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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  Big Blue - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By schapman - January 18 - 2:36 pm

  We exhaustively shopped for this X- over vehicle, and selected this Enclave in Ming Blue (hence, "Big Blue.") It is without doubt, the finest vehicle I have purchased in 20 years (most recent purchases have been premium european sedans). The build quality and quality of materials used is awesome! I did not expect this from a US car company. I have 9300 miles, and everyone at the office fights to drive it. I would encourage anyone who has to haul people and their stuff on a routine basis to seriously consider this vehicle.

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  Its Not Perfect, But GM Got It Right - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Vig Rig in Ohio - January 2 - 2:00 pm

  FWD CXL has all bells and whistles. Punt the Nav and save $2k w/Ent Pkg#2 DVD w/ surround. OnStar does everything the nav does and has significant safety benefits as well. My 9 year old had the rear audio wireless system operational in minutes! The engine is smooth and pleasingly powerful. The exhaust note is perfect. The cabin is exemplary, with outstanding switchgear that has excellent tactile feel. Interior lighting is superb. The "Googley-Eyed" Bi-Zenon articulating headlamps light to the horizon. I traded in a 04 Sequoia: I could hardly read the dash in any lighting. Enclaves dash is the new benchmark. What? No red line on the tach? This car is one sexy station wagon: The Real Roadmaster

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  Love my new Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By JRoshto - December 22 - 3:03 pm

  I bought mine on New Years Eve. Looked all over for the Red Jewel one. Went to a dealer the day before and they sold the one I wanted an hour before I got there. Managed to locate one the next day and bought it. I love it. Ive always been a Honda buyer so this is my first American car for a while. This is definitely my red jewel. Its gorgeous, and fun to drive and so very smooth. Plus the family love all the options we got with the DVD play XM radio etc.

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  Enjoyable to drive - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By d kane - December 12 - 6:23 am

  The car is a pleasure to drive. Mileage is between 18-19 city, 22-23 hghwy. Ride is firm but not hard,much better than my Olds Bravada that it replaced. Interior is pleasing and functional. Controls are easy to reach.

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  This is a GM product? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By PJ - October 2 - 2:46 am

  Was ready to buy an Acadia AWD, and then saw the Enclave CX FWD. More standard items. Acadia has no traction control. It was a no brainer Enclave all the way. MSRPs really close. Saturn Outlook would not discount MSRP! Extremely quiet, Buick did a great job on keeping the quiet in and sound out. Driving a pleasure, even my wife says itÂ’s "so big" but does not drive that way, comfortable luxury ride, good handling for its size. Its surprising on turns. Very nice fit and finish. All around gas is decent according to the cars computer 17.5 Waiting to take it on a trip. This is my first GM in a long time and I do not think it is a GM car! I traded a Sienna van and have no regrets. What took Buick so long!?

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  I Own an American Car for the First Time - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Analyst365 - September 30 - 6:36 pm

  I own an Acura MDX and owned a Lexus RX in the past. I test drove most of the SUVs in the mid and large sections. I was very surprised to find that the Buick Enclave had fantastic handling and good gas mpg(for its size). It is a beautiful and logical car making it easy and fun to drive. The large capacity is perfect for all the members of my family, most of them being very tall. It is larger than most of the big truck SUVs, but it drives like a car. I have never considered owning an American car before. I must say, I love my new Buick Enclave! It is a quality car that comfortably fits seven people for a much lower price than the Acura or Lexus.

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  Our Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Joel & Alli - August 18 - 5:46 pm

  We have had the Enclave CXL for three weeks and simply love it. After test driving the Enclave, we quickly discovered it rides smoother and is much quieter then the Acadia and Outlook. The interior is very comfortable with ample room for 7. Although the engine is not a rocket, the 275 HP is plenty for its size and weight. The 6 speed transmission is smooth. Enclave gets 1 less mpg then the Acadia and Outlook maybe because its a little heavier. But at least it runs on 87 octane. Glad we looked at the Enclave as we almost bought the Acadia or Outlook. Some people may prefer the looks of the Acadia or Outlook, but the ride and quietness of Enclave cant be beat.

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  Classy, sophisticated ride! - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By David - July 21 - 4:38 am

  Great running automobile. Quiet. Peppy when needed. Comfortable on long as well as short trips. All of the instrumentation takes time to get accustomed to, and can be somewhat intimidating to those of us who are electronically challenged. The manual must be consulted frequently. Gasoline mileage is adequate for the size of the car, but not outstanding. One should not purchase this SUV with the idea of saving money at the gas pump.

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  recommend to any one - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By William Allen Havens - July 2 - 6:26 pm

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  Good GM--but dont nickel and dime us. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By briansal - June 19 - 9:50 pm

  We are happy with this vehicle. 8-passenger seating (counsel unavailabe despite being pictured in all the ads this year). Plenty of pick-up and lots of room inside; OK fuel mileage for an SUV of this size Two words of advice: Consider adding an aftermarket GPS system instead of OEM GPS, because the DVD GPS data is two years old when you buy the vehicle.