Overview & Reviews

Buick has been on the upswing the past few years, introducing new models that are much more desirable than its mediocre past products. The Buick Enclave was one of the first vehicles to point Buick in the right direction.

The Enclave shares a platform with GM's latest group of large crossovers and features an upscale interior, a powerful 3.6-liter V6 and plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. If you're looking for a new or used large luxury crossover SUV with a number of family-friendly features -- such as a roomy cabin with easily accessed and adult-friendly third-row seats -- the Enclave is one of the better choices available.

Current Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size crossover SUV powered by a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.

There are three trim levels: Convenience, Leather and Premium, all with standard seven-passenger seating. An available second-row bench seat increases capacity to eight.

The Enclave with Convenience Group comes with 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration and OnStar. The Leather Group adds 19-inch wheels, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat and driver memory settings. The Premium trim level features lane-departure and forward collision warning systems, active headlights, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Option highlights include 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a dual-panel sunroof.

In reviews, we've praised the Enclave's spacious and pleasant interior, with its gently curving dash, rich-looking wood-grain inlays and soft, double-stitched leather. Adding interest are a Tiffany-style analog clock and aqua blue instrumentation. Access to the third row is excellent, with second-row seats that tilt and slide out of the way, and there are a useful 23 cubic feet of space behind the upright third-row seat. Folding down both rows yields a class-leading 115 cubic feet of cargo space. If you need more space for people or cargo, you won't find it in another crossover.

The Buick Enclave's V6 provides quick acceleration, along with a mildly sporty exhaust note. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. On the highway, the Enclave is quiet and smooth-riding, though some buyers may find that the optional 20-inch wheels degrade the ride noticeably. Overall handling is competent and predictable, though not necessarily the equal of its more driver-oriented (or smaller) rivals.

Used Buick Enclave Models
The Buick Enclave debuted for the 2008 model year and overall, any used Enclave will be a solid choice for an upscale, family-friendly crossover SUV.

In its first year, the V6 had a lower output of 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. The following year welcomed the direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 (power increased to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque) as well as other upgrades that included Bluetooth connectivity and a traffic feature for the navigation system. Until 2010, there were just two trim levels – base CX and luxury CXL. Also, for the first two model years the transmission could be lazy to downshift due to its fuel-economy-biased programming. For 2010, the transmission was reprogrammed for quicker response. Additionally, Enclaves from 2008-'12 have slightly different exterior styling than the current model as well as some lower-quality switchgear.

The Enclave's current, more descriptive trim levels of base, Convenience, Leather and Premium arrived for 2012. Two years later saw the addition of the lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

User Reviews:

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  A Happy Buyer - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By xhbjjfdl212 - March 11 - 9:43 pm

  Everything good so far at 3000 miles. Could not be more happy with this Crossover. Time will tell the reliability, but as of today, it is worth every penny!

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  Returning to American made - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By tomcat7 - February 3 - 7:17 pm

  We walked out of an Odyssey and havent look back. After evaluating about everything we finally settled on the new Enclave. What a pleasant reward at every drive. Right out of the "box" on mixed roads, we got 23.8 mpg. The ride and comfort and goodies compare and for us beat the MB ML, and Lexus GX. The standard warranty is better that the Arcadia and Traverse with a better list of "standard equipment". So far so good, and we could not be happier.

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  Love it! - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By allanfam4 - December 31 - 7:20 am

  Have only had my new Enclave for one week, but already love it. My husband surprised me with a Cyber Gray CXL-1 for Christmas. Several months ago, we test drove the Traverse, Enclave, Mazda CX-9, and Honda Pilot. I told him that when we were ready to purchase, I definately wanted the Enclave. Previoiusly had a 2003 Trailblazer EXT, which I also loved, but after 8 years and 100,000 miles, I was ready for something that had all the newest features (including safety features). The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet, and it is extremely comfortable. Already took it on a three hour road trip, and we were all comfortable. Got about 20 MPG on the highway and have gotten 18 in town.

