2010 Buick Lucerne Super

When a V6 isn’t enough, the 2010 Buick Lucerne Super offers a 4.6-liter V8, although it's still unfortunately mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. 18-inch chrome alloys and foglights distinguish the Super from the outside, as well as its unique load-leveling suspension with Magnetic Ride Control. A Harman/Kardon AM/FM/6-CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio, a digital media connection, and Bluetooth comes standard and has integrated controls on the heated tilt and telescoping leather-and-wood steering wheel, which also houses controls for the cruise control.

Power features include heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, power windows, doors, remote keyless entry and ignition, and a garage door opener. A memory system controls both the mirrors and the driver’s seat, which along with the passenger bucket is covered in perforated suede and comes with 8-way power and lumbar adjustability. Both seats are heated and cooled in an effort to control comfort, along with the dual-zone automatic climate controls. Automatic front halogens are cornering units and come with daytime running lights. A compass, center console, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, and front and rear carpeted floormats make sure nothing is omitted in this top-tier trim. The variable-intermittent front wipers are rain sensing, and a rear defogger makes sure front and rear glass is covered.

Safety features include dual front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags, blind-spot alert with a lane-departure warning, foglights, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist and anti-skid, a tire pressure monitor, a theft-deterrent system with alarm, traction control, Stabilitrack, a rear-obstacle detection system, and one year of OnStar.

By Michael Perkins