Teresa’s View
The Buick Lucerne is a new face that brings with it an old friend. Introduced to replace the LeSabre and Park Avenue, this all-new, near-luxury sedan from the Detroit-based automaker is the first car from Buick to offer a V-8 engine since the Roadmaster was discontinued in 1996.
The optional 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 is the Lucerne’s best feature. Borrowed from Cadillac, the beefy power plant generates 275 horsepower. A standard 197-hp 3.8-liter V-6 addresses the concerns of those who choose gas mileage over power. Fuel estimates for the V-6 are 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway versus 17 city/25 highway with the V-8.
The elegant cabin features generous seats and a full array of premium gadgetry. A graceful swash of tasteful wood trim dots the dash, doors and center console.
Outside, the styling, though clean and well executed, is too conventional to make it pop in a parking lot. The only exceptional embellishments are the shiny silver portholes found on the front fenders, a Buick styling cue that harks back to the 1940s and ‘50s.
Buick is finding it difficult to shake its stigma as an “old persons” carmaker. Even hiring spokesmodel Tiger Woods hasn’t appeared to purge the stodgy image. What it will take is for Buick to build more cars like the Lucerne.
What Is It?: The 2006 Lucerne is an all-new offering from Buick. There’s a choice of three trims — an entry-level CX sold with the V-6 engine; a middle-of-the-road CXL with a choice of the V-6 or V-8; and a luxurious CXS offered with the V-8 only. Prices for the full-size, four-door, five- or six-passenger premium sedan start at smidge over $25K.
Gadget Rating: 8 out of 10. I’m particularly fond of the heated washer fluid, rain-sensing windshield wipers and “Quiet Tuning,” a sound-dampening system that even stifles the slap-slap of the windshield wipers. A $300 audio upgrade that includes a 6-disc CD changer, MP3 player and an anti-theft system is worth the price.
Favorite Option: The Lucerne is offered with optional heated and cooled front seats.
Safety: The Lucerne sports six airbags — including curtain airbags that run the length of the car — remote keyless entry, daytime running lamps, ABS and one year of OnStar service.
The Back Seat: Adults and children will be comfortable in this roomy back seat. A pull-down armrest reveals a set of cupholders and pass-through.
Grocery Sack Test: A turned-up tush gives the Lucerne nice lines, but makes for a higher liftover when loading large items. The cargo area is poorly trimmed and the deck lid’s intrusive, old-fashioned rocker arms are a rare misstep in this otherwise well-crafted car.
Pet Peeve: With all of the emergency brake options out there, Buick insists on using the dated foot brake. One must lift one’s leg in an unladylike manner to engage the brake.
Cheat Sheet: Buick is a longtime member of the General Motors family.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Lucerne is assembled in Detroit.