2008 Buick Lucerne Review
The Lucerne is a luxury large sedan that replaced the LeSabre in 2006. Returning to its roots, the Lucerne is available with a V8 engine this year. In fact, everything about the Lucerne evokes the feel of a classic American sedan: large, cushy, and classically styled.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Buick Lucerne brings new hope for this ailing brand. An American luxury car for the 21st century, it combines roominess with hi-tech features. It’s available V8 provides plenty of power, and the Lucerne’s suspension allows for a nice, smooth ride. Some critics take issue with the steering quality and long braking distance. Despite its high price tag, it competes well with more expensive European models.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Lucerne 3.5 stars for overall mechanical quality and 3 stars for overall performance and design. Problems with the Lucerne include hard starting, computer errors, failing keyless entry and transmission wiring shorts. It was recalled once in 2006 for power steering leaks. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Lucerne earned 5 stars in government frontal crash tests and 4 stars in side tests. In IIHS tests, it earned “Good” for the front, “Acceptable” for the side, and “Poor” for the rear. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags and traction control standard. The Super and CXS include stability and brake assist, but they’re otherwise optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Roomy
+ Smooth ride
+ Available V8
Cons
– Pricey
– Wimpy base engine
– Long braking distance for this class
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Toyota Avalon XL has over 70 more hp, a better turning diameter and power seats standard, but has less front passenger space. The Saab 9-3 has standard leather, but costs over a thousand more, only has a 4 cylinder engine, and lacks an automatic transmission and navigation. The Lincoln MKZ includes leather, CD changer, and 60 more hp, but costs several thousand more, and also lacks navigation.
What Others Are Saying:
“Lucerne’s interior is more tasteful and roomier than Avalon’s. The trunk is bigger. The Buick offers an optional V-8 engine, which the Toyota doesn’t. Driving Lucerne is a smoother, more pleasing experience. The Buick’s automatic transmission is a four-speed instead of the Toyota’s modern five-speed, but Lucerne’s gearbox is smoother-shifting than Avalon’s.” – USA Today
“More than that, the Lucerne’s lack of soul proves that Buick is a dead marque dying. One could argue that Electra Waggoner Biggs’ sculpture and the car named after her were tacky- nothing more than American populism with a continental twist. But their unabashed spirit demanded your attention. If the Lucerne is as good as a Buick gets, it’s only a matter of time before the entire brand follows its Swiss namesake into historical irrelevance. “ – The Truth About Cars
“Lucerne is a very nice car with a lot of style and power. Compared with the LeSabre, however, it falls somewhat flat, with a high price, larger less economical engine, and front bucket seats that don’t generally appeal to the demographic.” – The Auto Channel
Read more about the 2008 Buick Lucerne at the Buick manufacturer web site.
