Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan (positioned as a comfortable and refined vehicle)
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and quiet ride, often for long-distance commuting or as a family vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Mercury Grand Marquis
Defining Characteristics:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, quiet cabin, emphasis on smooth performance over sporty handling.
Trim Levels Common:
CX, CXL (often denoted by engine or option packages)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission basics, fuel system overview
Chassis:
Braking system, steering, suspension fundamentals
Electrical:
Lighting system, basic dashboard indicators, power features (windows, locks)
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, seating adjustments, audio system operation, interior features
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seatbelt operation, child restraint systems, anti-theft features
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake usage
Fluid Checks:
Engine oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level, windshield washer fluid level
Tire And Wheel:
Tire pressure checks, changing a flat tire, tire rotation basics
Minor Maintenance:
Wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse replacement
Towing:
Towing considerations, trailer wiring information (if applicable), maximum towing capacity
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on user-friendly explanations and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical diagnostics or complex repairs, which are found in service manuals.
Engine Option 1:
3.8L V6 (L32)
Displacement Option 1:
3.8 Liters (230 cu in)
Horsepower Option 1:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Option 1:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Valve Train Option 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 Valves
Engine Option 2:
3.6L V6 (LY7 - High Feature/Northstar derived)
Displacement Option 2:
3.6 Liters (217 cu in)
Horsepower Option 2:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Option 2:
251 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Valve Train Option 2:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 24 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded (87 AKI)
Transmission Type Option 1:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Drive Type Option 1:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Type Option 2:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E HD - Heavy Duty, often paired with 3.6L)
Drive Type Option 2:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - optional with 3.6L engine
Transmission Features:
Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability on some trims/options)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional StabiliTrak Stability Control (often with 3.6L)
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available side-curtain airbags (optional)
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player; optional Bose® premium audio system.
User Interface:
Analog or digital climate controls, button-based radio controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors (often part of an option package).
Connectivity Features:
OnStar® communications system (subscription-based).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Coolant Flush Interval:
First flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement 3 8L:
Typically every 100,000 miles (uses standard spark plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 3 6L:
Typically every 100,000 miles (uses iridium-tipped spark plugs)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (GM recommends Dexos or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 3.8L V6; 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for 3.6L V6
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron® VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Common Complaint 1:
Torque converter shudder or transmission issues, particularly in early models or those with higher mileage.
Common Complaint 2:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on early 3.8L engines, though less common on Lucerne than other GM models using it).
Common Complaint 3:
Power steering pump leaks or noise.
Common Complaint 4:
Water pump leaks (especially with the 3.6L V6).
Common Complaint 5:
FlexFuel sensor failure on E85 compatible models (if applicable).
Brand Focus:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for comfort, quietness, and a premium feel within the General Motors lineup.
Predecessor:
The Lucerne replaced the Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue as Buick's flagship sedan.
Platform:
Built on the GM G-body platform (a derivative of the W-body).
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years For Model:
2006-2011
Safety Award 2006:
NHTSA 5-Star Frontal and Side Impact Safety Rating
IIHS Award 2006:
IIHS Top Safety Pick (for frontal offset crashworthiness)
Jdpowers Initial Quality:
Typically ranked average to above average for its segment in initial quality surveys for the era.
