2008 Buick Lucerne Review

Buick's new Lucerne Super flagship sedan has the four "portholes" on each front fender that distinguished upper-line 1950s Super and Century models -- besides a new 295-horsepower version of General Motors' potent Northstar V-8.

Older folks will especially appreciate those chromed portholes, which were called VentiPorts when first put on Buicks in 1949 as a styling/status gimmick. The more VentiPorts your Buck had, the higher it was on the status scale.

Portholes were halfheartedly put on a few Buicks in the 1960s and 1970s, but nobody was counting them by then. Even the flagship Buick Park Avenue Ultra debuted in 2003 with only three portholes on each front fender -- as if Buick had sadly forgotten valuable tradition.

The front-wheel-drive Lucerne also comes as CX, CXL and CXS sedans. They have a 197-horsepower V-6 or 275-horsepower V-8, with prices ranging from $26,925 to $36,680. Introduced for 2006 to replace Buick's aged full-size LeSabre and Park Avenue, the Lucerne was the first Buick to have a V-8 since its 1996 Roadmaster.

The sporty Super is the top-dog Lucerne by a long shot. Besides the most powerful V-8, it has the most equipment, including heated/cooled front seats and a special "sport" Magnetic Ride control suspension. Not to mention a long list of comfort, convenience and safety features. The few options on my test Super included sensational-looking 18-inch aluminum chrome wheels, which go for $750.

The Lucerne Super is handsome, with smooth Jaguar-style lines and a prominent "waterfall" grille. And its butter-smooth 4.6-liter V-8 gives it plenty of punch when merging or passing, although this high-revving motor doesn't have the gobs of torque delivered by larger V-8s.

Estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city and 22 highway, and Buick recommends premium gasoline. (The Lucerne V-6 does better, at 16 city and 25 highway, although the 275-horsepower V-8 also delivers 15 and 22.)

The sophisticated, dual-overhead-camshaft Super V-8 works with a four-speed automatic transmission, which shifts deftly but should have another one or two speeds like its competitors.

This is no car for younger buyers, despite its V-8 and chromed dual exhaust outlets, which emit a dignified exhaust note. Rather, they'll go for domestics such as the sexier, more-powerful Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger. The Toyota Avalon would be a logical foreign alternative for Lucerne buyers, although it's not as flashy.

Steering is quick, with the right amount of power assist. And the power telescopic heated wood-rim wheel looks and feels as if it belongs in a Bentley. This Buick is agile, although its handling can't be called athletic. The emphasis is on a smooth, quiet ride -- not BMW-style moves. The anti-lock brakes have an assist feature for panic stops and are controlled by a pedal with a nice linear action.

The Lucerne Super matches Japanese rivals when it comes to paint and fit and finish of body panels and interior trim pieces. The gauges should be backlit for better visibility on bright days, but major controls are easy to use -- except for the driver's door-mounted power window controls; they're set too far forward, causing me to often open the left rear window when I wanted the left front one lowered. Thick windshield posts partially block the view into left or right turns, but large outside mirrors help provide good rear visibility and have helpful red turn-signal arrow lights that flash when a driver activates the turn signal lever.

Front doors have storage pockets, but there isn't much interior storage area, with a small glove compartment and such.

Easily grasped door handles and wide-opening front/rear doors make it easy to slide in and out. Front seats are very comfortable and provide decent support in curves. Even rear seats in the roomy backseat area have above-average comfort. However, the center of the rear seat is too stiff for comfort. The large rear center pull-down armrest has the obligatory dual cupholder insert, made from an unattractive but functional one-piece plastic molding, seemingly from Rubbermaid. Front cupholders can be concealed by a sliding cover when not being used to help give the front-seat area a smoother appearance.

The huge trunk has a low, wide opening but includes a small pass-through area to the rear seat area instead of folding rear seatbacks. The lined trunk lid has manual hinges, instead of hydraulic struts, but they're enclosed to prevent damaging luggage or other cargo.

The hood also has an interior lining and raises smoothly with a single strut to reveal easily reached fluid filler areas and a halfway attractive plastic engine cover.

The Lucerne Super offers lots of style, performance, comfort and features for the money. Thank goodness Buick remembered to give it four portholes on each fender.
Jedlicka's take '08 Buick Lucerne Super
Prices: $38,630

Likes: Sleek. Fast. Roomy. Luxurious. Decent handling. Hushed interior.

Dislikes: Only a four-speed automatic. Far-forward power window controls. No backlit gauges.