Review
Introduction
The Lucerne is an old-fashioned American car that’s probably best compared with the Lexus ES350: lots of luxury but not much sport at a very reasonable price. Front-wheel drive only, the Lucerne comes in three models: the CX and the CXL, which are powered by a 197-hp, 3.8-liter overhead-valve V-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission; and the Super, which has a DOHC 4.6-liter V-8 under its hood that produces 292 horsepower, again mated to a four-speed automatic. (The CXL Special Edition is available with the 4.6 V-8 as an option.) The Super replaces the V-8 CXS, which was powered by a 275-hp V-8.
Verdict
The Lucerne is hardly an enthusiast’s ride, but it is a quiet and refined cruiser that’s perfect for people who travel long distances on the freeway. The car is also very luxurious, especially in Super form, which features niceties such as a leather-finished dashboard and a heated wood steering wheel. The standard V-6 engine is merely adequate on the performance front, but the Super is quick off the line and benefits from sportier suspension tuning, although it’s still happiest as a highway cruiser.
Click here to read our full review of the Buick Lucerne.
What’s New for 2008
The Super replaces the CXS, which means there are likely some good deals on leftover examples of that model. As well as the standard 292-hp V-8, the Super gets different steering gear, a recalibrated suspension, standard 18-inch wheels and tires, a stability-control system, and a raft of luxury features. The V-8 CXL also goes away. The StabiliTrak stability-control system is available on the CX and CXL models, XM Satellite radio is now standard on all models, and blind-spot-alert and lane-departure-warning systems are now available.
