Used 2006 Buick Lucerne Consumer Reviews
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Lucerne is the Best
I wanted a large car with a soft confy ride on all roads. Glad I bought this car. Tons of room, seating for Fit and finish is great. I had a Lexus rice burner and truly prefer the Buick Lucerne Bigger and better
Would buy another one
There have been two annoyances: 1. Readablility of instruments in bright sun is very poor. 2. When very hot; i.e.sitting on hot macadam for hours and/or driven hard, the steering has a tiny "thunk" feel on occasion when making a turn. It's been traced to a universal joint in the steering linkage. Dealer got 95 percent of it out, but a slight amount remains. I suspect it might be a design flaw. Had Lexus LS-400 before. Buick is as good and in many ways better. Recently drove 09 Lexus ES-350. Prefer Buick. Smooth, silky traveler; head-snapping acceleration; quieter than new Lexus; 19.7 mpg around town; very little roll on twisties (not a sporty car, though); 4-spd is slick.
It's a Buick
Only owned the car for half a year, but I love it so far. Not the best on gas, 23 mpg freeway, but not horrible. It's a comfortable ride, looks better in person than in the pictures. Lots of interior room, black leather looks awesome, plenty of room for a family of four. Some reviews complain about it not competing with Avalon's or BMW's, well, that's because it's a Buick. It's big, it's comfortable, it's not a performance sedan, but it does have power with the Northstar. Big and heavy, front wheel drive, good for Minnesota's winter. It is what it is, it's a luxury car with a good mixture of old and new. If you like full size Cadillac's, Buick's or Lincoln's, then you'll probably like this car.
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Value for money
I was seeking a luxury sports sedan in the $30,000 range and reviewed and test drove a bunch of them, foreign and domestic, For its price, the Lucerne CXL beats them all, including the highly touted Japanese brands. I had intended to buy the CXL with the V8 for it's high end torque. I had a '96 Olds LSS with GM's tried and true 3.8 liter V6 engine, and my only complaint with it was that it lacked high end torque for passing power, When I drove the CXL with this same engine I was amazed at its pep and passing power, all anyone would ever need, GM has worked wonders with this engine. The car is roomy, has great handling, is comfortable and well appointed inside. Great value for money
Steering
If you wish to make a U turn, make sure you have enough room as turning radius does not allow for real sharp turns. It is still a stylish vehicle. It does well on long trips as far as comfort and economy. I have consistently experienced 24 miles per gallon on a long trip.
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21st Century Boulevard cruiser
I have total confidence in this car. It has been 100% reliable. I would have no problem driving my chariot anywhere in the USA. I absolutely love this car. It's as American as it gets. The V8 is pretty quick. I love it even though certain repairs are expensive. I have never been stuck on the side of the road. It's never failed to start. It uses a lot of premium gas but I don't care!
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First 100,000 Miles
My first 100,000 miles in this Buick Lucerne CXL have been a truly awesome experience. I changed a rear tailight bulb...and that's it! The only normal wear items have been 1 set of tires and brakes. Great mileage at an average in the mid 20's but 28 on the highway at 70. Not bad for such a large car. The V6 is absolutely bulletproof with a long history for reliability. Motor is adequate, but at 197 horsepower we're at the low end of acceptable. The plus side is endless quiet cruising ability. Brakes are very good. My wife's Infiniti lives at the dealer, but we can always rely on the Buick. I'm looking forward to the next 100K....unless I buy a 2010 Buick Lacrosse!
2006 Buick Lucerne CXL
I bought this car used with 47,000 miles on it and have driven it 27,000 miles in one year. It has a very quiet ride and decent acceleration for a V6 powered boat of a car. Gas mileage on the highway ranges between 25-26 mpg in the winter to 27-30 in the summer. In town? 18-19. Not that great. The stock radio went to the recycle yard right away. I had to turn it up pretty much to the extent of it's volume to hear. Chucked it for a Pioneer aftermarket and that solved the sound issues. The drivers seat isn't the most comfortable and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel doesn't help. Trunk space and lack of a true fold down rear seat are also drawbacks.
Great Car - Problem Fixed
Reading my previous review, you will see the problem with the oxygen sensor. After two more visits regarding the same problem, the GM advisor recommended that the Dealership check the wires. magic, one of the wires had a short in it which was affecting the oxygen sensor. Problem has been repaired and the car is just humming along. I would still recommend this vehicle even with my problem since that was not a design flaw but instead a supplier issue with the wiring.
i would buy it again
I have had my 2006 lucerne cxs since 2006 . bought it with only 20,000 miles on it. It has now 198700 miles. it has sport suspensions which makes it a smooth ride even on a rough surface roads. 180,000 miles just replaced the shocks and struts. 190,000 new water pump, it's a great highway car, i could drive it 14 hours straight and not get tired. around town 23 mpg.and 31 highway. I'll call it a luxury sports car. with magna ride and magna steering. great car and buick shouldn't have stop making it. Now it has 235400 miles still drives and rides like it did when I bought it . But it's got a oil leak from oil pan gasket like all northstars engines do. $1400.00 to fix. And hard to find a mechanic shop to work on it .
