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2006 Buick Lucerne Photo Gallery

A better Buick

AS
by Autobytel Staff
December 7, 2005
5 min. Reading Time
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Prepare to look at Buick differently. At least that’s what company execs are hoping for with the release of the all-new 2006 Lucerne, the marque’s latest full-size sedan slated to replace the silver-haired and wrinkled LeSabre and Park Avenue models. Looking much like an overgrown Volkswagen Passat, the Lucerne offers premium car buyers style, comfort, and thanks to an available V8 engine, performance. Plus, there’s a technologically-advanced suspension system borrowed from Cadillac that removes much of the buoyancy that has characterized Buicks for so many decades. However, for those shoppers who prefer a ride somewhere between a La-Z-Boy and a Serta pillowtop, lower-level Lucernes without Magnetic Ride Control promise to deliver the floaty ride you so desire. The 2006 Buick Lucerne bears little resemblance to its foregoers, aside from the familiar tri-shield badge and the reintroduction of portholes to the fenders. When a V6 is fitted under the hood, three chrome-trimmed holes are featured on each front fender; V8 models get four holes. But get past those bits of trim and the Lucerne looks like anything but a domestic sedan for geriatrics.

Pricing

Buyers of the 2006 Buick Lucerne may choose from three models: CX, CXL, and CXS. The CX is equipped with a V6 engine and starts at $26,990. CXL versions can be powered by either a V6 or a V8 and are priced at $28,990 and $30,990, respectively. At the top of the lineup is the 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS, available only with the V8 engine and carrying a sticker price of $35,990. All prices include a $725 destination charge.

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Warranty

Those familiar with GM models may assume that a three-year/36,000-mile powertrain warranty is standard fare on every branch of the family tree. However, there are a few exceptions, and the 2006 Buick Lucerne is one of them. Like all 2006 Buicks, the Lucerne is backed by four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties and six years or 100,000 miles of corrosion protection.

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V6 Engine

Power for the 2006 Buick Lucerne CX comes from a 3.8-liter, overhead valve, 12-valve V6 generating 197 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 227 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm. This tried-and-true workhorse, long a faithful engine to countless GM vehicles, features a cast iron block and cast iron cylinder heads. CXL models can also be equipped with this engine.

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V8 Engine

For the first time in more than a decade, Buick is equipping one of its cars with a V8 engine. Available on the 2006 Lucerne CXL and standard on the CXS is a 4.6-liter, 32-valve V8 with dual overhead cams. An authoritative 275 horsepower peaks at 6,000 rpm 295 lb.-ft. of torque spins at 4,400 rpm.

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Transmission

All 2006 Buick Lucerne models, regardless of whether there are six or eight cylinders under the hood, direct power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Some may argue that with five- and six-speed automatics becoming the norm, not to mention the emergence of seven-speed boxes from makers like Mercedes-Benz, a four-speed tranny is seriously outdated. However, our drive in the Lucerne highlighted a smooth-shifting transmission that had little need to hunt for the appropriate gear.

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Suspension

For the soft ride characteristic of a typical Buick, a 2006 Lucerne CX or CXL model is in order. Included here is an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link setup in the rear; front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. Move up the 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS, however, and standard Magnetic Ride Control ties things down for a more compliant and controlled ride, a point especially appreciated for those who like to take corners faster than the average Joe. Magnetic Ride Control, a technology also used on the redesigned Corvette and numerous Cadillac models, uses a special damper fluid and adjusts shock stiffness thousands of times per second, providing instantaneous response in hard corners and on uneven road surfaces.

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Safety

Standard safety features on the 2006 Buick Lucerne include dual front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and OnStar emergency response. Also featured are three-point seatbelts for all passengers.

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CX Trim

Buick has made choosing a 2006 Lucerne easy work, thanks to three clearly-defined trim levels and the availability of both V6 and V8 engines. Entry-level buyers will be interested in the Lucerne CX, with a starting price of $26,990 (including a $725 destination charge). The CX may be the least expensive Lucerne, but it comes with a long list of standard convenience and safety features. Among them are cruise control, a V6 engine, a trip computer, OnStar telematics, a CD player, a power driver’s seat, antilock brakes, and front-side and side-curtain airbags. Serving to dress up the CX a bit more is a Comfort and Convenience Package offering rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated mirrors; a Driver Confidence Package features rear park assist, an anti-theft alarm, and a remote starting system. Also on the options list is a Harmon Kardon sound system with an MP3 player, a power sunroof, and a front split bench seat that increases seating capacity from five to six.

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CXL Trim

Straddling the middle of the 2006 Buick Lucerne lineup is the CXL, with V6-equipped models starting at $28,990 and V8-powered examples going for $30,990 (prices include a $725 destination charge). The CXL’s equipment list is a bit more extensive and includes dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a power front passenger’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an MP3 player, and heated mirrors. Optional creature comforts include heated and cooled front seats with or without perforated leather, handling can be improved with the StabiliTrak stability control system (V8-equipped CXLs only), and the Lucerne will shine more brightly when chrome alloy wheels are chosen to replace the standard rims.

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CXS Trim

Poised at the top of the lineup is the best 2006 Buick Lucerne available, the CXS. Priced at $35,990 (including a $725 destination charge), the CXS comes standard with all the equipment on the CX and CXL plus a V8 engine, multiple memory functions, power lumbar for the driver and front passenger, fog lights, an automatic tilt-away steering wheel, perforated leather seats, a 280-watt Harmon Kardon audio system, and XM satellite radio. Buyers wanting more can add heated and cooled seats, chrome alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and other goodies. But what really adds value to the CXS is its standard StabiliTrak system, electronic brake assistance, and magnetic steering and suspension systems. In combination, these technological tweaks transform a rather generic domestic sedan into a responsive machine that’s actually fun to drive.

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