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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  Buick Smells Like Gas - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Bruce - September 30 - 1:19 am

  I have a 2009 Buick Enclave that I bought brand new in May. I have put 2500 miles on it. I told the dealer after about a week, that I smelled a raw fuel smell inside of the car. I didnt know it smelled from the outside until a friend told me after driving behind me. They tried to say it was the evap system but that smells way too much. The inside fuel smell happens when I turn a sharp corner or come to a stop. My kids, wife and I get sick when we go on a long drive and have headaches and nausea. It is a raw fuel smell. Like unburned fuel. Now even under the Lemon Law, GM wont budge as if Im making this up. Ill never buy a GM again.

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  2010 Buick Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By norm wibel - September 29 - 1:26 pm

  Needed a "cruiser" to replace my 2003 GMC pick-up. Made up a Likes & Dislikes spreadsheet and went shopping. After many test drives, the Enclave won out. Really like the smoothness the shifting the acceleration/downshifting where my knees rest on a long trip and, the styling. Some vehicles tested had reddish instrument lighting which, was difficult to see during day - and, impossible to see with sunglasses on! So far, at 1200 miles Im averaging 19mpg it usually takes 3000 miles to get a true reading.

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  VERY VERY NICE - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Roy G MO. - September 29 - 2:33 am

  we took a 250 mile highway trip and got 25 mpg wow was that a surprise better then the window sticker posted speed was 60 to 65 mph nice job americans we are proud of what you built

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  Love my Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Julie Wells - September 29 - 1:33 am

  Oldsmobiles and Buicks park avenues have always upstood the times with me. Do not rotate my cars but drive the life out of them. Never owned a SUV until now. Love it. Went to the dealership to see pricing of the Lucerne and was shown the Enclave. Although I am single, after test driving, I knew it was for me. Handles like a car while also wowing my clients. From the stylish exterior to the classy interior, I have enjoy the comfort of driving this since November 2007. I am very pleased with my selection. Gas mileage is improving as I break it in. I get about 22 miles to the gallon on the road. I have driven approx. 8000 miles. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Fuel Smell - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By fueled - September 27 - 4:32 am

  Everything that everyone says about how good this vehicle is, is true. The vehicle itself is great, but mine smells like fuel occasionally when coming to a stop. The exhaust tips are super black and I only have 2500 miles on it. Ive been to the dealer so many times that I will never buy a GM again.

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  Excellent 7 Passenger Crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By JBayer - September 22 - 12:22 pm

  I have owned this for just a couple of weeks and have decided that this is one fine vehicle. Good acceleration and very acceptable gas mileage for its size. The ride is very good. Seats are very comfortable though the 3rd row seat could only accommodate a large adult in the middle seat. The two outer seating position would have to be for smaller adults or kids. All the bells and whistles work great. Plenty of storage area with ac jacks for a game or other brought from home device. If you need to seat 6 or 7 and want something in a very nice and luxurious crossover I can highly recommend the Enclave.

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  Great start - now refine - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By conflicted - September 18 - 9:57 am

  Great car on the highway. Very quiet. The driving around town in moderate traffic can cause frustration with the lack of response when the gas peddle is depressed while traveling at speeds in the 25-35 mph range. Sometimes depending on the gear you are in you may not get much of a response initially unless you really press hard. Sometimes it will downshift and the rpms can shoot to over 5000 when all you wanted to do was go around a slightly slower car. Can be difficult at times.

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  Great!!!! but....... - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By buckeye boy - September 17 - 5:37 pm

  We really enjoy our Enclave. We moved out of a Toyota Sequoia and do miss the extra space and taller ride, however, this Buick is a remarkable vehicle overall. I have only 2 complaints, I am only 5-9", unlike a previous reviewer I like the footrest on the left side. My problem is either the seat is too short or the seat height is not right for me, I get a cramping sensation in my right thigh, especially after driving for awhile. Second concern is that the middle position of the 8 seater will not easily accommodate a child seat as we hoped. Should have tested that. Overall a great vehicle and fun to drive.

• 

  solid car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tyler - September 16 - 9:56 pm

  Great car. We have had the car for 18 months now and have been very satisfied with everything except the rear visibility. Unfortunately the blind spot to the rear on both the passenger and drivers side make it a little nerve racking to drive in traffic. The DVD monitor also blocks the Rearview mirror

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  Very good car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By KPH - September 16 - 1:32 pm

  My wife and I find this to be a very good car. It is roomy, comfortable, and classy-looking. I cant understand why certain consumer magazines dont give this a thumbs up. I liked the fact that someone from the GM shop floor rang me to see how I liked it. This is a great American car - were proud to have it.