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On the road again.
I love my Buick. It is 10 years old now. And always reliable. Only thing I did wrong was buy heavier snow tires for it and dont like the ride. So am changing the tires now. But have 83,000 miles on it and this will be the third set of tires. Maybe they will be the last.
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RAM
My third Buick, previous two were LeSabres. This is by far the best, a smooth quite ride. The 3.8 V6 has plenty of power for me.
Blind spots need to be fixed
My CXS is a great road car and as I drive about 1000 miles/week, this is important to me. However, it has one major design flaw that should be corrected. The A-pillar is huge, which when combined with a large side-view mirror, creates a very large blind spot when turning. It is a problem when navigating in city traffic for other cars, but particularly for pedestrians and bicycles. Other than that, it's a great car and I recommend it.
Lemon of all Lemons
After three Honda's I decided to get a roomier family sedan than the Accord. I heard nothing but good things about the Lucerne. Within one day of purchasing the right rear passanger door would not open. Warranty repair. Three days later there was a loud metallic grinding. The dust cover for the crankshaft was rubbing against the crankshaft. Warranty repair. The keyless remote broke three times. Three trips to the dealership. Yesterday the oil pump failed and starved the engine of oil. The engine has to be completely replaced. The car is three months old and has 2500 miles on it! I spent most of those miles driving to get it repaired. I am going to attempt a GM buyback.
Great Car but...
I have owned this car for 10 months. Mostly highway driving. I love the ride of the vehicle and have no complaints about the gas mileage that this V8 gets (22+mph). My complaint is about the oxygen sensor. My check engine light has been a problem since 5,000 miles and it all revolves around the oxygen sensors. I have had the car in for service on 8 times and all but one was for the oxygen sensor. When I took the car in for the PA Annual Vehicle Inspection, Penske Buick had the car for over one week and finally got it to pass inspection after replacing the oxygen sensor and part of my exhaust system. Thank God for the warranty! Buick has a winner here. Just need to correct this problem.
Love it, buying another
Comfort in the back seat for clients. Comfortable seats Love driving it but have to watch my speed. It's a smooth drive & you don't realize how fast you go. Nice design. Been stopped & had people comment on it.
Uncompromised, Affordable Luxury
After 4 years, I decided to upgrade my 2005 Century with a newer model. Unfortunately, 2005 was the last production year for Centurys, so I had to try something different. Fortunately, a local Buick/Chevrolet dealer had my solution---a one-owner, low mileage 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL V6 with tons of stuff I never had in a car before. The vehicle hardly showed any signs of wear and use, and its luxury touches hooked me in. The firm yet soft leather front seats have heated cushions and lumber supports. The interior is spacious and seats five. The center console has the traction control switch, a two-stage storage compartment, and a dual cup holder with auto-adjustable cup sizers. The steering wheel is padded and leather-wrapped, with audio and cruise controls built-in. The rear seating (also leather) has a retractable arm rest that hides a trunk access door. Large map pockets are in the backs of the front seats. and the rear seats have a heat-A/C duct for comfort. The luxury touches? Full power, A/C (dual zone); driver's position has two possible driver memory settings; there is a compass and outside thermometer (read on the instrument panel); a "driver info system" tells you how far you can go with the gas you have left; it tells you how much "life" is left in your oil; and tire pressure can be read from the driving position. The sound system is great, with AM/FM/CD, auxiliary MP3 jack, and Sirius XM radio, backed by 9 Harman Kardon speakers. On Star emergency service is built-in (extra cost subscription required, like the XM radio). There is NO back up camera, but an innovative "spider sense" system built into the rear bumper sounds an alarm (and flashes lights visible in the rear view mirror when you get close to something behind you. The sun/moonroof leaves a surprising amount of head room, and the trunk is fairly large, controlled with the remote key fob (there is no key lock for the trunk). It opens at a click to its maximum height. Door locks and an alarm are also controlled by the remote fob. Powertrainwise, the Lucerne is a pleasant surprise. Its smooth 4 speed automatic is coupled with a frisky 3.8L V6 delivering 197 HP that makes it very responsive while getting 19 MPG city, 28 HWAY, very good for a full-size luxury car that is actually a close mirror image to a Cadillac. For those who MUST have lots of power, there is an optional V8 available out there, but I find the V6 to be more than adequate for the task, and I have gotten 29 MPG on the road. People looking for top-of-the-line luxury of a Cadillac will be pleased to know this Lucerne is a virtual Caddy clone with a lower price in a class that includes Lexus, Lincoln, and the Chrysler 300.UPDATE 10/17/2023---Today, more than a year and a half later, this car still runs great, with a nimble, soft ride that still gives me around 29 MPG on the highway., and people riding with me still remark on how luxurious it and its comfottable ride. Several of my friends now say they'll consider a Buick over Lexus, Lincoln, or Chrysler.This is why they used to ask, "Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?"
