First Impressions of Buick Lucerne

[Grumpyguy]

Picked up the Buick Lucerne for my mom today and got some drive time with it.

First, it is the CX model. Sticker just north of $30,000, drove it off the lot for $24,200 with tax, title, etc.

Not the most loaded model, but it does have Stabilitrack, reverse obstacle sensor, dual power seats, trip computer, auto air, remote starting and On-star for a year.

Surprisingly, it doesn't have the Buick wallow like my mom's 2000 LeSabre.

Instead, it has a dead quiet cabin, with a smooth ride, but it handles great. It is neutral when taking sharp bends. Great compromise in terms of handling and ride.

The 3.9 liter V-6 is smooth and powerful. Not a kick in the pants like the the direct injection V-6 that that the CTS and the G8 have, but good enough.

Lows? While the 4 speed is buttery smooth, it is still a 4 speed, and way behind the times. The interior is very nice, but quality is very odd. The door panels are very rich, covered in leather while the bottom of the dash is nice looking, it is hard plastic.

[Ken Sp.]

You can get some extra OnStar phone minutes http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/pla...s_free.jsp

[Grumpyguy]

Thanks Ken.

[Ken Sp.]

My 84 Year old Mom has the CTS--OnStar email me a monthly report on remaining oil life tire pressure etc. It is a nice feature.

If the Car doesn't have Nav, or even if it does, you might be able to send turn by turn directions via MapQuest. It processes through the EIC information center.

[AAA]

I don't get hung up on transmission gears.
SO, did you have sex yet on either/both bench seats? That's the important thing. Accidentally bump the onstar and ask for directions to The G-Spot diner.

[Racer X]

AAA wrote:
I don't get hung up on transmission gears.
SO, did you have sex yet on either/both bench seats? That's the important thing. Accidentally bump the onstar and ask for directions to The G-Spot diner.

well, yeah. didja?

As for Buick wallow, it is an urban myth/perception. If anyone really cares, i will be happy to quote engine weight, spring rates, and front/rear weight bias. Its all well padded and designed seats.

[jardster]

AAA wrote:
I don't get hung up on transmission gears.
SO, did you have sex yet on either/both bench seats? That's the important thing. Accidentally bump the onstar and ask for directions to The G-Spot diner.

Ewwwwww. He got the car for his mom... this is the most disturbing post I've read in years.

[modelamac]

If you are really sensitive, I think you will find that it has the torque converter lockup in both 3rd and 4th gears, making it essentially a 6 speed. My 200 Chevy Venture has this, as did our 2003 Saturn Vue v-6.

[OWC Jamie]

Can it pull a camper ?

[JPK]

That can't be........ I thought all american cars were crap and only a Toyota or Honda will do? At least thats what we are trying to be brainwashed to believe!

Todays "American" cars are waaaaay better than people realize. In most cases equal or better to the equivalent "Japanese" cars.

The big problem is the bad taste left in the mouth of those who had a piece of crap car from the 70's and early 80's. The misery lingers for a long time.

The other big problem is the "Fix it when it breaks" (US Cars attitudes) vs. "Spend $$ on PM" (Forn car attitudes). This has been discussed here before.

I just rolled 20k on my Avalanche and have not had any issues.

JPK