Burgess: Lucerne Super, same as it ever was

[1957wildcat]

Scott Burgess of the Detroit News has written a review of the Buick Lucerne Super. Click below to read it.
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs...02/1386/AUTO01

[AmericanRevolution]

That's pretty spot on - a nice review for a car that, he admits, wont win many new customers over.

It's a big, cushy, well appointed, and strong American sedan. Perfect - except that its not what people want these days as a general rule.

[GMfan1111]

Burgess couldn't have made it any clearer when writing this review. It has luxury and it has a little more muscle but unfortunately a big thirsty V8 is something that most consumers don't want right now

[Vinsetta]

I had a 04 Bonneville GXP, which is essentially the same car. I loved that car but the detuned Northstar (which mine had 275hp) seemed kind of weak. I had a 2000 SSEi with the 3800 s/c that seemed quicker, which I heard it was or just shy of the Northstar. Anyhow, I was surprised that the price of the Lucerne Super was 38K and change. The GXP was over 39K, which is a slightly lesser car. The nav on the Buick is about a $1500 upgrade I believe and the GXP didn't even offer it. $39K for a Pontiac is a bit much. I'm not in the market for anything like the Super but I wouldn't mind taking a long trip in it. As far as I recall I averaged 19.5 MPG in it with mixed city and highway.

[the_smurf2008]

YAWN...there's still a Buick division?

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by AmericanRevolution

That's pretty spot on - a nice review for a car that, he admits, wont win many new customers over.

It's a big, cushy, well appointed, and strong American sedan. Perfect - except that its not what people want these days as a general rule.

Unless a Buick Zeta is released I will not be moving up within Buick for my next ride.

[jlt0x]

Originally Posted by Vinsetta

I had a 04 Bonneville GXP, which is essentially the same car. I loved that car but the detuned Northstar (which mine had 275hp) seemed kind of weak. ...$39K for a Pontiac is a bit much. I'm not in the market for anything like the Super but I wouldn't mind taking a long trip in it. As far as I recall I averaged 19.5 MPG in it with mixed city and highway.

I was very excited about the Bonneville GXP w/the Northstar V8, but was disappointed to learn that the engine would be detuned. Why? It was supposed to be more sporty than any other vehicle using the same power plant....I believe that the G8 is a formidable replacement, but I hope GM doesn't "dumb it down" b/c it's a Pontiac.

If GM needs to detune excellent technology to fit other brands, maybe they don't need that particular brand...b/c there's obvious overlap. GM should be able to use any of their engines (at full output & efficiency) in all iterations of their many vehicle architectures to provide the best competitive products. GM needs to stop competing with itself.

[wescoent]

Compared to the LeSabre and Park Avenue, the Lucerne is a night and day improvement.

However... the Lucerne is a car from Buick's past, and is NOT a car for Buick's future. The customers who are interested in large, soft-sprung, inoffensively-styled cruisers are rapidly dying off or buying small and fuel-efficient cars because they can no longer afford the gas.

Whatever large sedan they sell in China, should be sold here. There is no excuse for having two products in the same segment with completely different designs.

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by wescoent

However... the Lucerne is a car from Buick's past, and is NOT a car for Buick's future. The customers who are interested in large, soft-sprung, inoffensively-styled cruisers are rapidly dying off or buying small and fuel-efficient cars because they can no longer afford the gas.

Actually, if you get MRC you can really toss the big guy around.

[wescoent]

Originally Posted by eaton53

Actually, if you get MRC you can really toss the big guy around.

Right, but how many Lucernes sold are equipped with MRC?

Besides... a Lucerne Super suffers from the same problem a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG has. Sure, the suspension is advanced and the engine has Saturn V level thrust, but the car is just too big to feel sporty.

[steinravnik]

Originally Posted by Hitman1970

Unless a Buick Zeta is released I will not be moving up within Buick for my next ride.

How is your LaCrosse?

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by steinravnik

How is your LaCrosse?

Unlike much that is written about it, my 2006 LaCrosse CXS is a great vehicle for me. The only real shortcoming I find as a daily driver is the lack of an aux input jack. When I bought it in late 2006 I was not a MP-3/Zune owner. Now I am. XM radio is a pretty good substitute. I have XM pre-paid through late 2010 along with basic Onstar services.

It rides great, is dead quiet on the road, and comfortable. I a get about 21.5-22 MPG combined with the 3.6L and regular gas. It is great family vehicle too. I am always transporting my four year-old daughter in the back with assorted kid stuff.

My wife loves driving it when she gets the chance.

I will have no problem happily keeping this car for six years before trading it on a replacement.

So far 25000 miles and no major issues.

[MCGARRETT]

I enjoyed reading this review, it was understanding about the Lucerne Super, it's not a car to take out the PCH and terrorize Porsche drivers, or SCCA autcross on the weekends, what it does it take 4 passengers in serene comfort, a quiet smooth road car, built for our interstates, miles and miles of driving with the cruise set at 75mph, the dual zone a/c providing tailored air to the front occupants, the Harmon Kardon speakers soothing your ears, all the other safety features waiting should they ever be needed, automatic wipers and headlights, lane departure warning, etc.

This car is made for long highway drives, Miami to NY, LA to Vegas, a traveling machine, the shame is that many American have been convinced that they dont want a car like this, the rags have seem to think that everything has to be a BMW. People still tell me how nice and quiet my 90 LeSabre Limited back up 3rd car is when they ride in it.

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by MCGARRETT

I enjoyed reading this review, it was understanding about the Lucerne Super, it's not a car to take out the PCH and terrorize Porsche drivers, or SCCA autcross on the weekends, what it does it take 4 passengers in serene comfort, a quiet smooth road car, built for our interstates, miles and miles of driving with the cruise set at 75mph, the dual zone a/c providing tailored air to the front occupants, the Harmon Kardon speakers soothing your ears, all the other safety features waiting should they ever be needed, automatic wipers and headlights, lane departure warning, etc.

This car is made for long highway drives, Miami to NY, LA to Vegas, a traveling machine, the shame is that many American have been convinced that they dont want a car like this, the rags have seem to think that everything has to be a BMW. People still tell me how nice and quiet my 90 LeSabre Limited back up 3rd car is when they ride in it.

Amen. I am 37 want a serene cruiser for my car, not kidney abuse. As to why I will pass on this Lucerne, I believe I get most of this already with my LaCrosse. For me to move on to the next vehicle in only six years, I need to believe I am getting much more than I presently have.

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by wescoent

Right, but how many Lucernes sold are equipped with MRC?

Besides... a Lucerne Super suffers from the same problem a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG has. Sure, the suspension is advanced and the engine has Saturn V level thrust, but the car is just too big to feel sporty.

I think all of the CXS Lucernes have it... it may well be the most common MRC car.

When I test drove one I put it through its paces big time and it displayed great composure whilst being flung about, just like every MRC car I've driven.

I agree this car is possibly overly advanced for its customer base, who for the most part would probably be satified with Avalon struts-all-around crap.

But if you love sleepers and Q-Ships this one's for you....