2009 Buick Lucerne
- 2008 Buick Lucerne
- Used Buick Lucerne
Based on analysis of 83 Lucerne reviews and test drives.
Buick Lucerne - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Buick Lucerne ranks 4 out of 9 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 83 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Lucerne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2009 Buick Lucerne is an old-school American sedan with a roomy interior and confortable ride. The main drawback to the car is its price -- the Lucerne costs as much as someentry-level luxury cars that are equally comfortable but offer more engine power and a more entertaining ride.
The Lucerne might be the right choice for a buyer looking for a comfortable highway cruiser with a spacious interior and classic Buick looks. But its huge turning radius, underpowered engine and near-$40,000 price mean that many buyers will want to test drive other large sedans before committing to buy this one.
The new Hyundai Genesis, for example, offers a similar amount of cargo and passenger space in a more luxurious cabin and with more power under the hood, all for about the same price. Larger midsize luxury cars, like the Audi A4 and Acura TL, carry similar price tags but offer more refined rides and more updated technology.
General Motors has filed for bankruptcy protection, and though it plans to continue the Buick brand, the Lucerne may not be continued with it. The car suffered a sharp sales drop in 2008, and so far, it appears to be selling even more slowly in 2009. GM has no anknowledge plans to redesign the Lucerne. For car shoppers, however, that could be great news - it may be easy to negotiate a deal on a Lucerne. See our best car deals page for current discounts.
The 2009 Buick Lucerne is available in three trims: the base CX, the CXL, and the top-of-the-line Super. For 2009, the V6 engine that drives the CX and CXL models sees a 30-horsepower boost, and now accepts ethanol as well as gasoline. A few luxury features that were optional on CXL models are now standard, and 17-inch wheels are now standard on all Lurcernes.
- "This is the best Buick I've driven in years." -- Boston Globe
- "Buick's new flagship sedan boasts clean lines suggestive of fine German sedans, while maintaining Buick traditions. Inside, it's elegant and comfortable and easy. Underway, the Lucerne is smooth and quiet, but its steering is precise and it handles winding roads with aplomb." -- New Car Test Drive
- "You know about a car after 1,000 miles. You certainly know if you'd like to spend another 1,000 miles in its driver's seat. When it comes to the Lucerne CXS, I'd say 'Yes' to that one in a hurry." -- Washington Post
- "If you can't get comfortable with the idea of picking a domestic brand versus a higher-image import, you may not care for the 2009 Buick Lucerne. This cleanly-crafted four-door looks good enough to earn more youthful (read fiftyish) buyers than the previous Park Avenue, but it's still no kids' cool cruiser." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "If you're looking for a traditional full-size American luxury car with an available V8 and acres of interior space, the 2009 Buick Lucerne is worth a look. Less nostalgic buyers will be better served by this segment's more capable competitors." -- Edmunds
- "I can't see why anyone would pay $38,980 for a Super, especially when it comes with some tradeoffs, not the least of which are gas mileage and ride quality." -- Cars.com
- "It offers full-size American luxury, technology, and power, a combination sure to raise Buick's attraction." -- Motor Week
- "Nice as the car was, I was surprised by its price. The CXS started at $34,265 and ended up at $36,485. That seemed a bit high." -- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Lucerne Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Lower trim levels of the 2009 Lucerne has received a power boost, but reviewers still say only the V8 of the higher trims provides class-competitive power, and the big car's handling was a problem for many reviewers. Automobile.com calls the turning radius "huge -- bordering on ridiculous." continue
Lucerne Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2009 Buick Lucerne's styling gives a nod to the tradition of huge American sedans, but with a conservative refinement some reviewers like. Car and Driver concludes that in "the country-club parking lot, it looks right at home with BMWs and Lexuses." continue
Lucerne Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Lucerne is extremely spacious -- it technically seats six, although reviewers say the optional front-middle seat is not truly usable. Forbes puts it in practical terms: "Five adults, or six with the optional third seat up front, can ride in complete comfort with sufficient trunk space for their belongings." continue
Lucerne Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The Buick Lucerne does fairly well in government crash tests, but some safety features that are standard equipment on most cars will cost Lucerne buyers extra. continue
Lucerne Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Buick Lucerne reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Buick offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on all its cars. continue