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Best Ever
I am a 73 year old male and so have had some experience behind the wheel. This is by far the best car I have owned. The ride is smooth and quiet and the quality and fit of the interior materials is better than I expected. There are better rated cars on the road but considering the price range and target market for this vechile, it would be hard to beat. This is my third car with the GM 3.8 liter V6 and it has plenty of power at the low end where you need it. I drive freeways 5 days a week and have no trouble merging and cruising along with the traffic flow.
Buick
Car is confrontable and quiet and get good gas mileage
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Thumper the vibrating Lucerne
This car was in the showroom. I bought without driving. Big mistake. Took it back for a vibration problem in 2 weeks. Aligned it. 2nd time changed engine mounts. I was told to put 800 miles on before returning. 3rd visit they told me the car was to spec and that is just the way it drove. The service manager was very passive about my problem. 4th visit at my request the wheels were road forced balanced. Some correction was made but the car still vibrates. The service manager said that I might want to replace the tires with Michelins. 5th all the oil drained car towed. 6th the battery quit charging. The car is not safe to drive over 45mph. This car is junk.
WOW!
I have had a Lincoln and 3 Cadillacs, but this Lucerne is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It has luxury and performance and is GM, which I think makes the best American cars on the market. This car is so comfortable and is a real beauty! I love the features, especially the heated seats. We have long, cold, snowy winters here, but I use the heated seats during long trips even during the summer because of the comfort it gives my back. Great sound system, smooth ride, and the most comfortable seats ever make this car my all time favorite.
2006 Lucerne
Have owned (3) Park Avenues in the past 12 years. Looked with anticipation to the Lucerne. Found a vibration throughout that has not been fixed even though wheels were balanced twice. No trunk key entry. Gas filler flap opens when touched. Great for those disposed in siphoning out your gas. Because of recessed instrument panel dials, can not see them in the daylight. Steering is much too stiff. The ride is "harsh" and the noise level is no better than my Camary, or Miata Rides like a pick up truck. Engineers have gone to great lengths to ruin the traditional great ride associated with Buick. Very disappointed in this car and would like to get rid of it as soon as possible.
This car has beautiful body style.
Plastic around drivers seat just cracked off. Wheels look like aluminum film is peeling off on them, this amazes me I thought buicks to be better made. Brakes noise, power stearing empty on fluid tho not leaking, have to keep a check on it. Overall pretty good car. This car don't seem to be as well made as older models like everything else you buy these days.
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Quirks. Like every other GM.
Will get 30+ MPG if driven 55-60 MPH (for the tank this car is, this is phenomenal). Gets 26 MPG 80/20 mix (highway/city), speeds up to 80 MPH and spirited. Proven engine. Absolutely smooth and quiet. New tires vibrate at certain speeds for 1200 miles (and then 1200 more when rotated). Horrendous blind spots. Great road car, crummy to drive in the city. Powerful on the highway. Awful seats; extremely sore after driving car (and I'm not old). Interior materials very cheap, nasty seat fabric. Ergonomics are bad. No telescopic steering wheel. Passenger seat rattles. Driver seat plastic cracked off. Would I buy it again? No. Tired of quirks. Probably last GM I buy.
Buick Lucerne
Excellent car. Why would anyone buy an export car when we can buy this car. I've had many cars in the past and this is by far the best I've ever owned. This is the car GM should of built years ago, they wouldn't be in the mess they're in.
I love my Lucerne CXS!
