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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  Is this a Buick? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jody - October 11 - 12:43 pm

  After much searching in this price range, my wife and I were settled on the Acadia. However, we took one test drive in the new Buick and were amazed at how much better looking and how much better equipped the Enclave is compared to the Acadia. The ride is smooth and quiet with nice accleration from the six speed automatic. The Buick is not going to snap your neck with speed, but is perfectly capable of quick passing maneuvers when needed. The interior is what really impressed us. My wife and I are in our late 20s and have never considered a Buick until now. The clock in the dash looks great and at night the interior lighting befits a much higher priced car.

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  Ordered New. Very good but not perfect - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Glenn - September 12 - 2:23 am

  Ordered the Enclave in December and received in late February. Nice suv crossover. Heavy car that rides reasonable nice and very quite. Im looking forward to future editions already to improve on some of the deficiencies that many have already described. Overall Im very pleased with this first time purchase of a Buick. I previously owned several GM TrailBlazers and S10 Blazers. This vehicle is big inside and out. The cockpit feel is true and I flew a plane and can attest to the similar look and feel of the Cessna. Lots of forward glass with a clear unobstructed view. Back window view is very small, but not a big deal. I ordered without the overhead retractable window. Overall nice vehicle

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  2008 Buick Enclave CXL is a perfect 10! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By D.S. - July 31 - 6:10 am

  Buick has really nailed it with the Enclave CXL AWD. The Enclave CXL exceeds comparisons to any simliar luxury class vehicle. At first look your eyes cant help but notice the attractive styling looks of the exterior. Buick is on track with one of the finest SUvs ever built by GMs so called "Mom and Dads" Buick vehicle line. The luxurious leather and wood grained interior, Bose sound system and extremely quiet ride is worthy of a world class luxury automobile costing tens of thousands more! The interior experience and ride and handling is so impressive. After I park it, I cant wait to drive it again! My VP at work was so impressed, he mentioned trading in his Wifes Lexus for the CXL.

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  In the Shop Before 1,000 Miles - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By DKS - July 26 - 6:10 pm

  I love my Enclave but have had to have the overhead cams and head replaced in the engine. The engine light kept coming on and going off. I had it in the shop 4 times before Buick fessed up to a problem with the cam shaft being milled too much. As far as comfort and fun to drive I couldnt find anything better. I was afraid of buying a Buick and we will see if this major replacement will change my mind.

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  Superior fit and finish - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jack - May 12 - 12:46 pm

  I had no intention of buying an American car after a poor experience with a Pontiac Montana. Traded a Toyota Sienna after looking at the Enclave at a dealership. I was impressed with the quality and workmanship. Ride is very quiet, smooth and comfortable.

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By mkhinck - May 8 - 12:50 am

  My wife had to get the Buick Enclave. We looked at the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. We just about purchased the Outlook and then found an Enclave that just came into the dealership. Hard to believe that this is a Buick. Finally a reasonably priced car that isnt a minivan and fits our family of 7. Believe it or not my wife hated our Escalade, too big. Now she doesnt have to drive the giant bling bling to fit our family. For the price a much better choice than the Acadia or Outlook. Buick did a good job.

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  Excellent Design - Excellent Performance - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By MB - April 25 - 5:30 am

  The crossover is well designed, is living-room quiet, and handles very well. Fit and finish is excellent and there are no rattles or squeaks. The ride quality is superb.

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  "American Built" finally means something - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Its a Buick - April 18 - 3:26 pm

  This is my second American vehicle and have to say this time Im very pleased with it so far. Very quiet and plush ride. The handling isnt bad either for a 2 and 1/2 ton vehicle. The overall apperance is on a par with other luxury vehicles. Even though, I wasnt loooking for performance, the MPG is below average and transmission slow to change when pushed, but smooth. Some of the materials used looks a little cheap and outdated. Some of the technology is below that of its competitors. Reliability is in question, but only time will tell. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle.

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  This car is not worth the money I paid! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By mytdcm - March 1 - 9:00 am

  I thought I was doing the right thing by trading my Ford Expedition in for this... I was so wrong. I get the same gas mileage I did with my Expedition (16-17 MPG). I have taken my car into the service department numerous times to tell them it does not drive right. They tell me it is fine! Now it sounds like I am driving a truck with mud grip tires on it. It is roaring the the front right, but they do not hear anything! Last night we went out and it started raining, guess what... my car is leaking!!!!! This was the worse mistake I have ever made!

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  Transmission Problem at 5000 miles! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Little Lady - February 17 - 2:06 pm

  Bought my Enclave because I needed an SUV that had seats that adjust for small adult as well as large. I am the small adult in the family and still have to use a pillow to see over the dash! Nice color brown exterior and dark charcoal interior. Drives like a tank, very heavy metal. Shifting is not right, hence transmission problem. Low road noise with windows closed but then need the AC recirculating feature to stay on in every setting, not. Overall, a good luxury SUV for a big person not sensitive to exhaust and polluted air.