Cars.com Faceoff: 2009 Hyundai Genesis, 2009 Lincoln MKS, 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

They're big, they're comfortable and they're pricey. The full-size sedans that came under the scrutiny of our team of reviewers all have their advantages and winning features, but, alas, only one could come out on top. Mike Hanley, Joe Wiesenfelder and David Thomas pit the 2008 Buick Lucerne, 2009 Hyundai Genesis and 2009 Lincoln MKS against each other in a test of fuel economy, drivability and, of course, country-club cred. To find out which pampering bad boy comes out on top in their book, check out the full faceoff on Cars.com.

Cars.comparison: Living Large — Full-Size Sedans (Cars.com)

Recall alert: 2006-2008 GM SUVs, Cars, Trucks

GM is recalling 850,000 vehicles because of problems with the windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire. The recall involves SUVs that are equipped with a heated washer fluid system, which could short circuit and cause an electrical malfunction that could lead to a fire.

GM said the recall includes the 2008 Buick Enclave, 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, 2006-2008 Cadillac DTS, 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban, 2007-2008 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL, 2006-2008 Hummer H2 and 2007-2008 Saturn Outlook.

Dealers will fix the problem free of charge, GM said. If you own one of these vehicles, contact your local dealer.

GMC, Pontiac, Buick Employee Pricing Discounts

Next up in our series of GM employee pricing sale posts are GMC, Pontiac and Buick. As usual, the biggest savings are available on trucks and SUVs, including deals like nearly $10,000 discounts on Sierra models, or the nearly $5,000 that’s available on the popular GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave three-row crossovers.

Even though the discount isn’t as big, the all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe gets almost 10% off, which should definitely give it a leg up in the competitive hatchback segment. Mike Hanley recently reviewed the new Vibe here. Pontiac’s all-new G8 sedan is also getting healthy discounts, as it hasn’t sold nearly as well as expected.

See below for a list of deals. They represent only a tiny sampling of the trim levels available at GM’s site, so be sure to visit it for the exact trim level and zip code you need.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

The most notable addition to the 2008 Buick Lucerne is an upgraded trim level, called Super. Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder dubs this the Super-Overpriced trim level in his review. With a whole new line-up of Buicks waiting in the wings, can the Super version of the Lucerne keep things afloat for the near-luxury GM brand? Read Wiesenfelder's full review below to find out.

2008 Buick Lucerne Expert Review

First Drive: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

The Lucerne is Buick's large passenger sedan, and for 2008 a new Super trim level debuts. I had a chance to drive this new V-8-powered trim on country roads near Lake Geneva, Wis., recently and found the sedan as likable now as I did a few years ago when I last tested it.

The previous Lucerne I tested was a CXS model, which was the top-of-the-line version at the time and featured a 275-hp, 4.6-liter V-8. The new Lucerne Super also has a 4.6-liter V-8, but it makes more horsepower: 292. Like the CXS, the Super offers plenty of power for daily driving. The Super also has a rather loud (for a Buick) exhaust note that makes a hearty rumble every time you give it gas. A four-speed automatic remains, but it's a well-mannered, smooth-shifting transmission. Estimated gas mileage is 15/22 mpg.

Buick Announces Pricey New Lucernes

For the 2008 model year, GM is offering two new trim levels of the Lucerne sedan: the CXL Special Edition and the Lucerne Super. Both add value to the aging model, but they also come with significant price tags attached. Both go on sale this month.

The Lucerne Super has a 292-hp V-8 engine, more precise steering, improved shocks and springs, magnetic ride control, 18-inch wheels and all-season tires for a price tag of $38,630 plus a $765 destination charge. The current top-of-the-line Lucerne with a V-6 engine starts at $29,570 and has $1,500 cash back.

While the Lucerne is a larger sedan, we much prefer the redesigned Cadillac CTS, which has a more powerful and more efficient V-6 engine and a much more upscale interior for nearly $5,000 less.

A newly announced Lucerne CXL Special Edition will feature either a 197-hp V-6 or a 275-hp V-8 along with various cosmetic changes inside and out. It will be offered in three unique colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat. The V-6 starts at $31,285 and the V-8 at $33,085 before the $765 destination charge.

We’re not sure dressing up the Lucerne will help sales, which were down 37% in March. 

Sticker Shock: $40,000 for a 2009 Buick Lucerne Super

GM just announced pricing for the new Buick Lucerne Super, which they hope will be considered a performance machine. The 292-hp V-8 powered front-wheel drive sedan will command a sticker price of $38,630 before a $765 destination charge when it goes on sale in April. That’s a lot for a Buick Lucerne, but GM does jam-pack it full of standard features to justify the price. A 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS with a 275-hp V-8 starts at $36,180 by comparison.

What do you get for nearly 40 large? Quite a bit. Magnetic ride control, heated and cooled leather seats, heated windshield wipers, parking sensors, remote start, suede trim on the doors and seats and a heated steering wheel are all standard on the Super trim. Typical options like a moonroof, navigation system, 18-inch chrome wheels and lane departure warning system are still extra.

Even with this seeming value, we’re a tad shell-shocked at the sticker. For less money, you can get an all-wheel drive Chrysler 300C with a more powerful Hemi V-8 ($36,670), a Saab 9-5 Aero ($36,320) which has less power but a nicer interior, or even a top-of-the-line Buick Enclave CXL crossover ($37,034) which gets identical mileage. Does the sticker seem reasonable? Tell us. And if so, will buyers line up?   

More Super: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super is Here

Unlike the Buick LaCrosse, the Lucerne already had a V-8 engine in its CXS model. What does the new Lucerne Super do to top that? Besides the revised grille and front end, its 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 gets tweaked to put out 17 more horsepower, bringing the total to 292 hp.

There’s also the addition of stability control, brake assist and magnetic ride control to improve handling. The Lucerne Super comes in only four exterior colors, rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels and, of course, has the  “Super” badges. The Lucerne Super looks like a nice upgrade for the lineup, but we’re surprised it won’t go on sale until spring 2008. Until then, check out the photos below.