So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne

Perfectionist · 12-14-2005, 12:59 AM

So, not long after I tested the Avalon I went to my local dealer(of Buicks) to test the Lucerne. I was thinking, "Man, granny-mobile" when I first layed eyes on it. As I looked at it more it grew on me as I started looking over some of the exterior details. I actually started liking it... Me, like a Buick?? GM did the impossible. They made me like a new model Buick. From the 18inch chrome wheels to the car's stance, it grew on me.
So as I get in, the first thing I noticed was lack of much going on. I thought for the age of people this car is suppose to be appealing to, there wasn't enough "wood" or fake aluminum. I also thought that the interior should have been laid out better. Then again, I couldn't get over the Avalon's high tech interior either. But this was still very nice, no doubt. Everything was nice and felt of good quality and was soft. Good work General. The Avalon's interior still wins with me, though it may be too confusing for some.
I suppose I should start talking about the drive, eh?
So, I started the car up. Has a nice sound, I really liked it. I turned on the radio, the radio in the avalon has better sound, but agaain, many that's nothing very important. The car accelerated quite promptly for such a large car, almost forgot it was a buick. At full throttle that v8 sounds beautiful. The Avalon cannot compare to that sound. Though it is a very hushed roar, you can still hear that it is a powerful v8. I sure wish there was another gear or two though, would make it much more pleasing. The ride was excellent. Soaked up bumps possibly than the Avalon, would have to test the cars side by side, but I'm pretty dang sure the Buick's ride was smoother. That magnetic ride thing-a-majinger helps I'm sure, don't know enough about it, but it sounds cool.

This car was really pleasing to drive. I felt confident inside to take hard turns in it and push the car to the legal limits in town.

I think GM has really made a great car here. I'm a fan of Toyotas, but this was a superb car. It and the Avalon come really close. If they had tweaked the interior just a little more to make it look more refined up-scale, I think Buick would have had a much more competitive vehicle. I wished it would also get getter mileage too.
All in all, GM, you have made a wonderful car. It's looks are good, atleast I like them, the interior is very nice, and that engine feels very competent.

I wouldn't mind telling anyone that I drive a new Buick... as long as it's this one.

MelvinJ · 12-14-2005, 08:38 AM

Thanks, Perfectionist. It's good to hear that the Lucerne comes that close to the Avalon from your point of view (Toyota fan), because as a GM fan, the Avalon is one of the cars I worry about most.

wpbharry · 12-14-2005, 09:22 AM

You might want to worry about the Azera more, as Motor Trend suggests. It came in second in COTY voting (behind the winning Civic) and blew away the Lucerne and Avalon. (And caused them to laugh out loud at the price of the Zephyr)

MelvinJ · 12-14-2005, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpbharry

You might want to worry about the Azera more, as Motor Trend suggests. It came in second in COTY voting (behind the winning Civic) and blew away the Lucerne and Avalon. (And caused them to laugh out loud at the price of the Zephyr)

The Avalon has been out longer, so I've seen more on it. I take all of Hyundai's cars seriously these days also.

Minarets · 12-14-2005, 10:09 AM

nice....same here

mgescuro · 12-14-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpbharry

You might want to worry about the Azera more, as Motor Trend suggests. It came in second in COTY voting (behind the winning Civic) and blew away the Lucerne and Avalon. (And caused them to laugh out loud at the price of the Zephyr)

I agree. Azerra is the car to watch out for.
When I was at the SF Auto Show, my buddy and I were absolutely STUNNED by the car. We actually stood there and listened to the entire presentation... and we NEVER stand and listen to any of the presentations.

I think we were both shocked and amazed that a car of that caliber actually came from Hyundai.

I think Lucerne is off in its own little world. Avalon will see Azera coming up fast from the rear. And I won't be surprised to see it zoom on past Avalon either.

Vintalage · 12-14-2005, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgescuro

I think Lucerne is off in its own little world. Avalon will see Azera coming up fast from the rear. And I won't be surprised to see it zoom on past Avalon either.

Now that will be a neck and neck race. Avalon vs. Azera.

Tiger · 12-14-2005, 01:24 PM

Great to see people driving the competition!

Quickening · 12-14-2005, 01:33 PM

Good review. I think if GM tweaks the inside then this car will work for them. Someone made post about the little things they left out, such as telescoping steering wheel and moveable headrests. Add things like that to the car, standard and it will be more competitive.

chad4835 · 12-14-2005, 08:02 PM

Thanks for sharing your input. I have driven the Avalon as well and would like to check out the Lucerne. I suspect the Buick will feel a little heavier and solid as compared to the Avalon which came off a little light to me. First impressions to me seem like the Avalon is a little more youthful and the Lucerne more mature which should satisfy their loyal clients.

AdmiralViscen · 12-14-2005, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintalage

Now that will be a neck and neck race. Avalon vs. Azera.

Isn't the Five Hundred still outselling the Avalon?

atomicshark · 12-14-2005, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgescuro

I agree. Azerra is the car to watch out for.
When I was at the SF Auto Show, my buddy and I were absolutely STUNNED by the car. We actually stood there and listened to the entire presentation... and we NEVER stand and listen to any of the presentations.

I think we were both shocked and amazed that a car of that caliber actually came from Hyundai.

I think Lucerne is off in its own little world. Avalon will see Azera coming up fast from the rear. And I won't be surprised to see it zoom on past Avalon either.

