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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  Excellent - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By paul d - November 19 - 5:51 pm

  I had this vehicle one month. I love it. Great comfort, smooth. GM has a winner with this vehicle.

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  Great Crossover SUV - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Texas Owner - November 15 - 12:21 pm

  We absolutely love this crossover. We receive many compliments on its styling. Absolutely no problem other than the transmission hesitates on occasion. There is a program change we are considering which Im told will seem like a 50 hp boost..downside Im told might be a lost in fuel economy (Currently 17.9 MPG in town and consistently with hard driving on the freeway 21+ MPG). We bought the factory running boards-they are very helpful for some elderly folks we transport and it really dresses up that vehicle..and they fit perfectly into the styling. Only downside, power lift hits our garage door (triggers automatic close) so we have to turn it off when we drive into the garage.

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  Audi Q7 killer! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By GCH - November 4 - 3:50 pm

  Just yesterday our Enclave was finally delivered. We had to wait a few months as we had the car imported from the US. We had driven the car during our two weeks holidays in Florida May 2008 and fell in love with it. The car drives smoothly, is silent and has a lot of space. With 3 children the Enclave is the perfect family car. Classy and not as ordinary as a BMW X5 or Audi Q7. The fun part is that the Enclave offers as much as these cars but is far cheaper. Too bad that the XM radio does not work in Europe. It uses fuel but not as much as expected. We like the seats for total 8 people and the exclusive look & feel of the Enclave. We are sure to enjoy the Enclave for a many years to come.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Scott - October 29 - 10:01 pm

  It has been a long time since we owned a GM car and I have to say that this one is much improved over years ago. The Enclave is very well made and quiet. We get a lot of positive comments on its appearance. We have young teens and just traded in the minivan. Most of our disappointments are related to the fact that this vehicle doesnt have as much room as a minivan and is missing some of the interior accessories you would find in a van.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy Customer - October 24 - 11:11 am

  This vehicle replaced a van that we really liked. However it is a huge step up. This is the nicest new vehicle I have ever purchased. This a gem that people need to look at. With the direct injection and variable valve timing, I get better fuel mileage than my van. It is well thought out and we enjoy all of the features it has to offer. It is comfortable and super quiet & smooth down the road. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody. My family loves it. Take one for a test drive.

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  The Enclave Saved My Life! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By jbjomo - October 17 - 9:04 am

  Had a terrible accident but I was able to walk away from it thanks to the Enclave! It took the brunt of the damage and it was totaled. My insurance agent was amazed that I survived due to the condition of the outside of the vehicle. Im going to purchase an 09 for a replacement.

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  A vacation vehicle that works - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By clm - October 15 - 2:02 pm

  Bought it to travel in have not been disapointed. Quiet ride deceiving in will suprise you when running 85 doesnt seem like it. Handles mountain roads well v-6 and 6 speed work well together. Interior comfortable but son thinks door decor cheesey would like wood grain to emulate steering wheel better.

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  Great When It Doesnt Leak - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By bondguy - October 9 - 9:41 pm

  I have had this car since March of 2008. I love the style and the quiet ride. However, I am so thankful that I lease this vehicle and wouldnt ever think of buying one after the problems I have experienced. Once in for electrical problems after owning it for 3 months. 3 times in for leak in ceiling (water drips in through the third row overhead maplights). The car came back to me after being in the shop (3rd time for leak) last week. So far, so good. No more leaks. Mileage is worse than what GM claims averaging 19 overall highway with stop and go a lot. Beautiful driving as it is very quiet. Pickup is just okay though.

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  Buick Enclave Owners Report - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tuckermech - October 3 - 5:23 am

  Have had my Enclave 1 month and have 600 miles on it. No problems, love it however I purchased the rear shade and dont see that it is worth the price.

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  Glad I waited for an 09 - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By FB3 - October 1 - 4:04 pm

  Performance: Much better than last years anemic engine, but still doesnt have the nice low end torque of a V8. Glad I waited for an 09. Comfort: Front headrest not tilt adjustable. I think this was a new safety law. Second row seats quite small and minimum leg room. Fuel economy: So far very good for a vehicle of this size. Interior design: Nice except for the cheap semi-see through sun roof interior shades and small cramped second row seats. Build quality: Very good. As good as my 2008 Infinity M35. Very tight. Reliability: Too soon to know, but I have had excellent experiences with GM vehicles over the years and dont expect anything bad from this one.