I love the Lucerne, I really do... however, I really want GM to just change a few minor things to make this car extremely competitive. It drives me nuts.
Realize these are all things that have been said in the past, but I reiterate them as they infuriate me that GM could let them just slip through the cracks:
Telescopic steering wheel--uh, hello? Your base LaCrosse has it as an option.
HID/Bi-Xenon lights - I'm not a fan of these on the road as I find them blinding at night, but in a car at this price range... you need them as an option. GM is trying to attract a different crowd, but how can they do that if some of the technology the "different crowd" would want is not offered?
Tranny - Not going to beat a dead horse. Yes, it's an AWESOME tranny and is super-reliable; I'm just thinking of the competitive side. Needs 1 or 2 more gears. We'll get that in `07 (I hope) Not to mention it would make the fuel economy more competitive.
Nav - Okay, I understand GM is going to offer Nav and isn't because of some technological advance in their nav systems, but couldn't they put in the older nav first now while we wait?
Gotta say it, 3800 - Not against the 3800... great engine, low emissions, ultra-super-duper mega reliable, BUT, not flashy. Not modern. Not what the "targeted audience" is looking for. Either a new base engine is needed (and I know they kept it around to not abandon the blue-haired crowd), or an optional mid-power engine (a la 3.6L), is needed. Northstar: perfect! :)
Again, I LOVE the Lucerne. I think it's an AWESOME car. I think it is an incredible step for Buick and a major hit. I just want to see this car succeed enormously, and I don't want anyone to pick on it, like the few comments I've seen in reviews (which Thank God, have been 99% positive)
I'd buy this car in a second if it was in my price range. I am floored at all of the great things you get with a CXL V6 like auto dimming mirrors, leather, and rainsense standard!