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  Trying to be loyal - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By manymiles - December 28 - 4:08 pm

  Come on GM, where is the quality? We have 48,000 miles on our Enclave. In the last four months we have replaced the rear HVAC unit, steering speed sensor, water pump, rewired the trailer harness (incorrect from factory), replaced a screw that was loose from the air box and rattling (very annoying), and now a tpms is faulty causing a low tire every morning! Trying hard to remain a GM fan but these problems are making it difficult. If we travel very far these days we always take our Acura, VERY DEPENDABLE!!!

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  Good fuel economy for such a large car with good reliablity - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Anonymous - December 13 - 8:18 am

  Although I have only owned the Buick for one year, it has been a year of trouble free operation. Two oil changes and 13,000 miles later (first at 3,000, second at 13,000), and that is all the service has been - less than $100. The oil sensor is a nice touch, you only get oil changes when the car tells you it is time too based on driving conditions. It is very comfortable and the whole family likes its features as mentioned below. The teething problems the people in 2008 seems to have benefited the later model years with additional features such as GPS with traffic navigation, more horsepower with the same gas mileage, and overall just a better car with imrproved transmission performance.

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  GM Quality gone? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By creeker00 - December 12 - 9:22 am

  Switched over from Dodge/Jeep to GM in purchasing the 08 Enclave and what a mistake that was. Guess next time I will go with a Ford, as GM and Dodge have obviously went way downhill. Car rides better than any Ive driven. Seat comfort and features such as dual climate control, heated seats, etc. are great. But, with under 50,000 miles on the vehicle the control buttons have lost their paint, the leather seats are terribly worn just from normal use, the rear climate control has had to be replaced due to non-functioning and is acted up again. Also, the transmission had to be completely replaced after 40,000 miles and the rack and pinion had to be replaced. Poor, Poor quality for $37K.

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  Comfort Extraordinaire - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Kurt - November 29 - 2:00 am

  We are in our third week of Enclave ownership and have never been as impressed with a vehicle as we are with our 2011 CX-L1 White Diamond. Every trip we taken in it, from the jaunt to the grocery to the long distance trip, has been a pleasure. Buick is back! Have not owned a Buick since 1995, been driving Hondas, but I am glad to say I am back in a Buick.

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  Dream Machine Buick Enclave CXL1 - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By texasdriver7 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Enclave proves American can- do and ability to make and deliver a terrific product is still possible! Its a dream to drive, comfort is its first name, style is its second, great design and layout is its third. The Buick Enclave can actually comfortably take 7 people for a nice drive. Its very easy to turn it into a cargo hauler, easy to convert back to a passenger car, or use it both ways at the same time! My dog has lots of room in the back. The back has great AC to keep everybody comfortable. LOTS OF CAR FOR THE MONEY and Terrific design and comfort. This was a good investment in a super set of driving wheels!

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  Buick Enclave dream machine - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Texas Driver - November 24 - 2:00 am

  After so many years of owning Japanese designed cars I decided it was time to try American cars again. Finally the American auto makers are back on track with terrific and extremely competitive products! The Buick Enclave is a beautifully designed and built car, it has all the bells and great technology along with superb driving comfort! Perfect for my family and flexible in design to meet my needs (somewhere between a car and a pickup with a minivan thrown in is basically what I needed). Excellent styling in and out. Excellent layout. EXCEPTIONAL ride! More power than I expected and so so on MPG, looks like its around 17 to 18 around town. Top 5 star safety rating -its a WOW!

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  Buick Enclave is Great! - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By trw - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my Acura MDX for the 2011 Enclave. I was planning on another MDX but needed a little more interior room with 3 kids. The Enclave offers so many more features than the MDX for less money. It is my "minivan in disguise." The interior is much like a minivan, but with a really attractive exterior SUV / crossover appearance. It is spacious and comfortable, very quiet and smooth to drive. I would highly recommend this car.