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TEST DRIVE
Lucerne flashes youthful flair -
Well-designed 2006 Buick shows impressive power, style
Let's face it, Buick isn't a brand you think of when you think youthfulness, cool designs and sportiness.
Buick is known to have a more, shall we say, mature image.
But the 2006 Buick Lucerne is no seniormobile.
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2006 Buick Lucerne
(click on photo to enlarge)
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In fact, strip away the Buick badging, and this car would be seen as a youthful, coolly designed and even kind of sporty full-size sedan.
But this machine has more than just nice looks. It's a strong performer, thanks in part to the optional 4.6-liter V-8 engine that was on the test model.
The Lucerne produces an impressive 275 horsepower and can sprint like a champ. That oughta shake 'em up at the retirement home.
Along with that power comes a smoothness in the ride that you would expect from a luxury vehicle. Handling is easy and stable and braking is precise.
Gas mileage isn't bad at all for a large car with a pretty potent engine; EPA figures are 17 mpg city and 25 highway.
But the body type is what really catches your eye with the Lucerne. This Buick neatly combines contemporary touches, such as its understated grille and rounded edges, with classic elements such as its decorative portholes to present a modern appearance that's grown-up, but not grown-old.
On the inside, you'll be delighted at how comfortable and easy this car is.
All the controls are intuitively placed, the instrumentation panel is easy to read day or night, and the seating, headroom and legroom make for a relaxing environment.
Even the sound system was impressive, making the most of the AM, FM and satellite radio, which was an option on the tester.
The Lucerne isn't cheap. The test model, a CXL that included the options mentioned above (the V-8 is really worth it), as well as heated and cooled front seats, chrome plated aluminum wheels and a few other goodies, went for $35,090.
But you would be hard-pressed to find another full-size sedan that offers this much value at that price.
So what is the big challenge facing General Motors in selling this machine?
Well, it has to redefine what the Buick brand means. There has been speculation that GM might be ready to retire the Buick brand, as it did with Oldsmobile a few years ago.
Certainly the demographics for the brand aren't so good --- a median age of 65 for its customers.
There hasn't been an effective effort to reach out to younger buyers, the ads featuring Tiger Woods notwithstanding.
But if GM can get the message out about how good this car is, the brand could be revitalized. The Lucerne could be Buick's fountain of youth.
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