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Buick Lucerne - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Buick Lucerne ranks 5 out of 7 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 84 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Lucerne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Buick Lucerne is a throwback - a huge American sedan built to emphasize a roomy interior and comfortable ride above all else. It might be a solid choice for a buyer looking for a comfortable highway cruiser with a spacious cabin. But its sluggish handling and dated looks keep it from the top of its class.

The Lucerne's list price alone, near $40,000, might be a good reason to test drive some competitors before putting down a deposit on a Lucerne. The Hyundai Genesis, for example, offers ample cargo and passenger space in a more luxurious cabin, with more entertaining driving dynamics, for a similar price. Even some larger midsize luxury cars, like the Audi A4, can be purchased for about the same price.

But buyers interested in a Lucerne might be able to find one for less than advertised. The 2009 edition of this car sold so poorly that General Motors was not expected to build a 2010 Lucerne. If sales of the 2010 model are similar, it may be easy to negotiate a deal on a Lucerne. See our best car deals page for current discounts.

The 2010 Buick Lucerne is available in three trims: the base CX, the CXL, and the top-of-the-line Super. For 2010, Buick offers an optional new wheel design, a refreshed instrument cluster and new interior and exterior colors for the Lucerne. Bluetooth is now optional on the base CX model.

• "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)

Performance is not the 2010 Buick Lucerne's strong suit. With its available V8, the Lucerne offers plenty of passing power. V6-powered Lucernes, however, are considered underpowered. Reviewers also lodge complaints about the big car's handling. Automobile.com calls the turning radius "huge -- bordering on ridiculous." Read More

Lucerne Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

Buick's designs have been updated in recent years, and while reviewers say the 2010 Lucerne won't turn any heads, it no longer looks like a dinosaur. Car and Driver concludes that in "the country-club parking lot, it looks right at home with BMWs and Lexuses." Read More

Lucerne Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The Lucerne is one of the most spacious sedans Americans can buy. Forbes claims that "Five adults, or six with the optional third seat up front, can ride in complete comfort with sufficient trunk space for their belongings." But many reviewers say the seating capacity is realistically capped at five - the center front seat is too small for an adult, and not safe for a child. Read More

Lucerne Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2010 Buick Lucerne has not been crash-tested, but the mechanically-similar 2009 model did well in government crash tests. However, Buick charges extra for some safety equipment that is standard on most of the Lucerne's competitors. Read More

Lucerne Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 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 protects all of its cars with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More