I absolutely love my Lucerne CXS! Great ride for passengers! Day after day the Lucerne provides a comfortable and pleasing ride. If I do not drive it every day, I miss "Sophie" and she misses me! : ) This truly is an unexpected love affair with my car. I am a past multiple (14years) Chrysler mini-van Mom and was protesting my husband's strong encouragement for the purchase of the Lucerne CXS. (He recalled my delight when sitting in one at the Detroit & Grand Rapids Auto Shows) I continually receive favorable comments and inquiries from friends and complete strangers. (all ages/gender)
Solid cruiser
Bought this car for my wife. I almost only drive it on long trips. It drives and handles well, rides smoothly, is quiet. Mileage isn't bad but I usually hit between 80 and 85 pretty consistently on the long trip across Texas...dull as watching paint dry. Seats are a bit snug but I have back problems and don't experience the problem of comfort some suggest. The Northstar is a good engine but this car needs another gear and it would really fly. In 18000 or so miles we have only added gas and oil changes.
Inside out something breaks every month
Since i have bought this car I have had to have 2 of four doors fixed one wouldnt open other had the handle come off, The power window regulator went out! Motor mounts broke & Now transmission going out! The plastic around the front seats have all broken! Not a car to have, more issues then any other car i have had!
Unexpected - now mine
At 31, I'm suprised I bought a Buick. I had a 2003 Lexus ES300, but needed more space. Quite the benchmark for the next car. Chrysler 300... poor build quality, cheap interior. I had all the intention to buy an Avalon. Then, I went to the auto show in Phoenix, saw the Lucerne on stage and it piqued my interest. So I waited. With the positive reviews, the "auto" blogs, research and then in for a testdrive...well, done deal. Though not on par as far as build quality to the Lexus/Toyota, it makes up for it in design, ride, value, safety and the benefits of OnStar. That feature outshines any navigation system offered by the other marks. Top the deal with J.D. Power ratings for the Buick line.
Great Auyo
WE Bought auto new and only costs to us have been rear brakes, tires, and battery besides normal maintenance. All these are expected. We would highly recommend the Buick Lucerne to anyone. My experience with autos started with a 1938 Packard sedan with twin side mounted tires. The 2 problems are a poor turning radius and being a large car, some parking spots hard to get in and out of. I recently traded it in on a Toyota Prius. My 2 sons have Prius's and I feel now that the Prius is the best value and car on the road I also have a 1956 Tbird.
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Disappointed and disgusted
I have had my car for 2 years now. The car only had 7000 miles on it when the first oil leak was discovered. I have had it in the shop 3 times for the oil leaks, 5 times for fuel sensor, 1 time for traction sensor, once for the rack and pinion. It is in the shop now for the same noise it was make when they replaced the rack & pinion but they said it is not the same problem, but can't find what it wrong.
Best car I've ever owned
Traded a 2003 Cadillac DTS and was somewhat apprehensive about buying a Buick. This car is more than equal to the Cadillac in ride, appearance, power, quietness and handling. I have been buying new cars every 2 years for the past 50 years, and this is the best car I have owned. If GM changed the name from Lucerne to Lexus they would not be able to keep up with the demand.
Next Generation Buick
I've driven Cadillacs, Park Avenues, Grand Prix's, Lincoln's and others. This is the best of the best. All I have to do is get in and steer, it pretty much does everything else. It sets my seat, turns to my favority radio channel, turns on the lights when needed, turns on the wipers when needed, the radio automatically increases the volumn as your highway speed increases to adjust for any slight increase in noise level due to engine speed etc. What more do I need. The v-8 engine is amazing, far surperior to the v-6. I may not get 28 mpg's, but 25 mpg's with this better preformance is worth it. For those who want a luxury car without the luxury price, look at the BUICK LUCERNE.
Return to Buick - 27 Years Later
I decided to buy a Buick after a 27 year hiatus after viewing and riding in the LaCrosse. I decided to purchase the Lucerne because it was roomier. It most reminded me of the luxury and comfort of the Duece and a quarter., The port holes really caught my attention. The only reason I did not get the V8 was due to availability (none in pool). The only thing that needs to be improved in the interior is to add an additional 12VDC power outlet at the ft or rr base of the front seat on the bench seat version. On the exterior option package, please make the chrome 17 wheels standard. The dark metal ones in VIN 6U145870 are not appealing to admirers.
No More Cadillacs
This car is driven mostly by my wife. Almost every day she comments on how much she enjoys it. This car has every conceivable option you would ever need. Otion out any of its competition and the price difference will amaze you. The interior is spacious; the truck is huge. The Lucerne should be on everyones test drive radar. May be the best GM vehicle we have ever owned.
An Amazing Luxury Car!
This car was well worth my 6-month wait as it has already exceeded my high expectations. The comfort, styling, performance it provides rivals that of much more expensive luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Infinity, Cadillac and the like. It is also fun to learn how to use all of the options and realize how sophisticated the electronics are in choosing how you want to operate the car. I'm also very pleased with the OnStar service as it is very easy to use.
