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2006 Buick Lucerne CXL V6 Road Test

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Khatir Soltani
A Step in the Right Direction
 
I was born to a Buick lover. My dad is a devoted GM client who
Buick girl meets modern Buick. Outcome? Pleasant. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)
owned more Buicks than any other brand. My brother and I saw a lot of North America from the back seat of a Buick.   There were what I call "the Regal years", because we owned three in row. Throw in a couple LeSabres and you pretty much have my family car history.

A few months back my personal car was crushed by a truck. The insurance company gave me a new LaCrosse to tide me over as a loaner. My dad's reaction, once he found out that his girl child was fine, was that at least now I was driving in style. Needless to say when I called the "Old Man" to tell him I would be test driving the Lucerne, he was ecstatic.
 
The
Classic VentiPorts; V6 model gets three holes, V8 gets four. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)
latest addition to the Buick line up is based on the Cadillac DTS platform, which by today's standards makes the new Lucerne a land yacht. It's about 6 inches longer than the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon, and 2.5 inches longer than the Ford Five Hundred. However, what a handsome boat it is. The designers brought back the signature Buick portholes over the front fenders on each side. In the late forties through to the late fifties, Buicks sported "VentiPorts" as a type of status symbol. If you were driving the lower priced Special or Century you had three holes on each fender. If you were the owner of the higher priced Super or Roadmaster you got four per fender. Well today the V6 Lucerne sports three portholes while the V8 has four. Back in the olden days they would also to light up; thankfully current versions do not. Oh and by the way, they are completely ornamental.
 
Ornamental isn't necessarily bad, though, as the fashionable Lucerne is a much more contemporary looking vehicle than
Styling is conservative, but it should please most. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)
the LeSabre and Park Avenue it replaces. While it doesn't stand out like the 300, it's far more handsome than the Five Hundred. The front is very Buick, with an almost oval grille, however from the sides or behind it seems kind of European-like. It wouldn't look out of place parked amongst BMW's at the golf course. For styling, it got two thumbs up from Dad.
 
On
3800 V6 engine is reasonably powerful and reasonably efficient, but the competition's more modern engines are more spirited. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)
the lower end of the price range are the CX and CXL models, both standard with GM's 3.8-liter 3800 V6 engine, which has proven reliable for the brand. However, the 197 horsepower pushrod mill seems as if it's been around since the Leafs won a Stanley Cup. My Pops was quick to remind me that it is somewhat fuel efficient. I say somewhat because while 23 miles per gallon in the city and 39 miles per gallon on the highway is not bad, the Avalon gets 26 miles per gallon in town and 39 miles per gallon   on the highway. Comparable for sure, but the Avalon has 268 horses kicking in at 6,200 high-flying rpm. The Lucerne's little brother, the LaCrosse, also sports the same engine, but due to its lighter weight I find it to be slightly more responsive.
 
If you are looking for more power the more upscale Lucerne CXS may be for you. It comes with a Northstar 4.6-liter V8, taken from its big cousin Cadillac. Yes, gone since the mid-nineties in Buick cars, the V8 is back. With prices soaring at the pump, you may want to feed the 275 hp engine regular fuel, but premium is recommended.  I tested the CXL model with the base 3.8-liter engine, and it had adequate power. After all, let's be honest here, the average Buick driver is in his or her sixties, and therefore hot-rodding around town is not necessarily their top priority.  
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada