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One of GM's current success stories is the 2006 Buick Lucerne. Some 10,000 are rolling out the door each month. This full-size, front-wheel drive replacement for the LeSabre and Park Avenue has not only caught the attention of Buick faithful, but its sleek lines are also bringing younger buyers to GM's oldest brand.
We've been enjoying our long term Lucerne CXS for two months. Mileage has quickly climbed to about 3,500, as it's Northstar V-8 power, and stretch-out room for six, are perfect for long distance getaways. While 20.6 miles per gallon may not sound stellar, that is about 20% better than a typical mid-size SUV.
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Maybe we're showing our age. But, while it is wonderful to carve up back roads in the latest sport sedan or roadster, when you've got lots of Interstate miles to travel, you just can't beat a full-size sedan. And, no one has ever made a better roadmaster than Buick.
Our 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS makes hypnotic highways very pleasurable. From its wide, supportive, heated and cooled seats, quality trimmed and uncomplicated dash, to its utterly quiet interior, our long term Lucerne is a freeway gem. And, with XM satellite radio on board, you never get bored.
We've enjoyed our long term Lucerne for 5 months and 7,200 miles. With its smooth and effortless 275-horsepower Northstar V-8, we've recorded 18.8 miles per gallon of premium in mostly heavy traffic. And, if we have to be stuck in traffic, we mind it less in the Buick Lucerne.
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This 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS full-size premium sedan is a wonderful vehicle for extended vacations where generous seating room for 5 or 6 is what you need most.
We love its great ride, precise for a big-car handling, and the ultra-willing 275-horsepower NorthStar V8. Which at 7 months and 12,000 miles, returns good 19.1 mile per gallon fuel economy on premium grade gas.
Interior fit-and-finish is excellent, and the seats, while wide and flat, have comfortable support.
Last time we praised its easy-to-operate climate controls. But a viewer felt otherwise, and we have to admit the markings for temperature adjustment are very hard to see in daylight. Still, as Buick's latest roadmaster, the Lucerne wears the title well.
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When it comes to day-long trips for our staff, this 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS full-size sedan is a clear favorite. With generous seating, a great front-wheel drive power train, and plenty of comfort and convenience, it really is the modern road master.
And, compared to the typical mid-to-full-size utility vehicle, it's quite efficient. After 10 months and almost 19,000 miles, the 275-horsepower NorthStar V8 is returning a solid 19.7 miles-per-gallon on premium gas.
We love the premium style of its well thought-out cabin. On cold mornings, the remote start feature is a big plus.
While we've had no mechanical faults, a charging system indicator light sent us scurrying to the dealer. After a software hot shot, it went out.
One staffer noted that he was glad he didn't have to be old enough to retire to fall for the Buick Lucerne.
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We really were not prepared to think of ourselves as "Buick" kind of folk, but this long-term Lucerne changed all that.
Lucerne, and the new Enclave crossover, are clearly Buicks with a younger attitude. So, as our year with this full-size 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS comes to a close, we can say we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Besides the obvious long distance comfort, the Lucerne showed itself to be both agile and very spirited, thanks to its 275-horsepower Northstar V8. After nearly 21,000 miles of very mixed driving, economy stands at 19.6 miles-per-gallon on premium gas. That's about the norm for a big luxury sedan.
Our Lucerne did make two unscheduled trips to the dealer to douse warning lights. And, despite big interior improvements, some staff still found hard dash plastics to be anything but premium.
But, we still grew very fond of this modern Roadmaster and feel that if future Buicks stay this course, you won't have to be overly mature to want one.
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Our time is up with this 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS. After over a year, and over 22,000 miles, we bid adieu to a most contemporary full-size family sedan.
Besides long distance comfort, the Lucerne is sure footed, and very spirited with its 275-horsepower twin-cam Northstar V8.
Given such power, we also can't complain about its 19.6 miles-per-gallon economy on premium gas.
Our only problems involved two trips to the dealer for errant warning lights. And, for a luxury sedan, the big grain lower dash plastics failed to make the grade.
But the Lucerne left us convinced that the Buick Brand is on the right, progressive track. Building premium cars and crossovers for buyers that will be forever young at heart.
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