2007 Buick Lucerne Review
The Buick Lucerne debuted for 2006 as a replacement for both the LeSabre and the Park Avenue. The Lucerne has quickly become a hit, taking up almost a quarter of the full-size sedan market. With its near-luxury status, available V8 engine, and reasonable price, no wonder it’s a success.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Buick Lucerne is a giant leap forward for Buick. With styling, features and comfort designed to compete with more expensive imports it delivers on all fronts. High safety and initial quality scores underscore the impression the Buick has come up with a genuine competitor in the luxury sedan market. We strongly recommend that you add the Lucerne to your list if you are shopping for a luxury sedan.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
Since the Lucerne only debuted last year, it’s impossible to establish long-term reliability. However, it scores highly in J.D. Power and Associates survey for initial reliability, earning three and a half out of five stars. With the exception of a few complaints about interior materials, drivers rate it highly. The 2006 Lucerne was recalled once for power steering leaks in the V8 models. Its standard warranty is effective for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Lucerne earned five out of five stars in government frontal crash tests, and four stars in side impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Lucerne its best “Good” rating for frontal impacts, an “Acceptable” rating for side impacts, but its worst “Poor” rating for rear collisions. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and side airbags are standard on all trims. The CXS includes brake assist and stability control, while they’re optional on V8 models.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Strong initial reliability
+ Loaded with safety features
+ Spacious
Cons
– Mediocre interior materials
– Stiff steering
– Lousy name
Head-To-Head Competition:
The arguable leader in the near-luxury market is the Cadillac CTS, which is easily bested by the Lucerne. Its not only $4,000 cheaper, but it has a much larger engine, more cargo room, and a standard automatic transmission. It also beats out the similarly priced Saab 9-3, with a larger, six-cylinder engine, and automatic transmission. However, the Saab comes with standard leather seats. If you want to move a bit more upscale, the Chrysler 300 costs $5,000 more, but offers a few distinct advantages, such as standard AWD, leather seats, 5-speed automatic, extra cargo capacity, and more horsepower. Regardless, the Lucerne includes standard side airbags and gets slightly better gas mileage.
What Others Are Saying:
“The older the buyer, the more they look for the familiar. There is plenty about the new Lucerne that would be familiar to old Herb and I think he would be sold on this one, though he’s not ready to give up his old Park Avenue quite yet. In fact, I’m sold and I’m waaaay younger. Buick is bridging the generation gap.” – The Auto Channel
“In fact, Lucerne is among the best big, front-drive sedans on the market. Yes, better in significant ways than Toyota Avalon, the standard-setter for the mainstream, big-sedan category.” – USA Today
“Buick targets upscale import buyers with tech aimed at the mainstream and scores half a bull’s-eye: The Lucerne is more competitive with an easy-riding Toyota or Lexus than with a sporty Audi or BMW. Go for the CXS model with the Northstar V-8, stability control, and magnetic shock absorbers.” – PC Magazine
Read more about the 2007 Buick Lucerne at the Buick manufacturer web site.
