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 Buick is better than a Lexus???? - 2009 Buick Enclave
By Paulinroswell - June 10 - 9:55 amSo far, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I was hesitant to even consider it because I wanted the RX350 but my wife heard that this Buick was worth considering. I hate to admit I am ever wrong but the Enclave is by far the better vehicle than the Lexus in every way after test driving both twice (I was really trying to convince myself that the Buick was worse the first time). It gets good fuel economy, has great luxury features I want, safety features have no equal, and is made by the most dependable brand this year! I never thought I would go back to an American car but if they continue to make vehicles like this, I will never leave! Kudos to Buick! BTW...I am 35 in a Buick!?!
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Great Crosover - 2008 Buick Enclave
By Mike - June 4 - 9:16 amIt is a great crossover SUV loaded with a lot of options. Great ride, but should have a little more HP.
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Very happy - 2009 Buick Enclave
By Impressed - May 25 - 12:17 pmI saw the Enclave about a year ago and started my research immediately. Compared to all the other sport looking crossovers, with a three pass third row seat, the Buick has the most standard features at a better or comparable price point. I had a Tahoe, and I loved it, except for the cargo behind the third row, I couldnt even fit a standard stroller back there, so this time I was looking for the passenger room and functionality, and I found it. My kids can easily access the third row. It has all the pretty things that I wanted, to include the dual sun roofs and power liftgate. It looks hot, drives like a dream, and made all my friends jealous! And, you cant beat the warranty! Thanks!
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Never though I would drive a Buick - 2009 Buick Enclave
By mark - May 23 - 10:15 pmWe narrowed our choice down to the Audi Q7, Acura MDX and finally bought an 2009 Enclave CXL AWD (Carbon Black). We truly love the car. Very roomy. Great design. Super quiet. Handling very good for an SUV. The third row comfortable for three. We are a family of four. GM did a good job on this car. This is an excellent SUV Crossover that should be striving to be the best in every category, it has that kind of potential. There is need for some tweaking, such as real wood, better MPG and throttle response/shift adjustment. I would highly suggest the Enclave to anyone looking for a solid, well designed SUV.
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A Pleasant Drive - 2009 Buick Enclave
By Better Buy Buick - May 23 - 2:29 pmWe ordered our Enclave as we did not want a lot of the options on cars the dealer had on his lot. We have been extremely well pleased for the most part. We travel with our dog and there is room for the crate plus luggage. Last fall we traveled from Michigan to Boston and got 31-33 mpg on the New York Thruway traveling at the 65 mph speed limit. Coming home on both the Thruway and side trips we averaged 28 mph. Dont know what we get around town. We liked the styling inside and out which is what attracted us to the car after doing much research. Two of our neighbors were so impressed with the car they bought one themselves. One of them traded in a newer Lincoln cross over.
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NICE! - 2009 Buick Enclave
By Wiggs - May 21 - 10:31 amFirst drove an Enclave in September, when I first started thinking of a new vehicle. I drove the Buick, the Acadia, Honda Pilot, Outlook, Highlander and Ford Escape. The Enclave was like steering butter. Oh so smooth. It is a very classy and comfortable vehicle with room to spare. It is unbelievably quiet and the drive is smooth. I bought 3 weeks ago. Got a beautiful vehicle at a very good price and enjoy getting behind the wheel every day!
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A Truly Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Buick Enclave
By LakeErieDriver - May 4 - 8:33 amI absolutely love this car. It is the ultimate family vehicle and still offers style and comfort like in an upscale SUV. Pricing is high though, ours stickered just over $50k. We went from a 2007 Chrysler Aspen (full- size) and dont miss any space. Fuel Economy is great, we average about 18 city, 24 highway, sometimes even better! Very Luxurious, after all its a Buick!
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Oh!!!!!!!!!! what a smooth ride. - 2009 Buick Enclave
By Jim Evans - May 2 - 12:15 pmWe have always owned Yukons but the ride of this Enclave,is so GREAT. Quiet !!!!! I can hear people in third row seat with no problem. So much fun.
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Awesome Ride for Wassems - 2009 Buick Enclave
By Rob Wassem - April 30 - 3:32 pmIve not owned a GM since my 69 Camero when I was a senior in high school...what a change! Ive owned several large SUVs over the past 10 years including a MB GL450 recently. The Enclave is far superior to he MB 350, 450, or 550 and half he price! The ride is brilliant, the pick up is perfect, and the finish is right ON! My family and I love the car/suv..not sure what to call it - crossover:) If you are in the market for a new crossover buy the Enclave as I did the research for months and nothing compares if you require seating for 7 - 0% financing was icing on the cake!
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My catchy review - 2011 Buick Enclave
By Ted Dennis - April 28 - 6:44 amIt is very nice.
