Jump to content
Create New...

"Lucerne ready to do battle in luxury field"


wildcat

Recommended Posts

This car doesn't stand a chance against any Lexus or import. It looks like a Chevy, has the dashboard of a Chevy, it has 4 speeds and a dated, weak V-6, and has less passenger and cargo room than either predecessor and some actual competitors.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This car doesn't stand a chance against any Lexus or import. It looks like a Chevy, has the dashboard of a Chevy, it has 4 speeds and a dated, weak V-6, and has less passenger and cargo room than either predecessor and some actual competitors.

[post="27736"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


I can understand why you may not like it, but I seriously suggest sitting in it and trying it out before thinking it'll be a complete failure. The interior space is more than enough & so is the trunk. Not everyone shopping in the large car market is looking for the "largest" vehicle out there. Besides, against imports (Avalon) & Lexus (ES330), the Lucerne's trunk is still larger.

I don't see LeSabre or Park Avenue owners left wanting from their previous car compared to the new Lucerne. I know I'm not. In pics, the Impala & Lucerne's dash may look similar, but the Lucerne's interior is far better executed and more upscale in person.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

it has 4 speeds and a dated, weak V-6,


only if you buy the models that cost less then a Lexus. Hit 30k and you're into Northstar territory. 4-speed or not, a northstar Lucerne will cream an ES330. The 4-speed v. 5-speed isn't as much an issue in this class as long as the transmission is smooth, trouble free, and efficent.

If the performance is similar or better with a 4-speed, yet you still have a problem with it, you need to look elseware for the source of your issues.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This car doesn't stand a chance against any Lexus or import. It looks like a Chevy, has the dashboard of a Chevy, it has 4 speeds and a dated, weak V-6, and has less passenger and cargo room than either predecessor and some actual competitors.

[post="27736"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Photos and on paper specs don't do justice. Sit in a car before you criticize it. Things may look bad on paper, but actually works very well.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the performance is similar or better with a 4-speed, yet you still have a problem with it, you need to look elseware for the source of your issues.

[post="27752"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


It's a bland Buick that won't get a second look from a non-GM knowledgable person.

Hate to say this, but I'd take the Lexus. Or even better, a Cadillac!

The Velite-like replacement can't come any sooner... <_< Edited by johnnyb
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think it will set the market on fire, or even rejuvenate Buick the way they need it, but it will get some conquest sales and it will sell well. It is a NICE car, but it is not the breakthrough product Buick really needed. It will cater well to Buick's current audience, and will actually branch out and pick up some non-Buick fans, but not enough of those to justify its existence.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Um...how is it not a luxury car?

[post="27860"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


A car with a 3.8L 195 HP pushrod V6 does not qualify as a luxuray car. It also brings down the value of the V8 powered versions. GM really goofed on this one. GM really really cannot afford more slipups like this.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A car with a 3.8L 195 HP pushrod V6 does not qualify as a luxuray car. It also brings down the value of the V8 powered versions. GM really goofed on this one. GM really really cannot afford more slipups like this.

[post="27900"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


so a luxuary car is based on hp?

I timed my friends 3 series bmw and got a 22 second 0-60...

that was a luxuary car...

it felt great, it felt fast, it handled great, but it was slow as hell...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

so a luxuary car is based on hp?

I timed my friends 3 series bmw and got a 22 second 0-60...

that was a luxuary car...

it felt great, it felt fast, it handled great, but it was slow as hell...

[post="27947"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


ohh yea... I just bought an 02 Trans Am last week...

one of my coworker said i ought to have got a lexus...

I guess Horsepower isnt in his book...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A car with a 3.8L 195 HP pushrod V6 does not qualify as a luxuray car. It also brings down the value of the V8 powered versions. GM really goofed on this one. GM really really cannot afford more slipups like this.

[post="27900"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Uhm... The 2006 BMW 525 has 215 hp and starts at $42,500. Last year (yes 2004MY) It only had 184 hp.

Are you saying that a 2004 BMW 5-series with a 184hp I-6 isn't a luxury car? It was $42k without any options?


Horse power is not everything.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Lucerne is a beautiful car, but does it stand out enough to capture conquest buyers or does it just tide over current Buick owners? Quality rankings will help, and I'm sure this one like all Buicks will be at the top. But what about stand out passion you say? Lexus hasn't had that and it's worked. Why not Buick?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not impressed... really. When are we going to start seeing real test drives of the Lucerne? I would have thought reviewers would have had a chance to snag one by now.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

so a luxuary car is based on hp?

