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:

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By JIM - January 5 - 9:41 am

  This is a great vehicle, and I have recommended it to several people.

• 

  Great fun sporty family car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By smilininma - January 2 - 7:53 pm

  We have only had the car for 9 months but so far we really like it. The gas mileage could be better. We are getting about 15-16 mpg but we live up on a big hill and I spend most of the day going up and down it so that needs to be taken into consideration. It is a great family car and I love that we didnt have to go the minivan route but have the all the room of one.

• 

  Highly Recommended Crossover - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By David Thomas - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned my Enclave for one year now. I am very pleased with the quality and comfort of this crossover. Buick has made a true luxury vechicle at a great price. After researching the Audi Q7, Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes, and other fine luxury SUVs/ Crossovers, the Enclave offered the most value for all the luxury ammenities.

• 

  Impressed with my Enclave! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Caballero57 - December 24 - 1:13 am

  After owning a series of high end luxury sedans (BMW, Jag XJL and Cadillac) a growing family necessitated the move to an SUV. After much research, the Enclave was the best combination of space, seating, style, luxury and quality. No disappointments after the first 1100 miles. This is the quietest car I have ever owned-- quieter than my $72,000 Jaguar XJL! The fit and finish is as good as BMW or Lexus. The Enclave rides and handles like a luxury car, not an SUV. The Enclave is a tremendous value when compared to others.

• 

  Reserved but hopeful - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By David - December 23 - 3:50 pm

  Traded in my wifes beautiful inspiration yellow T-Bird on a Buick...and I questioned our sanity on both purchases. One day after purchase we ventured out on a 1000 mile winery tour and Im happy to say we feel our minds are in fact stable. Im around/in vehicles of all kinds in various stages of their life every day, so my ratings are on a very broad scale of experience. I was suprised by the admirable mpg averages and its ability to make hours behind the wheel pass quickly and comfortably. We have every option but AWD and the Luxury package (folding mirrors, power wheel, and the lighting trick GM killed the Tucker for some 50 years ago), so well see how it all holds up. God Bless!

• 

  Best Buick ever - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Warren Perkins - December 23 - 3:40 pm

  Very smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. Good low speed torque. Steering & cornering extremely precise. Feels like its on rails. Fun to drive. A great road car. Lots of useful gadgets & options and they all work. Buick can be proud of this one.

• 

  As good as my marks, not too sure - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By calpilot - December 18 - 7:51 pm

  Great Car, very versatile and looks great. We own a white tricoat and the big problem is the metallic plastic bumper paint chips easily. No dice on getting touch up paint from dealer. We were told that vendors are holding back afraid of GMs financial position and they (vendors) dont want to get caught making products for a bankrupt company. Read other reviews around the internet about all parts for repairs being on long back orders because of limited vendor parts. So far all we are in need of is touch up paint, keeping our fingers crossed that will be all.

• 

  Mature Owners Critique - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Sebert Jenkins - December 16 - 3:08 pm

  Did not care for 20" wheels when I first saw the vehicle, first thought-OMG, they are huge! After 6 weeks and not much choice I like them. Been 9 years since I bought a new car so subjected to lots of techie changes, especially the Navigation Package that had not been updated to my State so getting weird directions. Overall I find the vehicle overpowering with use of Plastic, even the grill Im sure this is done to reduce weight & cost. The interior is where my major complaints are: Cannot position steering wheel for clear view of dash, "Drivers Info Center" no compass or Instant Mileage Indicator, Clock too small, no digital speed, no secure gas cap, no glove compartment lite.

• 

  great crossover SUV - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By derek - December 16 - 1:55 pm

  We love this car. Did extensive research on minivans, Traverse etc over 1 month of daily reviews and testing. Great upgrade from lower models, better space than 2 row high end costlier SUV such as BMW and lexus. Great if you have 3 kids or more.

• 

  Not your Grandfathers Buick - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By dmck92 - December 15 - 8:57 pm

  This is an awesome car all around. We have 3 children and need the third row. This car has plenty of room, drives quiet and rides like a dream. Real luxurious inside. My brother said it looks just like a Lexus inside. All the needed bells and whistles. My wife was not interested, because of the name Buick. She wanted a Volvo XC90. Then she drove the enclave and loved it. She tells me everyday how much she loves her new car. If your kids are growing and its time to dump the mini, this is a great luxury family car.