USA Today has posted a glowing review of the 2006 Buick Lucerne, which columnist James R. Healey says is “among the best big, front-drive sedans on the market.” The Lucerne is based on the chassis used for the Cadillac DTS, but Healey says the Buick is “more pleasant to drive, more appealing inside, slicker-looking outside.” He insists modern Buicks are not just cars for old “fogeys.” Buick may not be a young, hip brand like Scion, but it “has a high-performance heritage that is decades old and is being renewed in Lucerne.” Healey goes on to say that Buick’s build quality is superior to that of Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, and its interior is on par with other luxury cars. “And since when are a comfortable ride and pleasant amenities bad things? Been in a Mercedes-Benz lately? Or a big BMW or Lexus? Buicks by another name.”
Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
01/27, 9:01 PM
posted by:
Mike
that guy has no taste…im sure it is a fine vehicle but it looks like it could have been produced in the mid eighties…boring.
01/28, 12:53 AM
posted by:
John
Lucerne…. is that not the name of the Safeway supermarket in-house cheap brands?
01/28, 2:41 AM
posted by:
Angel Rivera
Isn’t USA Today written for people with a 3rd-grade level of education?
01/29, 3:13 PM
posted by:
Za
First off, the Lucerne seems typical of the modern day, aside from the gorgeous Enclave, in representing an understated attempt at luxury. It is not supposed to have the *bling*bling* of the Cadillacs while still maintaining a high level of refinement. Most recent Buicks have failed at this-the Lucerne is refreshing in that it is a decent car. I would personally not drive one, but I could easily see many 50somethings buying the car.
However, the article was atrocious. I don’t know what James Healy was thinking, but most of his comments came off as personal attacks on other manufacturers. Furthermore, some of his statements make me rather skeptical of his credentials.
“There’s even a sports Lucerne model, CXS, that has bigger wheels, tires and brakes than the others and a firmer suspension for more agile handling.
One trade-off of the big wheels is a 44-foot turning circle diameter, as big as a full-size pickup. That makes it clumsy in some parking lots. ”
To put it bluntly, the hell is he smoking? Sinc when did the wheel diameter affect turning radius? Am I missing something here?
Lastly, although they most definitely cater to a similar crowd, I highly doubt many Lexus or Mercedes shoppers will be swayed by the Buick. I would still take the ES330 if I wanted a cloud cruiser.