The only negative I find with the Azera is it's supremely generic, economy car front end. Otherwise it is pretty amazing for it's price and content.

CRBoyd91 · 12-14-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomicshark

The only negative I find with the Azera is it's supremely generic, economy car front end. Otherwise it is pretty amazing for it's price and content.

That's the same feeling I gathered. It will still probably be a great seller, regardless.

ElmerMCR · 12-14-2005, 08:34 PM

That is kind of the way I feel about the Lucerence front end.

IAMCANADIAN · 12-14-2005, 09:58 PM

Wow, if a Toyota guy likes it, then it must be a pretty good car! Great review

12-14-2005, 12:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
Perfectionist 2.8 Liter Turbocharged V6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 861	So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne So, not long after I tested the Avalon I went to my local dealer(of Buicks) to test the Lucerne. I was thinking, "Man, granny-mobile" when I first layed eyes on it. As I looked at it more it grew on me as I started looking over some of the exterior details. I actually started liking it... Me, like a Buick?? GM did the impossible. They made me like a new model Buick. From the 18inch chrome wheels to the car's stance, it grew on me. So as I get in, the first thing I noticed was lack of much going on. I thought for the age of people this car is suppose to be appealing to, there wasn't enough "wood" or fake aluminum. I also thought that the interior should have been laid out better. Then again, I couldn't get over the Avalon's high tech interior either. But this was still very nice, no doubt. Everything was nice and felt of good quality and was soft. Good work General. The Avalon's interior still wins with me, though it may be too confusing for some. I suppose I should start talking about the drive, eh? So, I started the car up. Has a nice sound, I really liked it. I turned on the radio, the radio in the avalon has better sound, but agaain, many that's nothing very important. The car accelerated quite promptly for such a large car, almost forgot it was a buick. At full throttle that v8 sounds beautiful. The Avalon cannot compare to that sound. Though it is a very hushed roar, you can still hear that it is a powerful v8. I sure wish there was another gear or two though, would make it much more pleasing. The ride was excellent. Soaked up bumps possibly than the Avalon, would have to test the cars side by side, but I'm pretty dang sure the Buick's ride was smoother. That magnetic ride thing-a-majinger helps I'm sure, don't know enough about it, but it sounds cool. This car was really pleasing to drive. I felt confident inside to take hard turns in it and push the car to the legal limits in town. I think GM has really made a great car here. I'm a fan of Toyotas, but this was a superb car. It and the Avalon come really close. If they had tweaked the interior just a little more to make it look more refined up-scale, I think Buick would have had a much more competitive vehicle. I wished it would also get getter mileage too. All in all, GM, you have made a wonderful car. It's looks are good, atleast I like them, the interior is very nice, and that engine feels very competent. I wouldn't mind telling anyone that I drive a new Buick... as long as it's this one. __________________ Garage Lineup 73 Lincoln Continental Mark IV 80,000 miles 96 Lincoln Mark VIII 150,000 miles 93 Toyota Camry 218,000 miles Leavin Soon............. Coming Soon Mark VIII................. 03 Town Car Cartier L Camry..................... 07 Avalon Limited

12-14-2005, 08:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
MelvinJ 6.2 Liter LS3 V8 Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,638	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne Thanks, Perfectionist. It's good to hear that the Lucerne comes that close to the Avalon from your point of view (Toyota fan), because as a GM fan, the Avalon is one of the cars I worry about most.

12-14-2005, 09:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
wpbharry 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Drives: '04 Malibu Maxx LS Posts: 1,762	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne You might want to worry about the Azera more, as Motor Trend suggests. It came in second in COTY voting (behind the winning Civic) and blew away the Lucerne and Avalon. (And caused them to laugh out loud at the price of the Zephyr) __________________ 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx LS, Light Driftwood, All Options Except 6-Disc & Rear DVD

12-14-2005, 10:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
Minarets 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 123	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne nice....same here

12-14-2005, 01:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tiger 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Denver, CO USA Drives: Sold the 04 Avalanche! Posts: 1,421	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne Great to see people driving the competition! __________________ "Eli got lucky..." - CobaltSSCrazy on 2/4/2008

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12-14-2005, 01:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
Quickening 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Antonio, Texas Drives: 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero Posts: 6,035	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne Good review. I think if GM tweaks the inside then this car will work for them. Someone made post about the little things they left out, such as telescoping steering wheel and moveable headrests. Add things like that to the car, standard and it will be more competitive. __________________ 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero

12-14-2005, 08:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
chad4835 3.0 Liter SIDI V6 Join Date: May 2005 Drives: 08 Saab 9-3 07 GMC Yukon Posts: 551	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne Thanks for sharing your input. I have driven the Avalon as well and would like to check out the Lucerne. I suspect the Buick will feel a little heavier and solid as compared to the Avalon which came off a little light to me. First impressions to me seem like the Avalon is a little more youthful and the Lucerne more mature which should satisfy their loyal clients.

12-14-2005, 08:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
ElmerMCR 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Jackson, New Jersey Posts: 1,724	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne That is kind of the way I feel about the Lucerence front end.

12-14-2005, 09:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
IAMCANADIAN 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,056	Re: So, I bucked up and drove a Lucerne Wow, if a Toyota guy likes it, then it must be a pretty good car! Great review

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