Santa Barbara, Calif. -- Attention to detail. It’s a simple phrase that seems to be the new American mantra. School kids understand that a little more of it would result in a better grade. Job market newbies quickly realize it’s a requisite for every imaginable vocation, even the lofty custodial assistant position. And then there are automotive giants, seemingly oblivious to decades of pleas to adopt those three little words as a guiding principle.

The giant here is General Motors, a company that may be a little slow on the uptake – after 25 years of mostly hollow promises for class-leading all-new cars, this global behemoth has let domestic market share fall to an all-time low. But now GM is making promises again, launching a revitalized product offensive, and finally the turn toward relevance is being made and competitive cars like the 2006 Buick Lucerne are seeing the light of day. At a media drive for the Lucerne in California, everyone from the detailer to the head engineer seemed to be interjecting every sentence with the phrase “attention to detail.” The tighter gap tolerances? The focus on a much quieter ride? The use of better interior materials? The availability of a more powerful engine and more controlled handling? You got it – all a result of this purported new emphasis on the little, and not so little, things.

Overall, it shows. The 2006 Buick Lucerne, when properly equipped, is a great driving car, one with style, comfort, and a choice between two competent powertrains. This is the closest Buick has come to satisfying driving enthusiasts in recent years, the last successful effort being the 1987 GNX. But that’s not to say all is perfect. Fit and finish is markedly improved, though there are some glaring exceptions, lower level models still have that floaty ride for which Buick is famous (or infamous), and the absence of options like a navigation system will have potential buyers heading for the nearest Chrysler or Toyota dealer. And the Lucerne’s V6 engine, while capable, is about as technologically advanced as a phonograph.

Clearly, there’s room for improvement, but the 2006 Buick Lucerne is a true departure from the warmed-over tri-shield sedans offered in years past. This is a Buick worthy of a buyer’s consideration, not just a business person’s rental upgrade.

Buick has made choosing a 2006 Lucerne easy work, thanks to three clearly-defined trim levels and the availability of both V6 and V8 engines. Entry-level buyers will be interested in the Lucerne CX, with a starting price of $26,990 (all prices include a $725 destination charge). The CX may be the least expensive Lucerne, but it comes with a long list of standard convenience and safety features. Among them are cruise control, a V6 engine, a trip computer, OnStar telematics, a CD player, a power driver’s seat, antilock brakes, and front-side and side-curtain airbags. Serving to dress up the CX a bit more is a Comfort and Convenience Package offering rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated mirrors; a Driver Confidence Package features rear park assist, an anti-theft alarm, and a remote starting system. Also on the options list is a Harmon Kardon sound system with an MP3 player, a power sunroof, and a front split bench seat that increases seating capacity from five to six.

Straddling the middle of the 2006 Buick Lucerne lineup is the CXL, with V6-equipped models starting at $28,990 and V8-powered examples going for $30,990. The CXL’s equipment list is a bit more extensive and includes dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a power front passenger’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an MP3 player, and heated mirrors. Optional creature comforts include heated and cooled front seats with or without perforated leather, handling can be improved with the StabiliTrak stability control system (V8-equipped CXLs only), and the Lucerne will shine more brightly when chrome alloy wheels are chosen to replace the standard rims.

Poised at the top of the lineup is the best 2006 Buick Lucerne available, the CXS. Priced at $35,990, the CXS comes standard with all the equipment on the CX and CXL plus a V8 engine, multiple memory functions, power lumbar for the driver and front passenger, fog lights, an automatic tilt-away steering wheel, perforated leather seats, a 280-watt Harmon Kardon audio system, and XM satellite radio. Buyers wanting more can add heated and cooled seats, chrome alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and other goodies. But what really adds value to the CXS is its standard StabiliTrak system, electronic brake assistance, and magnetic steering and suspension systems. In combination, these technological tweaks transform a rather generic domestic sedan into a responsive machine that’s actually fun to drive.

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