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:

• 

  A little disappointed honestly - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By smiths - May 9 - 4:00 pm

  I was really looking forward to better fuel economy than my Toyota Sequoia - but Ive been very disappointed (avg 13 mpg - Sequoia avg was 16!). The dealer service department said they get tons of calls with dissatisfied customers regarding mileage of the Enclave. The transmission is also a bit screwy, you really have to push on the gas to convince it to downshift on a hill - and mine supposedly has had that transmission "fix" from the earlier versions. Even on level roads it seems to jump between gears unnecessarily. Its nice overall, maybe I just had my hopes set too high?

• 

  I love this SUV! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Cindy - April 14 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first GM product since 1989. I actually read about the Saturn Outlook first, but fell for the Enclave the minute I test drove it. It is very roomy inside, but doesnt feel like a moose to maneuver around town.

• 

  Just buy one - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By cd - March 29 - 9:33 am

  We ordered the Enclave without ever seeing it. Have owned it for two weeks and we love it. Great fit and finish, ride is superb, I have to admit this vehicle is so quiet you will think you are in a much more expensive vehicle.

• 

  Love my Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Phoebe2525 - February 14 - 7:16 pm

  Fun to drive. Roomy,comfy, full of nice surprises. Easy entrance, exit. Lots of leg, head, shoulder room in all 3 rows. Quietest ride Ive ever had in a car. Actual fuel mileage so far is 18+ mpg in city driving. Love it!

• 

  Run from this - $1000 headlamp replacements - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By Harold Andrews - February 8 - 10:50 am

  BIG FYI: a single headlight bulb costs nearly $500 to replace! Wow! I bought our familys 2013 Enclave new and had a couple of smaller light bulbs burn out while still in warranty. The kicker came when a headlight bulb only lasted 3 years. Just know that that little bulb will cost you nearly $1000.00 when they both burn out! Buick should be ashamed of this. And unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to head back to non-American cars when we get a new car this spring. Good bye Buick, Im not in the business of these kinds of surprises.

• 

  2008 enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By 7scp - January 27 - 10:03 am

  A very quiet ride. Plenty of room to for car pooling, kids and backpacks. Beautiful interior and love the shape of the exterior. Able to accomodate a 61" man and a 5 foot woman comfortably in the drivers seat. Not especially thrilled about how high the side view mirrors are located, hard to see around them when your shorter.

• 

  The Gold Standard of Crossovers! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Keith - January 23 - 6:03 pm

  We bought our Gold Mist CXL about a month ago (this is the third Enclave in our neighborhood) and my wife and kids love it! The ride quality and quietness of the vehicle is far superior than our Sienna we traded in. Had an ice storm last night and my wife made it home without any problems and we only have FWD. We love the backup camera and park assist which is great considering the small window in the back. Overall, this is an excellent vehicle that meets our luxury requirements with interior room similiar to a minivan. Only negative is the "less than ideal" gas mileage - we are getting 14 MPG city.

• 

  Back to America! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rokalada - January 8 - 2:50 pm

  After deciding we needed a more economical car to take the family and four dogs to our weekend place about 150 miles from home, we started looking at SUVs, CUVs, etc. I used to drive Mercedes wagons, and I was drawn back to them, but the middle row leg room is too short for our tall, adult-sized children, and the other Mercedes that did "fit" us (the R class) could not haul a trailer that we sometimes use. Enter, the Enclave! I took delivery on a CXL this week, and so far, I am very impressed! Ive only gassed up once, but it got well over 20 mpg in mixed driving. The ride is comfortable, and I like the solid feel to the doors when you shut them --- very unlike a Honda!

• 

  Not convinced I didnt make a mistake - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bob - December 31 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased the Enclave 3000 miles ago...less than a month and I was generally impressed with the vehicle until I drove it under various situations. In a nutshell, any wonderful features I enjoyed have been eclipsed by the incredibly terrible transmission. It is just not a pleasure to drive in the hills of western PA. This transmission does not know how to handle them. Im taking it in this Monday for service, Buick tells me there is a recall for "Transmission Calibration" my suggestion for anyone interested is waitil the bugs are cleared up on this vehicles transmission. It will negate all the beautiful and comfortable features this vehicle has and ruin the driving experience.

• 

  The awesomest car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Lauren Ravds - November 21 - 9:16 pm

  It is the best car yet. All of my family can fit in it. It is great to have 3 row seats for more foot space. It is great that it has such good handling and the backing up beep and meter is great. I love Enclaves!