2008 Buick Lucerne Review

What the reviewers like:
Most sources concede that the 2008 Buick Lucerne is a competent performer – it even has some unique advantages, including an unusually quiet cabin, as well as an available front bench seat. Reliability for the V8-equipped Lucerne is expected to be better than average.

What the reviewers don't like:
Handling and performance are the main critiques of the Buick Lucerne. Braking is slow in tests. Fuel economy isn't competitive.

2008 Buick Lucerne review highlights

Reviews for the Buick Lucerne are inconsistent. The most frequently cited asset for the Buick Lucerne is its acoustical engineering, dubbed QuietTuning, which guarantees an unusually quiet cabin. Another plus is its smooth ride. Reviewers also like the available front bench seat, which increases passenger capacity to six and is an option found only rarely among other family sedans. But sloppy handling, an exceptionally wide turning circle and slow braking are often noted in reviews of the Buick Lucerne. Many sources complain that the base-model Lucerne is saddled with an engine that's almost as noisy as it is sluggish. On the other hand, a number of reviewers express excitement over the new-for-2008 Super trim level, which benefits from a V8 engine and upgraded suspension. Those in search of a large family sedan should also consider the 2008 Toyota Avalon (*est. $27,075 to $34,415), which gets better reviews in most aspects.

There aren't very many formal comparison reviews for the 2008 Buick Lucerne. The most recent comparison we found was at Motor Trend; it dates from the 2006 model year, when the Lucerne hit the market as a replacement for the LeSabre and Park Avenue. Other sources like The Car Family, Edmunds.com and MSN Autos focus on price, safety and performance to evaluate the Lucerne against its competitors. Experts at Consumer Guide synthesize the results of comprehensive road-testing to compare the 2008 Buick Lucerne against a segment average, although their quantitative results may be difficult for some readers to interpret. Web-based publication The Truth About Cars delivers a scathing critical analysis of the Lucerne's design and performance, while Car and Driver presents only a short capsule review of the pros and cons of this large family sedan.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Edmunds.com
2008 Buick Lucerne Review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors evaluate the 2008 Buick Lucerne for qualities including safety, interior design and driving experience. They note that buyers partial to domestic brands will probably find the Lucerne a satisfactory performer, but indicate that the average family-car shopper will be better served by a number of alternative choices.

2. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Buick Lucerne Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Mar. 11, 2008

Consumer Guide performs road-testing for nearly every car and truck, then ranks them against a class average. While Consumer Guide's format for test results can be difficult to interpret, the thorough nature of the performance analysis as well as the editors' value-based recommendations make this a helpful resource. The 2008 Buick Lucerne's ratings are about average for its class, but testers note many of the same concerns with subpar handling reported in other reviews.

3. The Car Family
The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans
The Haskvitz Family
Mar. 21, 2008

"The Car Family" consists of four family members, each of which evaluates 2008 cars from a unique perspective that's especially relevant. In this article, family members comment on dozens of 2008 cars, including the 2008 Buick Lucerne, an "old school" car with "a lot of interior room and quiet ride." However, handling isn't great; the brakes are criticized and the steering is "slow." Fuel economy is a negative.

4. Motor Trend
>> Details/Subscribe
Road Test Comparison: 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL vs. 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring Vs. 2006 Mercury Montego Premium AWD
Bob Nagy

While somewhat dated, this head-to-head comparison of the 2006 Buick Lucerne to the Chrysler 300 and Mercury Montego is one of the best with regard to the extensive road-testing. The Montego has been renamed the Mercury Sable for 2008, but none of the models included have undergone truly dynamic revisions since its publication date, so this article is still relevant.

5. MSN Autos
2008 Buick Lucerne Review
Editors of MSN Autos

This is a well-balanced snapshot review of the 2008 Buick Lucerne compiled from a number of sources, including Consumer Reports. Editors also offer some limited comparisons to other large sedans in areas such as warranty coverage and pricing, and provide a forum for owner-submitted ratings.

6. The Truth About Cars
2006 Buick Lucerne CXS Review
Sajeev Mehta
June 21, 2006

The Buick Lucerne's most notable traits, according to this single-car review, are its lack of consistency and distinction. Though reviewer Sajeev Mehta gears his review more toward driving enthusiasts than typical family-car shoppers and is somewhat less than enthusiastic about the Buick Lucerne, his observations regarding the ride quality and interior design may resonate with many drivers. This review covers the 2006 model year, but the Lucerne has undergone few changes since then, so this review can still prove useful.

7. Car and Driver
>> Details/Subscribe
2008 Buick Lucerne Review
Editors of Car and Driver

Car and Driver offers only a short capsule review for the Buick Lucerne, but this full-size sedan's assets and shortcomings are neatly summarized here. Editors also produce a numerical ranking measuring the Lucerne's appeal.

Also see full report: Family Sedans