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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  Good car - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By Darold Dickerson - March 7 - 4:46 am

  Good family car

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  Love My Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By sgoldman - February 5 - 1:16 pm

  Just traded my 04 SLS for the Enclave- drove the Acadia-to truck like and the SRX- just wasnt the comfort and design I was looking for- I knew the moment I took the Enclave out for a test drive- that I had to have one. I wanted the height of an SUV and the comfort of a luxury sedan- found it. Mine is red jewel tint and it turns heads.

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  Couldnt love it more! - 2017 Buick Enclave
  By Linda - January 16 - 9:03 pm

  I love my Enclave, it is my second one. Beautiful, comfortable, stylish and classy. These are just a few words that describe my 2017 Buick Enclave.

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  Greatest SUV ever! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Buickfan - January 16 - 8:33 pm

  We loved our Enclave before taking a 5400 mile road trip with 4 adults plus luggage, but now we wouldnt part with it for any vehicle on the road. For 5400 miles we averaged 20.2 miles per gallon, which we were really happy about since the vehicle was loaded. We drove through the Pennsylvania hills and the car performed beautifully - not a sign of the transmission hesitancy some people grouse about. The ride was superb, the carrying capacity was more than adequate, and the interior arrangement was really handy for all of the things we took.

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  Enjoying my Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Hook - January 7 - 10:13 pm

  Took delivery of a CXL FWD last week. Very pleased with the quiet ride and solid handling. Worksmanship appears excellent. I didnt measure the first tank of fuel but got 18.6 mpg on the second, with about 50/50 highway/city driving. Has plenty of power for everything Ive needed thus far.

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  Disgruntled - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By ramo - December 20 - 8:26 pm

  This is my second GM car in the past 5 years, 20 previous were imports. I traded the first one for this Enclave after two transmissions over 65000 miles and like a fool bought another one! I have a loaded White Diamond and it is now in the shop for the 4th time in 6 weeks with same problem, the emission light continues to come on. Needless to say, the performance suffers immensely when this occurs. They have yet to figure out what is wrong. Sensors have been replaced, not sure what they are doing at this point. Can you say "lemon law". The car really is a nice car, when it is not in the shop! Perhaps I am just not meant to own an American made automobile. I have learned my lesson.

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  First 2500 km impression - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By DanielL - December 9 - 7:13 pm

  I have been driving my Enclave for just over 2500 km (~1500 mi) now in replacement of a Rendez Vous 2002. I really enjoy it. The drive is smooth, quiet and I find performance being acceptable for the size of the vehicle. Plenty of room for people and cargo. I like the overall usability of the cockpit; controls are easy to use and some are available on steering wheel, sliding arm support. Strongly recommend the car based on first impression.

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  World Class Crossover - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Steve S - November 29 - 11:10 pm

  The Enclave is without a doubt the best crossover on the market. Styling is second to none. The fit and finish is excellent. The car rides so smooth and is extremely quiet inside. Third row seats work great. This is a great alternative to the minivan. Safety features are great for a family vehicle. An overall quality Auto. Best car I ever owned.

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  CXL - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By BillyG - November 22 - 12:30 am

  Most quiet/comfortable vehicle have ever owned. Looking forward to long trip. Gold Mist Metallic is an awesome color. Mileage on par with an Acura MDX, Lexus 350 without premium fuel. Put those marques on this vehicle and they would be proud.

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  Too young for a Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By TOO YOUNG 4 A BUICK - November 11 - 7:43 am

  I have owned every vehicle imaginable and the Enclave is by far the most comfortable and user friendly vehicle ever. It was a choice between the 08 CTS or the Enclave and hands down the Enclave was the clear choice. i am used to driving Yukons, suburbans, bmws and never thought i was in the age group that would own a Buick as I am 44 my wife is 28 and neither of us regret our choice. You truly owe it to yourself to drive the new Buick Enclave!