucerne with 18 inch wheels in white or silver
is as attractive as any sedan out there today...boy can't believe I
said that!

Ah ok, Allure replaces the Le Sabre.

My neighbour two houses down from me has a Park Avenue in white with Chrome rims. As much as I despise chrome rims, it actually looks good on the car. The car looks quite elegant and classy. Except he never drives it. He goes to the grocery store in his F-150 down the street 

[Howswedeitis]

I hear ya! Listen you're talking to a guy who has only driven European cars all his life...
various VW's, 3 Saabs and a couple Volvos so I find it surprising I actually like this
car...it has presence and it's surely solid...two qualities in a ride I like! 

[a4_tom]

If Allure replaces LeSabre, then which car replaces Century/Regal?

My neighbor is a Buick loyalist. Since I moved here 13 years ago, he owned boxy generation of Century. Then latter changed to a Regal-esque Century and just brought an Allure CXL from GM Employee Discount program last summer. His wife still driving an Y2K LeSabre Limited. I have to say both Allure and Lucrene look extremely good for its target audience.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Century/Regal were replaced by Allure/LaCrosse (US), and LeSabre/Park Ave were replaced by Lucerne.

The white with pearl white paint and chromies is my fave too   It looks darned good.

[skypoint]

I was very surprised to read that the Allure interior felt better. I found the Allure's internal material quality to be dissappointing.

[articsteve]

This car is the same old, same old entry from Buick but with some different skin. New V6 Camry will just bury this car in every respect except for seating capacity; no bench seat in Camry.

When is GM going to put this motor out of it's misery.  197 HP out of 3.8 litres  mated to a 4 speed tranny.   Stability control not available on V6 models.     

Because of nasty depreciation it might make a decent used car buy for someone old that doesn't drive much.

One reviewer called the new Camry a Buick from a different world.  How profound.  

[a4_tom]

The Shortstar V6 from STS might be more appropriate for Lucrene's status.

[Bullet Blue]

I hear ya! Listen you're talking to a guy who has only driven European cars all his life...
various VW's, 3 Saabs and a couple Volvos so I find it surprising I actually like this
car...it has presence and it's surely solid...two qualities in a ride I like! 

Ditto on both comments! My girlfriend's parents have a Buick Roadmaster, and it is a dream to drive on the highway. I believe it has a detuned vette engine in it, so even though it is HUGE, it can hold it's own when you put the peddle to the floor.