I timed my friends 3 series bmw and got a 22 second 0-60...

that was a luxuary car...

it felt great, it felt fast, it handled great, but it was slow as hell...

[post="27947"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

The BMW 3 series is a luxuary car in your opinion ? I don' think so. It is BMW's entry level sedan that appeals to people who cannot afford the 7 series but still wants to enjoy a Bimmer. Same thing with the LEXUS ES which is basically somewhat luxurious Camry. But the LUCERNE is suppose to be BUICK's top of the line flagship car. Do you know any other company that puts a sub 200 HP V6 engine in their flagship ? GM better correct this situation soon or very soon you will find LUCERNE selling at EMPLOYEE PRICING>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

But the LUCERNE is suppose to be BUICK's top of the line flagship car. Do you know any other company that puts a sub 200 HP V6 engine in their flagship ? >

[post="28228"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Let's hope that's temporary. I'm still hoping for a V8 based, RWD, full body sedan for a flagship in a few years.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Uhm... The 2006 BMW 525 has 215 hp and starts at $42,500. Last year (yes 2004MY) It only had 184 hp.

Are you saying that a 2004 BMW 5-series with a 184hp I-6 isn't a luxury car? It was $42k without any options?
Horse power is not everything.

[post="28096"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


OMG.....don't tell me you are trying to compare a BMW inline-6cyl engine to the 3800?

BMW's sixes in ANY configuration are some of the smoothest, if not THE smoothest, most refined, and energetic engines on the market today.

THAT's the tell-tale of a true luxury car....not HP....and the base Lucerne won't come close to having a refined-enough powertrain to tempt ANY of those "import" luxury-car fans.

That was his point I believe.....
Link to comment
Share on other sites

OMG.....don't tell me you are trying to compare a BMW inline-6cyl engine to the 3800?

BMW's sixes in ANY configuration are some of the smoothest, if not THE smoothest, most refined, and energetic engines on the market today.

THAT's the tell-tale of a true luxury car....not HP....and the base Lucerne won't come close to having a refined-enough powertrain to tempt ANY of those "import" luxury-car fans.

That was his point I believe.....

[post="28278"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Thank you for agreeing with me that Horse Power isn't everything. For $42,000, the HP on the base 5-series was even worse than the up coming $27,000 Lucerne. Other factors made the 5-Series worth its price. That was my point. I personally believe that the Lucerne also has qualities that make it a luxury car. It's definitely worth the price.

Several HUNDRED THOUSAND people have recently purchased the 3800 in cars between $30k-$40k and are VERY happy with it. I don't think it will turn away any LeSabre owners or non-traditional potentials who actually get into the vehicle and test drive it. i recommend test driving the Lucerne before saying the Lucerne won't deliver a refined experience in the V6 models. Everything seems to indicate that the 3800 isn't noticeable. Check out the thread that the CX Lucerne is quieter than the current Lexus ES330.


I Edited this because I came across a little too bitter. OC is usually a reasonable person. :P Edited by VenSeattle
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It could go either way... The Lucerne is impressive as a volume model. BUT, Buick needs to make a SPLASH to be noticed quickly again. I just hope the rags don't pan the 3800.... GM should've at least put a DOHC in this car... But, that said, it's STILL impressive and I think will STILL do well although Buick needs and deserves more.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, cars between $27k-$35k are still in mainstream territory. I agree that Buick needs more exclusive vehicles, but the Lucerne has features that are usually reserved for exclusive vehicles. It's a good compromise until Zeta or what ever else can come around.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, cars between $27k-$35k are still in mainstream territory. I agree that Buick needs more exclusive vehicles, but the Lucerne has features that are usually reserved for exclusive vehicles. It's a good compromise until Zeta or what ever else can come around.

[post="28364"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Well the only problem with that scenario is that we don't know when and if Zeta is coming. And given GM's financial crunch it will be difficult for GM to finance any brand new platforms for quite some time. The deal with the UAW sounds promising although too early to tell if there will be any meaningful cost savings. But GM does have two good DOHC powertrains that it could have used. I think the base engine should have been the 3.6L VVT engine used in the LaCrosse and not the antiquated 3.8L engine. The 4.6L engine sounds promising although I am dissapointed they didn't use the Higher Output version of that engine. It is these small shortcomings in GM's execution that causes them to lose market share month after month year after year.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't expect any test-drives of V6 Lucernes.......

