Segment:
Full-size sedan, targeting the luxury and comfort-oriented segment.
Target Demographic:
Consumers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped American sedan with a focus on ride quality and refined styling.
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon.
Feature Focus:
Comfort, quiet cabin, spacious interior, smooth ride, distinctive styling.
Premium Offerings:
Available features like StabiliTrak, heated/ventilated seats, premium audio systems, and advanced infotainment options for its class.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system basics
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, drivetrain components
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument panel, power outlets, basic electrical features
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, seating adjustments, door locks, windows, audio system
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-theft system
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, fuel filling, using controls
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights interpretation, basic symptom diagnosis
Towing:
Towing a trailer guidance, towing capacity
Emergency:
Jumper starting, changing a flat tire, emergency equipment location
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level understanding, operation, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code And Description:
LY7 (3.5L V6 VVT)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (213.4 cu in)
Configuration:
V6, 60-degree bank angle
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine Code And Description:
LC3 (5.3L V8 OHV)
Displacement:
5.3 Liters (327 cu in)
Configuration:
V8, 90-degree bank angle, Overhead Valves (OHV)
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Horsepower:
335 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
348 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.0 gallons (64.4 L)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive
Transmission Model:
4T65-E
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive (for V8 models, often with performance calibration)
Transmission Model:
4T65-E HD (Heavy Duty) for V8
Drive Wheels:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Length:
200.7 inches (5098 mm)
Width:
73.9 inches (1877 mm)
Height:
58.5 inches (1486 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 107.3 cu ft (3038 L)
Front Headroom:
39.3 inches (998 mm)
Front Legroom:
42.2 inches (1072 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.8 inches (960 mm)
Rear Legroom:
37.2 inches (945 mm)
Trunk Volume:
16.0 cu ft (453 L)
Curb Weight Min:
3600 lbs (1633 kg) (3.5L V6)
Curb Weight Max:
3800 lbs (1724 kg) (5.3L V8)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 4700-4900 lbs (2132-2223 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5-Star
Stability Control:
StabiliTrak (Standard on some trims, optional on others)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
ABS:
4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Dual-stage frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available head curtain side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, LATCH system for child seats.
Child Safety:
Rear door child security locks, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input. Optional Bose premium audio system, satellite radio (XM).
Navigation:
Available touch-screen GPS navigation system.
Parking Assist:
Available Rear Parking Assist system.
Headlights:
Automatic headlamps, available High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth for hands-free calling (OnStar system integration).
Telematics:
OnStar system with features like emergency assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, and remote diagnostics (subscription required).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (using synthetic oil recommended).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
7.5L V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs; 5.3L V8: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (API SM or higher, Dexos compatible if applicable for later model years/updates)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 3.5L V6; 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter for 5.3L V8
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346375 (Purple) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Common Problems V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (leading to coolant or vacuum leaks), power steering pump leaks, PCV valve issues leading to oil consumption or sludge. Potential for timing chain stretch on early 3.5L V6 engines.
Common Problems V8:
Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter issues (often requiring lifter replacement or AFM disable), catalytic converter failure, piston ring issues in some cases.
General Issues:
Heater control panel failures, various electrical gremlins (e.g., power windows, seat modules), suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, bushings).
Brand:
Buick has a long history dating back to 1899, known for its focus on comfort, quietness, and refined styling.
Predecessor:
The Lucerne replaced the Buick Park Avenue and LeSabre, inheriting their emphasis on comfortable, large sedan motoring.
Platform:
Based on GM's G-body platform (specifically the front-wheel-drive H-body architecture, shared with the Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix).
Production Years:
2006-2011
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Award Type:
IIHS Top Safety Pick (for some model years/configurations, depending on specific equipment and testing criteria at the time).
Award Source:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Rating Category:
Safety Ratings (NHTSA Front and Side Impact)
Rating Detail:
Consistently received 5-star ratings in NHTSA frontal and side-impact crash tests, highlighting its robust safety structure.