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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  never again - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bruce - July 23 - 7:10 pm

  This vehicle is quite comfortable to drive and that is where my satisfaction ends. It has been back to the dealership many times for numerous problems.As of tonight you cant even shut the car off. We are driving a loaner. Had to get the jack out of the car and you need an engineering degree to do that. Would never want to have to use it along the road. Degree sensor problems, navigation problems transmission not shifting properly. If this is the kind of quality that you get for a vehicle this expensive it is no wonder General Motors is in the position they are. This is my last G.M. I guess its Ford of Toyota from here on out

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  Great trip - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Randy - July 18 - 2:00 pm

  Just completed a 2700 mile trip with four adults and lots of luggage. Averaged 21 MPG for entire trip and 24 MPG interstate at 73 MPH average. Drove 1000 straight miles only stopping for breaks and gas. Never felt tired or stiff. Seating and ease of handling are exceptional. Lives up to and exceeds quiteness claims. Did not find that shifting was a problem as other owners have eluded to, it was very smooth even with numerous terrain changes. This vehicle will get 27 MPG+ at 60 MPH on a level road. This is a great car for the money. Exterior and interior styling and workmanship are outstanding. Presently have 8500 miles on vehicle.

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  Wow - nice vehicle! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By M and T - July 16 - 7:20 am

  Now driven for about 1000 miles and am absolutely impressed. For the size of the vehicle (7 passenger) the Enclave is super quiet, handles well, gets decent gas mileage, is great to look at, and seems well built. Superior to my wifes Cadillac SRX in every way but handling and came in at a better price!

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  Great Vehicle - but - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jimbo - July 12 - 1:21 pm

  The Enclave is a great vehicle but a few things Buick needs to change: 1. Rain gutter over the doors - in rain or after an open door leads to the seat below getting soaked with the runoff from the roof. 2. If you open the rear seat windows while the front windows are up, the vibration is incredible - the car shakes badly, this is a problem! 3. Put the outside temperature gauge on the mirror with the compass. The passenger, my wife, cannot see the temp in the dash cluster and Im tired of having to tell her what the temperature outside is every 30 miles...

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  GM is making a Quality Buick SUV - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy - June 29 - 3:51 pm

  We had a Ford Edge and we loved it , This vehicle is more expensive but the ride and interior are superior.The 0% financing is great.

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  Best of the Best - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By CollegeProf - June 26 - 3:12 pm

  This car replaced a Lexus RX-300 and a Lexus sedan. Our cars were over 10 years old and we really loved our Lexus. I cant believe how great this car is. It drives around town like a dream. I dont think you will need the running board step assist. We have kids and my 5 3" wife doesnt have any problems getting in and out. This is really well built. The Lexus had some cool - gee whiz features that the Lexus doesnt, but overall I think this Buick better. Good job GM!!

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  A solid and reliable car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By phil - June 23 - 6:01 am

  After 7 years without any problems in a Highlander, I switched to the Enclave AWD. Features, past experience (I had two Buicks I drove as Federal law enforcement officer averaging 70K per year without any problems)price and 0% financing, it was a no brainer. I also did some checking on the dealer and found another Enclave owner near where I live and he had very good experience with the dealer. I have had the car now two months and still think I made the right choice. The only thing I could think of to improve would be the mileage, although it comes close to the EPA standard. As of today (June 23rd) I have a little over 2000 miles without any problems.

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  2008 Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Marie - June 22 - 2:58 pm

  We purchased the model with 2nd row bench seat so we could put the childs car seat in the middle. The middle compartment does move, but she can still kick the audio dials facing the 2nd row. The outside rear view mirrors block when turning left or right for someone that is short. The GPS system leaves a lot to be desired. We have a Garmin portable in the other vehicle and it does a lot better job. On sunny days, rear navigation system cannot be seen. Wish it had better gas mileage.

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  Excellent - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rlegros - June 18 - 5:06 pm

  Really enjoying this Enclave. Its fun to drive. A lot of room and its an eye catcher. The only problem we had so far is the remote starter. It only good for about 200 feet.

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  Went from Lexus RX to this! LOVE IT! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Jeff - June 14 - 9:46 pm

  We came out of the Lexus and wanted something with more room, but NOT a minivan. We test drove so many new cars recently, and saw this car on lot and asked about it. I was cautious because of the name Buick reminded me of my Dads car. Once we got in the car, I was shocked how nice everything was. The test drive was amazing!