With only a bit of self-consciousness, I'm willing to admit that I am a Buick fan. Not because GM's "near luxury" brand appeals to my forever-29 fantasies—it sure as heck doesn't—but because I think this is one product line that actually lives up to GM's billing. The beleaguered automaker has complained for years that its vehicles are underappreciated, a lament that gets little sympathy considering a few of the duds GM has tried to paint gold. But recent Buicks leave a good impression, which is backed up by quality ratings from J.D. Power & Associates and other rating groups.

The Lucerne, starting at about $26,000, is a spacious sedan based on the same front-wheel-drive chassis as the new Cadillac DTS. The first nice thing about it is that it's more attractive than the usual bland offerings from Buick, with muscular, swept styling and careful chrome accents that look classy, not gaudy. It's a pleasant, enjoyable ride, too. Buick has emphasized quiet interiors, and it's noticeable—you can talk on a cellphone or chat with back-seat occupants without straining to hear. Buick has finally tightened up the steering, which gives the Lucerne a sportier feel than the smaller Lacrosse sedan, which feels loose and floaty. The interior is straightforward and solid, with no gimmicky junk or cheap controls. Overall the Lucerne is easy to manage, both on the road and in the cockpit, without the flaccid feel of some boomermobiles.

Still, when you add a few options, or upgrade from a V-6 to a V-8, the Lucerne is pushing or exceeds $30,000. And for that price, what's going to persuade you to buy a Buick rather than an entry-level Audi or Acura or even a Nissan Maxima or Toyota Avalon? The Lucerne does have space going for it: You get a little more interior room than in an Audi A4 or a Honda Accord, for instance. But the Lucerne falls short on styling and sass compared with some of the imports it competes with. And the top-line model I tested, which clocked in at more than $37,000, is going to have to outshine hot competitors like the new Lexus IS lineup. It's hard to see how Buick will pull that off without big discounts. One other gripe: Who decided to come up with two names—the Lucerne and the Lacrosse—that are so similar? And what is a Lucerne anyway? If we knew, it might be easier to distinguish the two. But even as I write, I get these siblings mixed up. Buick is doing a better job of setting itself apart, but there is still a step or two left.