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2009 Buick Lucerne Performance Review

February 22, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the new V6 doesn't feel much more responsive than the previous one
Consumer Guide

The standard car allows relatively spirited driving
Kelley Blue Book

automatic transmission shifts smoothly enough
Edmunds

While the 2009 Buick Lucerne Super offers exciting acceleration and power, the new 3.9-liter V-6 in the CX and CXL is no improvement over last year's 3.9-liter engine.

The new V-6 engine delivers 227 horsepower—a 30 hp improvement over the last year’s 3.8-liter V-6. Powering the Super is a 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine with 292 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. Paired to either engine is an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

“Despite its additional 30 horsepower, the new V6 doesn't feel much more responsive than the previous one, still providing only adequate around-town power. The Super's V8 is noticeably stronger, particularly in highway merging and passing power, but neither matches the rival Chrysler 300's V-6 and V-8 engines for outright muscle,” says  ConsumerGuide. All Lucernes shift through a four-speed automatic. ConsumerGuide calls it “smooth-shifting,” but Edmunds notes that while the 2009 Buick Lucerne 's transmission "shifts smoothly enough," its "tall, widely spaced gear ratios hurt both performance and mileage"—which is "not a good thing in a class where competitors' transmissions offer five or even six forward gears."

Kelley Blue Book says, “The standard car allows relatively spirited driving (more aggressive than its buyers will likely attempt) with adequate power, good control and solid braking.” The EPA rates the Lucerne at 16 mpg city, 25 highway for the V-6 version, while the Super at the top of the line gets 15 mpg city, 22 highway. Edmunds also notes "real-world fuel economy often falls well below the 20-mpg mark." This is true of in-town driving, although the Buick Lucerne does better on the open road.

Edmunds reports that "handling is mediocre on the softly tuned Lucerne CX and CXL models, which exhibit considerable body roll during cornering," but acknowledges that the Super is somewhat firmer and more controlled, due largely to its magnetic shocks and 18-inch wheels." Autoblog says "an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling."

 

Conclusion

The 2009 Buick Lucerne Super is a strong albeit thirsty performer, while the CX and CXL model's new V-6 isn't so impressive.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:the new V6 doesn't feel much more responsive than the previous oneConsumer GuideThe standard car allows relatively spirited drivingKelley Blue Bookautomatic transmission shifts smoothly enoughEdmunds While the 2009 Buick Lucerne Super offers exciting acceleration and power, the new 3.9-liter V-6 in the CX and CXL is no improvement over last year's 3.9-liter engine. The new V-6 engine delivers 227 horsepower—a 30 hp improvement over the last year’s 3.8-liter V-6. Powering the Super is a 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine with 292 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. Paired to either engine is an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. “Despite its additional 30 horsepower, the new V6 doesn't feel much more responsive than the previous one, still providing only adequate around-town power. The Super's V8 is noticeably stronger, particularly in highway merging and passing power, but neither matches the rival Chrysler 300's V-6 and V-8 engines for outright muscle,” says  ConsumerGuide. All Lucernes shift through a four-speed automatic. ConsumerGuide calls it “smooth-shifting,” but Edmunds notes that while the 2009 Buick Lucerne 's transmission "shifts smoothly enough," its "tall, widely spaced gear ratios hurt both performance and mileage"—which is "not a good thing in a class where competitors' transmissions offer five or even six forward gears." Kelley Blue Book says, “The standard car allows relatively spirited driving (more aggressive than its buyers will likely attempt) with adequate power, good control and solid braking.” The EPA rates the Lucerne at 16 mpg city, 25 highway for the V-6 version, while the Super at the top of the line gets 15 mpg city, 22 highway. Edmunds also notes "real-world fuel economy often falls well below the 20-mpg mark." This is true of in-town driving, although the Buick Lucerne does better on the open road. Edmunds reports that "handling is mediocre on the softly tuned Lucerne CX and CXL models, which exhibit considerable body roll during cornering," but acknowledges that the Super is somewhat firmer and more controlled, due largely to its magnetic shocks and 18-inch wheels." Autoblog says "an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling."   ConclusionThe 2009 Buick Lucerne Super is a strong albeit thirsty performer, while the CX and CXL model's new V-6 isn't so impressive.  2009 BUICK LUCERNE STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “The sleek roofline holds a distinctively-shaped rear pillar" Autoblog: "interior wraps occupants in luxury Car and Driver: “fresh and appealingly minimal” The 2009 Buick Lucerne blends modern yet conservative ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mercury Sable is a sibling to the Ford Taurus, though with a slightly dressed-up interior appearance, and we recommend it be kept on the list as Lincoln Mercury dealerships—like Buick dealerships—boast better customer service. There’s also a lot to like about the Sable, including top safety ratings, a good ride, and surprisingly well-planted handling; all-wheel drive is available on the Sable, and its V-6 engine is matched by a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. Both the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Azera are strong competitors to the big Buick, too, with sedate but stylish interiors and nice, well-controlled ride quality. but only the the Lucerne offers V-8 power. For those who need to have a V-8, the rear- or all-wheel drive Chrysler 300C might be a possibility. It’s not as spacious inside and has a choppier ride, but won’t instantly identify you as a card-carrying AARP member the way that the Lucerne or most of these other sedans might.

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See the Buick Lucerne in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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