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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  Cant Believe I Bought a Buick! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dee - May 21 - 2:50 am

  I truly cant believe I bought a Buick. This is my first American car. I love this car. I have never had so many people give me compliments and ask "What car is that?". The ride is very quiet and the captains chairs are fantastic. The car looks fantastic and also to drive. My son loves the DVD with the wireless headphones. I fell in love with the turn by turn directions which I use a lot and the emergency phone in the car via OnStar can be very helpful if you are in a jam. Lastly, I use the remote start a lot as I live in FL and it gets very hot and it cools down the car before I get in with my toddler.

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  A winning Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Chuck - May 11 - 3:06 pm

  Stoll love this care after dring for 9 months and 14m miles. Great design, inside and out. Technology is first class. Love the quiet ride. I traded a BMW SUV that I loved, and now love the Buick more. This is first American car Ive acquired personally in almost 40 years, and its quality holds up well against Mercedes, BMWs, Jaguars Ive had.

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  UnBuick-like, bargain-priced Lexus. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By skintrade - May 5 - 9:03 am

  Traded my BMW 3-series for this car. With a Lexus and a Bimmer, never thought Id get a Buick, but couldnt find anything we liked better after looking at the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus GX. None of those had as much 3rd row back seat room or ease of access as the Enclave. And this comes with nearly the same bells and whistles. Yes, a few parts appear cheap, but the quality and elegance of the rest of the interior far outpowers them. Cabin feels like flying first class in a plane. 5.1 Bose surround sounds amazing. Wish it had automatic self- closing driver/passenger doors, theyre german car heavy! Handling suprisingly sporty, rides smooth & quiet. This is the car that will save Buick.

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  A home run - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Rod - March 2 - 1:30 pm

  I new I wanted this car before it hit the market. My dealer told me this was coming out in the spring of last year and when he showed me a picture, I was sold. I ordered one as soon as I could. The ride is very smooth, handles well and is very quiet. It definately attracts attention everywhere I go. People are always asking me about it. The Enclave is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Performace - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By wroblewski - February 27 - 2:46 am

  This is a first class luxury vehicle in everyway you can think off. The driver information center is easy to view. The power liftgate is a plus. The Buick accessories help to make this a world class looking vehicle,and at a reasonable price. The ride is exceptional. The transmission shifts often with city driving, but it is smooth. This, I think helps with fuel.

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  I love this Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Connie - February 13 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle 2 months ago and l. With 3 boys and all their friends, it has enough room for eveyone. It is sporty yet elegant. You get noticed in this car. I have yet to see another one. It handles great and for a 6cyl, it has the power. I wanted to purchase the 2nd row console, but nobody can tell me when it will be available. This car is very comfortable and quiet. I shopped around for months before I found something I love. My kids love the DVD player. My husband loves the telescopic steering wheel. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have a hard time seeing at night, the headlights light up everything.

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  Great car - 2014 Buick Enclave
  By gary aron - January 30 - 11:29 pm

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  This Vehicle was made For me! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Made for Me! - January 10 - 8:06 pm

  This vehicle was made for me. It is quiet and very roomy. I cant believe that I have a luxury SUV! It is so smooth and handles very well. I love this vehicle! I thought it was out of my price range because it is luxury, but I got one fully loaded.

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  Glad I waited! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By mashs54 - January 9 - 7:43 am

  We compared a lot of vehicles in this class and had narrowed the choice to the Outlook. Then I drove the Buick and it was all over. I ordered one the next day and Im glad I waited. The ride is so smooth and quiet. My husband agrees the fit and finish are outstanding for an American car; Buick has excelled here. It is comfortable on long trips and a real looker. I get compliments everywhere. I am interested in the center console if possible, but overall am delighted.

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  I Love my Buick Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Rosita2001 - December 16 - 6:23 pm

  Okay, I just picked up my Enclave a week and a half ago; has 1000 miles on it right now. This is probably the nicest vehicle I have owned and that includes a Cadillac. The Enclave is so quiet and so comfortable, I cant say enough about it. With the V-6 it takes regular gas, and gets decent mileage. Beautiful interior! A wonderful luxury vehicle!