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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  I hate the Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By IHATEBUICKENCLAVE - January 31 - 5:07 pm

  The 2nd row (when folded forward) floats while driving (no latch to keep it in place). No room for groceries in hatch. Cannot open hatch in garage - too high. Remote start seldom works, took it to dealership and told me that "electrical devices could be getting in the way". Drivers side heat blasts on one side only burning one foot while the other one freezes. Seats six not seven comfortably. The pin stripe is one little stripe down the side and you have to pay an additional $700 for something that is already on the car it wasnt negotiable. No power when passing. Bose sound is a joke as you hear everything on the outside of the car. I have had leaks and other issues. The Buick Enclave is attractive, but it is not sound proof as some guy blogged earlier. I have had this car for a year and trust me, I hear everything. I was told not to buy it but I thought it was so beautiful...regret everyday now. I seriously hate driving this car.

• 

  Gorgeous Car with Great Ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Wildhart - January 22 - 9:58 pm

  Wonderful, beautiful vehicle that handles and rides with ease. Intown mpg so far is 20.7 mpg which is great. Love everything about it especially the driver memory and safety backup camera. Only things that need improvement are more cup holders in front and more storage room suitable for CDs. As a woman, I would love somewhere to put my purse. We are looking forward to some road trips and many years of driving pleasure with this great car. GM Buick has hit a home run with this fantastic car. The foreign cars (Lexus, etc) that are in the same class, well, they just arent. The Enclave is extremely nice. It has a smooth, quiet ride and can go toe to toe with any of the others. Love it!

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  The older crowd still love the Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dee - January 22 - 12:10 pm

  I never thought that I would buy what was considered an old persons car, whether I was young or old. Now, I am older, I love the Buicks. I researched a lot of cars and SUVs before making this choice. This SUV has something about its style and technology that when I drive it, not only am I sold but my family is happy with my choice.

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  From Lexus to Buick? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Karen - January 20 - 2:26 am

  I traded my 2003 Lexus GX470 for the Enclave. I questioned my decision so many times but in the end decided to go with the Buick. Yes a Lexus for a Buick. I think I was just ready for a change and from the first time I saw the Enclave I knew I liked it. For one it drives as nice as the Lexus and feels more like driving a car (which I also traded-Honda Accord)on the Enclave. Yes two perfectly good vehicles for one. So far I like the Enclave. I too have noticed it hesitates trying to get up to speed but once you do its fine. Gas mileage is 14-22. Maybe it will get better. I hope, at least driving around town. All in all Im happy with my trade. I love the look of the it. Very sharp.

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  Highway is great - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Don Millsap - January 19 - 7:15 pm

  We purchase a new car about every 14 months, this is one of the best cars weve ever owned. Had no problems so far. Like the manual shifter in the mountains.

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  Buick Shmuick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By MarknMich - January 9 - 8:34 pm

  After first month of owning this Enclave has been nothing but trouble. Since June 08 we have had two transmission software updates (tranny shifting still terrible. Acts as though it doesnt know what gear its suppose to be in). Rear liftgate opens by itself (when car off luckily). With automatic operation turned off we still hear the lift motor engage. Heat controls stopped working twice. At times when driving all gauges read as though the car is turned off. With cruise control set at 75 MPH for nearly two hours the best MPG I get is 17. In city getting 13 MPG is a good day. Dealer is trying their best but I dont hold out for much improvement.

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  A great, but not perfect - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By erumo - December 31 - 12:56 am

  Overall a very good vehicle. Im very glad that I overcame my bias that Buick is for grandparents. This one is definitely worth checking out when considering Lexus or BMW. My minor negatives: Im 511" and once adjusted the steering wheel almost totally obstructs the speedometer. The navigation system is hands down the worst one Ive owned. It often will not recognize side roads and has poor voice prompts for upcoming turns. I find myself frequently looking at the screen when I can rely completely on voice prompts with my other vehicles. Finally, the second row captain seats are great, but a console option between them would be a welcome addition.

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  Love my Enclace - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Detailman80 - December 28 - 8:06 pm

  I really enjoy the overall appearance of the Enclave (has a bold yet eligant look). I am a bit disappointed with the shifting and pickup not being as smooth as I would have expected, but overall this is a class vehicle.

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  A Lot To Like Beware of EPA Estimates - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By HMT - December 26 - 5:49 pm

  Last owned GM car was 1960. Since then only BMW, Mercedes and Lexus vehicles. This Enclave replaces my 98 Lexus 470 SUV and does a great job of emulating that SUV at half the cost. Unfortunately, it also copies the 470s poor gas mileage. I now have 3,000 miles on the Enclave, which includes two 1000 mile highway trips. In town I get 13 mpg and on the highway, 19 mpg. This is far from my anticipated EPA 16/22. Yes, the pickup from standing still at a traffic light to keeping up with the traffic is a bit of a struggle and noisy in that initial gear. However, the cabin appointments and general comfort are very desireable. Lots of goodies. Happy with car, very disappointed with mpg.

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  Finest and Above Classs - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dr. Philip LeNoble - December 19 - 3:50 pm

  We owned Bently, Porsche 911 Cabrio, GMC Denali and currently a 2007 Jaguar Vanden Plas sedan and wanted to downsize from from three vehicles to two so we sold the Porsche and the Denali....and being very picky, I came upon The Buick Enclave AWD CXL which I find is indeed superior in quality, entertainment,technology, safety features, ride, eye candy, interior comfort,back up camera, NAV system, stereo sound system, rear seat DVD, cargo room. remote start, automatic tailgate lift, wood grain and overall sophistocation. Climate control. Transmission is smooth and the get-away at the light is quick as is the boost from the automatic transmission to the six-speed manual adaptation. 15.5 mpg city