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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  Love it!!! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Love it!! - February 3 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car, after so many months of research this is it! I am in love with this car, I use to own a Mercedez and was looking for an affordable yet luxurious crossover and found this, you will not be disappointed, the rides are quiet and smooth, love the style and all the luxury inside and out. Thank you Buick!

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  08 Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By sojac - January 27 - 1:36 pm

  Very comfortable ride on hwy. Love the 2nd row bucket seats for adults or our two car seats. Gives acces to third row w/o taking out a car seat. Great storage space, great sound system. Still gets lots of looks at stop lights. Use of the manual shift option gives much better performance. 10,000 + miles and no problems.

• 

  Fantastic luxury family car. - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By chris - January 25 - 3:48 pm

  I bought this car so myself and our family could travel comfortably and this meets that standard completely - Coming from a subaru outback the fuel economy downgrade is considerable however - this car is fun, very big and makes traveling with kids easy. - I highly reccomend to anyone looking for a luxury SUV - I test drove the X5 and other luxury vehicles and they did not have all the features as the enclave plus they were more money. The only downside to this vehicle is you dont get the 15k bmw or mercedes logo - however you do get many more useful features.

• 

  Over-hyped - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Trav1 - January 15 - 9:11 am

  I had this as a rental on a business trip from Detroit to Louisville. I find this to be a great way to really test drive a vehicle. Very nice vehicle but the EPA MPG rating is not even close. Actual pure highway MPG 20 at best. This was with the cruise control with average speed around 65- 70. The vehicle had around 1500 miles on it. The transmission tends to shift at lot which I found anoying. This is a very nice highway vehicle. Overall quality appeared to be high. Great vehicle for entertaining clients.

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  Transmission Ruins Enjoyment - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Monica Ryan - January 14 - 2:36 pm

  I bought the Enclave after two suburbans and wanted a more luxurious vehicle with better gas mileage. I have been quite disappointed on both points. The transmission shifts randomly and feels like the entire car is going to stop at times. It is currently being repaired and I plan to sell it as soon as I can get it to run better. The car makes an awful grinding noise under the hood on acceleration and in turns which I have been told is normal. I have had two people ride with me lately and ask me what is wrong with the car. The car does not leave one with a feeling of confidence or satisfaction.

• 

  Like it, BUT..... - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By buick owner - January 10 - 7:57 pm

  This car has a lot gong for it. I purchased it because I wanted a seven seater vehicle, with an aisle down the middle, that wasnt a minivan. My prior car was a Mercedes R500 which I loved, but felt I needed more storage room and additional seating capacity. Compared to the ride of the Mercedes, driver seat comfort and handling in the snow this car doesnt compare. The Enclave does have a superior navigation and entertainment package, as well as, heating and cooled seats. I think the biggest drawback to the Enclave is the transmission on a incline. The car rolls back or forward when on a hill, almost as if you were in a manual transmission vehicle, when you take your foot of the break.

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  Lemon or Bad Luck - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bill Bauerle - January 8 - 10:39 am

  Bought when 1st out. Love the style, ride, and comfort. 6 sp transmission downshifts too much. Tires (mich) wore unevenly. Paid for alignment at 30000. All four wheels significantly out even though it drove normally. At 40000, #5 cylinder misfires intermittently, shuts down auto track. Cant seem to find the cause. Even with new car bugs, it is a great vehicle. Have your alignment checked prior to 5000 miles (all wheels), warranty will cover it then. Good mpg for this size, 22-27 highway. A little more engine torque would eliminate annoying transmission downshifting. Excellent trim and fit. Needs a locking gas cap door.

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  Almost the Perfect Crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By vmi88grad - January 7 - 6:55 pm

  We test drove this car in 2008 when we needed a new family car. For those with a family of 4 or less, this car will be excellent. For a family of 5 with luggage, this vehicle is entirely too small. In 2008 we chose the top of the line Chrysler Town and Country 4.0 limited, which had far more space, and at that time even better acceleration. Since 2008 the Buick has improved the power of the engine and transmission is now smoother. The 2010 Enclave is a pleasure to drive. Smooth quite ride, good acceleration at all speeds, solid handling for a large vehicle, great turning radius, and elegant look. There is plenty of leg room for adults in all three rows of this car. Handles well in snow.

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  Nice Car - Not Carseat Friendly - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By pabhs01 - January 7 - 2:20 pm

  I like the way this car drives and handles. I am extremely disappointed at how this car is not family friendly for young children. I have 2 children in carseats and 1 in a high back booster. We got the bucket seats in the 2nd row to make it easier to get to the 3rd row for my oldest(booster). The 2 Britax carseats are installed in the second row. They were very difficult to install satisfactorily because the car headrests are not adjustable or removable and are tilted forward. The bases of the carseats do not sit flat on the seat no matter how it is positioned. The booster in the 3rd row covers the seat belt clip in every position - they are very narrow. Not a family friendly interior!

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  2010 Buick CX Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Mary Ann Cosper - January 5 - 4:42 pm

  Beautiful comfortable car, but do not believe fuel mileage sticker like I did--15/20 is all you get. I am very, very disappointed. My Ford and Toyota got exactly or better than sticker. Shame on GM for not doing better. Now I am stuck with an expensive car that gets poor mileage-exactly what I did not want. I thought the car makers were required to put exact mileage on window stickers. Temple,Texas