The 2008 Buick Lucerne ranks 5 out of 9 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 77 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Lucerne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Lucerne is large sedan that provides a comfortable and smooth ride in a spacious cabin. It is somewhat soft on performance, with slower acceleration, looser handling and softer brakes than some of its competitors.
The 2008 Buick Lucerne is s a good highway cruiser, with a nostalgic look that recalls classic American sedans. The Washington Post says it's a "plush automobile. But it is not a motorized marshmallow in the manner of the big Buicks of old." The Lucerne is a large car, with enough room for five adults and a smooth, comfortable ride.
The 2008 Buick Lucerne is available in four trims: the base CX, the CXL, the CXS and the top-of-the-line Super (available spring 2008). For 2008, Buick has added stability control, and lane departure warning system and a blind spot alert system as options on all trim levels.
For a car that comes in for some criticism due to its relative lack of passing power, the Lucerne doesn't offer particularly good fuel economy. If you're considering the Lucerne, you might also want to look closely at the well-regarded Toyota Avalon, and the ultra-safe Ford Taurus.
* "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
* "It offers full-size American luxury, technology, and power, a combination sure to raise Buick's attraction." -- Motor Week
* "It delivers decent performance with a smooth ride and a comfortable, quiet interior -- attractive attributes for those who must endure a grueling daily commute or travel long distances." -- Forbes
* "Buick's Lucerne is a relaxing luxury sedan that coddles occupants and driver alike, but it's not the breakout hit Buick needs to find new customers." -- Car and Driver
* "When you add a few options, or upgrade from a V-6 to a V-8, the Lucerne is pushing or exceeds $30,000. And for that price, what's going to persuade you to buy a Buick rather than an entry-level Audi or Acura or even a Nissan Maxima or Toyota Avalon?" -- U.S. News
* "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 - 7.1 (Good)
Reviews say the 2008 Lucerne's performance is pleasant, as it delivers a smooth ride that's typical of Buick sedans, but lacks the punch of many competitors. The V6 engine that powers the CX and CXL engines is seen as adequate, but only the V8 of the higher trims provides class-competitive power. The Lucerne's soft handling bothers many reviewers, and Automobile.com calls the turning radius "huge -- bordering on ridiculous." Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the more powerful V8 that propels the top of the line Super Lucerne.
Lucerne Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Lucerne offers a modern update on the conservative styling traditional of Buicks. Car and Driver concludes that in "the country-club parking lot, it looks right at home with BMWs and Lexuses." Still, New Car Test Drive adds, there is "no mistaking the Lucerne for anything other than a Buick." Check out the Buick Lucerne Photo Gallery, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read about a how Buick updated its traditionally understated look to keep up with competitors.
Lucerne Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Lucerne, according to reviews, is a roomy and comfortable ride, with an accommodating amount of interior space. 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." The big Buick's fit and finish causes some disagreement, however. See the surroundings in our Buick Lucerne Photo Gallery, or continue with our full Interior Review to read about a feature list that puzzles some reviews call abundant, while others note some puzzling absences.
Lucerne Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
Buick has substantially improved the list of safety features available on the 2008 Lucerne, but some of the more advanced systems are expensive options that can quickly drive up the price. In government crash tests, the 2008 Lucerne earned five stars for driver protection in front impact crashes, and five stars for front passenger protection. In side impact crashes, the Lucerne earned four stars for front seat occupant protection and four stars for backseat occupant protection. Continue with our full Safety Review for a complete summary of the Lucerne's safety equipment, standard and optional.
Lucerne Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 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, as well as a five-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about Buick's reputation as one of the most consistently reliable GM brands.
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