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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  Leaky Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Micki Clevenger - September 27 - 1:40 am

  Looks good and feels good. The bells and whistles could be better quality. Not enough power. Transmission seems to have problems finding gears. My check engine light has come on 3 times. Most frustrating is the car leaks when it rains! the car is now rusting inside from it. the car has been in for service 3 times and they still have not fixed it right.

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  Could have been a great vehicle but... - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By chumster - September 26 - 8:10 am

  I accept the fact that my Enclave might be a lemon. Camshafts, weird engine noises, minor electrical freak- outs- and thats only within the first 3 months of ownership. The design is good but build quality is very average - panels do not align well, some a crooked, etc. It does what it is designed for - haul 7-8 people, but the transmision will make you adjust your driving style to a typical Buick drivers style. Add a virtually non-existent support by GM/local dealers ( I tried a few) and you may want to think carefuly before you but it.

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  Great ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Doug - September 24 - 8:06 pm

  Took this on a 5500 mile trip this summer and was very happy.. good mileage and a super ride. Drove 75 (was on a lots of freeways) and got 23 miles a gallon..XM radio was really great as I am a first time user. I have 12,000 miles and its running super. Took a little getting used to the six speed transmission in town but now I am used to it..

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  High Quality Vehicle - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By MN Driver - September 23 - 11:41 pm

  We compared the Enclave to the Audi Q7 and replaced a Yukon XL. My wife wanted something smaller, but that still has a third row. We initially were focused on the Acadia, but kept looking at the Enclave in the showroom and appreciated the chrome wheels and more refined interior. My wife preferred the Enclave versus the Q7 and we saved 13K as well.

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  Compliments Galore - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tammie - September 13 - 6:37 am

  I have never received so many compliments on the appearance of a vehicle. Total strangers have said to me "Youve got a really nice looking vehicle". The ride is incredible smooth, especially for a sport utility vehicle. My kids love the interior features. The seats are very comfortable It is really fun to drive. The power lift gate is a wonderful feature. The tinted windows really make the interior cooler on hot days. The large windshield wipers are terrific!

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  Not your grandpas Buick! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By karnut - September 12 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned many cars, including , several corvettes, Fords, Honda (the worst car I ever owned), and many GM, mopars, light trucks and vans. This is my first review about a vehicle. With out a doubt, Buick Enclave is the finest crossover ever. Car is as smooth and quiet as any car you will find, smother, quieter than my sons new Lexus. I am averaging 17.8mpg around town, one small trip got 25.4mpg. High quality and attention to detail make it extra special. You should consider the back up camera as backing visibility is restricted by design. I traded a Tahoe which I loved but I am over it. Navagation system not as good as good as Garmin. GM should build all its cars like this

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  Love this car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jerry Metts - September 10 - 6:54 am

  I have had may different vehichles and this is truly the most comfortable, well equiped I have ever had. I get 19 mpg in the city and 24 hwy. for an 8 (comfortable) passanger car, this is great. It is very comfortable and quiet. The 6 speed trans is a little different, but well worth it. I love the hands free phone, OnStar, navagation and the sound system. This is truly a must have vehicle.

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  One Year Update! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Adams Family - September 8 - 10:13 am

  The Enclave has been apart of our family for over a year now and we enjoy it everytime we drive it. Our white CX model with black cloth seats has been through a lot in a year and passed with flying colors. The Buick has been on several long distance road trips and returned 23 to 24 MPG with cruise set on 70-72 MPH. Except for a recall to reprogram the transmission to shift quicker we have only been to the dealer for regular oil changes. We have towed a pop-up camper to state parks and have folded all the seats down to fit a full size dresser (new in its box) in the back. Our model has the second row bench seat and we are glad we got it since our newborn and his carseat fit comfortably.

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  Best on the Lot - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By bioedwards - September 7 - 9:03 pm

  After driving may competing alternative vehicles, the Enclave out classed them all. Although it took 4 months to get, it was worth the wait. Every aspect of the Enclave is very satisfying. It is obvious from many "minor" details that much engineering went into the development of the car. As the owner of 4 Buicks prior to this one, it is the best Ive driven in 20 years. The car seems bigger once inside that it appears from the outside, yet it drives nimbly. Anyone that wants a vehicle to carry more than 4 people comfortably needs to drive the Enclave before purchasing any other vehicle. Great Job Buick!

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  Multiple Issues since purchase - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Melissa - September 6 - 9:40 pm

  I have had this auto for over 1 year now and have had the following issues: 1. Gas gauge working intermittently 2. Gear shift works intermittently (doesnt lock into place). 3. Drivers side window often sticks and wont open. 4. Windshield wipers stopped working this morning, but can still hear the motor mechanism working, but they wont move. 5. Traction light comes on when driving on the highway. I really love the way this auto drives when it was new. Now that I have 19K+ miles on it, it seems to be exposing flaws and the dealership is worthless to fix things. They cant even do a decent oil change without letting all the air out of the tires (they stated the air gauge was not calibrate