Performance Package at a Value Price
I have owned a number of Cadillac STS's and generallly partial to GM products. However, a new STS with the performance trim list was in excess of $60k and the DTS similarly equiped was $50+k. The CXS was priced just under $37k. It has the all the equipment: Northstar, stabilatrack, magnetic ride control, variable raitio steering, 18 inch wheels and more. I enjoy driving this car. It has ample accelelation and corners well for a large car with plenty of room in the back seat as well as the front. The leather seats and wood trim rival both the domestic and foreign competition. I popped for the wood/leather steering wheel and wood shift. I think this car is fun and great value!
New car problems
I just bought this car and I have problems with alignment and the traction control. Hopefully they can remedy this problem.
2006 Great Choice
I test drove several luxury brands including Lexus, Infinity, Mercedes, Cadillac and Lincoln. I stopped by the Buick dealer on a whim, and am so glad I did! It was ultimately between the Cadillac STS and the Lucerne GXS. The Lucerne by far was the superior automobile, in style, comfort, and drive. The Northstar V* is a real plus!
My Lucerene
This Buick Lucerne is the best Buick I have ever owned. The gas mileage is everything GM said it would be, (even better, 21 city and 34+ highway.) Quality, oh yeah! Performance is really good, seating could use a little more support. I have had no trouble with options. I just can't say enough about ride quality, handling, and performance. It is more comfortable than any Benz, Ford, Mercury,or Chrysler that I have looked at in this price range. Thanks GM, you have a real winner in the Lucerne.
Best New Car Ever Purchased
Buick got it together this time with the Lucerne CXS. Great appearance and smooth, quiet ride. The Northstar V-8 is awesome on power and response. Built tight and handles smoothly with the 18-inch tires and stabililty-track system. Interior is elegant in appearance; leather bucket seats are extremely comfortable with every adjustment feature at fingertip or memory. Interior is roomy with plenty of leg room especially in the back seat. This car is in the luxury class. As a previous Cadillac owner, the Lucerne CXS has it all at a great price. Best new car I've seen for 2006. The Lucerne CXS is top choice for new car full-size sedan.
Pleasant Surprise
I have owned a number of Buicks, including Park Avenue Ultras (last car 2000 model). I am very pleased with this car's performance. It is "tight"--a term I would use for agile, steady handling, much like a German car. The Northstar engine is super responsive, and emits a NASCAR like growl under accelleration. Seats are comfortable and it has many great new features such as heated windshield washers. Road noise is well isolated at cruising speed. I believe the only down side to this car will be fuel economy. I have averaged about 19 mpg so far vs. an average of 22.5 with the supercharged Ultra.
One Sweet Ride
I just purchased the vehicle this month and can only say that it is one fantastic automobile. The ride is so quiet, you almost don't realize the engine is running at idle. And for those who think that there are some luxury appointments missing, no way. This car is luxury all the way, from the rich leather/wood grained interior, air/heated seats, to the remote starter; yes that's right, remote starter. From 180 feet, you can fire up the engine and have the interior waiting for your arrival at your specifications. The trunk is huge and the 18" nickel chrome plated wheels make one phat ride. If you want performance and luxury,and spend more than this, you need therapy.
Beats the Imports
The Lucerne is a fantastic car. Better looks, design, features and quality than any import (including Lexus & Toyota) we looked at. The car rides, handles, performs better than the imports. This is a major step forward for GM & the Buick line. The fit and finish on the care are exceptional. The standard features make this a great car and the price is very reasonalbe. The navigation system is better than any offering from Japan or Germany. We love the car.
Super American car
This an excellent car, fun to ride and handles beautifully. The value is great considering the features that are available in the car. The size is excellent for my needs, no foreign car can match it, especially at this cost. The long term reliability will have to be proven with time. But, I have confidence that it will from what I have experienced so far.
2006 Buick Lucerne cx
The 2006 Buick Lucerne cx is a good & reliable car,just wish it had better gas mileage almost 200,000 miles not bad ahh
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Great value
Rides like a dream, quiet and comfortable. Luxury car for less money that our past Cadillacs or Lexus.
New Owner Loves Lucerne
We are new owners. My husband, in the past, has bought Chevy Caprice and Olds Delta 88, would still be driving if they were still available. Someone suggested we look at the Buick Lucerne and within 4 hours we traded our Chevy Impala for the Lucerne. He likes the driver's space since he is a tall person and is looking forward to going on a long trip.
I still love this car !
I like it so much , I may not trade it in yet.
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Solid, well built
Does what it is expected to do. Only drawback for me was lack of quickness from stop. But it is a big car and was not advertise as quick. Just my desire.
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