PIMP BUICK LUCERNE 2012

The 2010 Lucerne is available with a 3.9-liter V6 engine making 227 horsepower or a Northstar V8 making 275. Both are weak engines for their size -- competitors offer more powerful, more fuel-efficient options in both V6 and V8 powerplants. Both are available only with an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission, while most competitors offer five- or six-speeds even in base models. Reviewers say the V8 is enough power for the car's weight, but the V6 isn't. The EPA estimates that V6-powered Lucernes should get 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while V8 models are rated for just 15/22 mpg.