Lutz told me that the NorthStar is the only Lucerne they will make available to the press....(presumably because he knows they would rip the 3800 V6 version apart....)

[post="30672"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Tell Uncle Bob I said hi next time you two go for a cigar break.

ha ha

We still need to talk.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The point here is that all the 3800 defenders seem to be forgetting that this is 2006 not 1996. Hell the 1996 3800 engine had more hp and torque and was in a lighter car so at the time produced good power for a luxury car. A 2006 full size porker of a car that weights nearly 3900 lbs, uses lazy 2.86:1 gears and the same old tranny will produce lackluster acceleration at best, especially with 10 less hp. Why do people settle for second best? It's so obvious GM did this for cost cutting reasons and to use up all the remaining 3800's. No excuse whatsoever to have not used the excellent 3.6 with 240-250hp to at least be in the same ballpark as the Avalon.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Lacrosse should have a 2.8L 210hp V-6 & a 3.6L 260hp V-6
The Lucerne should have a 3.6L 260hp V-6 and the 4.6L 291hp V-8.
The DTS should have a 4.6L 275hp V-8 & a 4.6L 320hp V-8.
Ok, that is all, goodbye, :P

[post="30734"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


I'm almost with you.

The LaX should have a 3.6L 260 V6 only; and the upcoming V8 for the Super...
The Lucerne should have a 3.6L 260HP V6; 310HP N*.
The DTS should get a 10HP bump to 320HP as it's only engine choice.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

i believe in the logic of sit in a car before you judge it. that being said, you have got to get the people into the dealerships. there has to be a draw, some excitement about the product. especially if you are trying to get lexus, infinity or whatever competitors customers to defect or at least SIT IN the car before they judge it. gotta get the "oh, its just a buick" thinking out of their minds.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frankly, I think the Lucerne has that draw. It is stunning, especially in red. The interior looks great. I really really want to read a real review on it, one that involved the author doing more than copy the spec sheet into prose. I hope GM got the handling right. I expect nothing less than the exact ride and handling of the 2nd Gen Aurora, if not even better.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The point here is that all the 3800 defenders seem to be forgetting that this is 2006 not 1996. Hell the 1996 3800 engine had more hp and torque and was in a lighter car so at the time produced good power for a luxury car. A 2006 full size porker of a car that weights nearly 3900 lbs, uses lazy 2.86:1 gears and the same old tranny will produce lackluster acceleration at best, especially with 10 less hp. Why do people settle for second best? It's so obvious GM did this for cost cutting reasons and to use up all the remaining 3800's. No excuse whatsoever to have not used the excellent 3.6 with 240-250hp to at least be in the same ballpark as the Avalon.

[post="32107"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Lutz also told me that capacity issues with the 3.6L is why Lucerne doesn't have it (and also why G6 doesn't have it.)

He also said that "protecting Cadillac" is why the Lucerne makes do with the "low-power" NorthStar.

As much as I like Bob, I think both reasons are bullshit.....and prime examples of the fu--ed up thinking that's kept GM from recapturing the hearts and minds of all the import owners that USED to own GM cars....

I've said before.....if you don't have "capacity" for a certain engine, but it's the engine that SHOULD be used, then do something to spend the money to get additional capacity.

Also, if your models are TRUE to their brand identities, then having a "high-power" NorthStar Lucerne is in NO way going to damage the image of a "high-power" DTS.

You don't see Lexus fretting that Toyota has a new Avalon has a bigger V6 with more power than their ES330......?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

But the LUCERNE is suppose to be BUICK's top of the line flagship car.

The Lucerne is supposed to be the replacement for the LeSabre moreso (if at all) than for the Park Avenue. That would mean Buick is currently without a flagship sedan.
Ven- am I on track here?

[post="32217"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Well, since the PA is gone, the Lucerne is the defacto flagship sedan now...(after all, the PA never was offered with a V8). The Lucerne effectively replaced the LeSabre and the PA... any other talk of a flagship to come is just specualtion at this point..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search