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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  First Impressions - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Frank - June 13 - 9:53 am

  After 15 years of European cars we finally found a US built vehicle we wanted to own. After a test drive we knew something great had finally come from GM. It was like a jumbo MDX that made a first impression so quiet we could actually talk and enjoy the music. Handling is that of a sedan half the size and seating is second to nothing we ever owned. We were not in the market for a car but had gone to the dealer for an upgrade to an OnStar system when we saw it. Two days later we took it home. For the first time in my life I got a new car with nothing to fix right from the dealer.

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  GM finally has a real winner - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Mike - May 31 - 11:06 pm

  My wife and I are both very picky when it comes to cars and we usually only stick with imports that have high reliability ratings. A little over two years ago, we wouldnt have even considered Buick (or any GM for that matter) when we wanted to look for a new SUV, but when I saw the Enclave revealed at the Detroit Auto Show back in 06, I immediately liked its styling. My biggest complaint with U.S. auto makers over the last 20 years or so is primarily not build quality (although it has been relatively poor), but design. The Enclaves design is what did it for me. We absolutely love the Enclave. I donÂ’t regret it for one second.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By schwarz - May 28 - 2:20 am

  After buying the 2008 Enclave my husband and I never looked back. This is by far the most car for the money. It turns heads wherever we go and rightfully so. Its sleek style and detailed design commands attention. I would recommend anyone who needs a vehicle which seats more than 4 to take a good look at the Enclave. You will not regrete it! It is fun to drive and very comfortable. I hate long road trips, but for the first time in a long time, Im looking forward to one. Buick, you did an outstanding job. This American made vehicle will give the foreign makers a run for their money.

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  Yes, I Now Drive A Buick. Why Dont You? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tiny Elvis - April 24 - 4:43 pm

  This CXL FWD is as advertised. Compared to Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, GMC Yukon Denali & various Euro sedans. This car has tons of interior room, an excellent ride, superb switchgear and is as quiet as any car I have ever been in. Well-designed options include bi-zenon articulating headlamps; heated washer fluid, lumbar that adjusts up and down, trailer hitch cover integrated into bumper; and power folding mirrors. All the required luxury amenities are present and work perfectly. Handling is excellent for a 5000lb vehicle. Steering input is precise with no dead spot. The brake pedal has long travel yet is confident. The styling is turning heads at virtually every street corner and parking lot.

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  GM hit a home run - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By NorthvilleMI - March 17 - 7:30 am

  This vehicle is outstanding - and my other car is a Honda. The exterior styling is great. The interior detail is top notch. The ride is incredibly smooth and very quiet at high speeds. Great vehicle for a night out or a family trip. Very luxurious and good material and build quality. This is the best vehicle I have ever driven.

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  What a vehicle! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Elwyn Davis - January 24 - 5:26 pm

  This is the best vehicle we have ever owned, or driven. It is exceptionally comfortable, and a joy to ride in. The quietest vehicle in my experience of 50 years of driving. Some pseudo sophisticates gripe about the fake wood. Of course it is fake, but it is beautiful and adds to the excellent interior design. Get over yourselves. A friend, and MDX owner, is green with jealousy.

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By a2dan - December 10 - 1:36 am

  Very quiet, very comfortable. The interior is beautifully designed and executed. It gets good mpg for an 8- passenger vehicle. It has sufficient power for passing, and handles well for a big, heavy vehicle.

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  Just Drove Away with My New Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By kenclave - December 4 - 2:46 pm

  I have never owned a GM vehicle. I have been waiting for this one since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Almost bought an Acadia because they came out first and I was chomping at the bit. Am so glad I was patient. It was well worth it. Drives beautifully. Very quiet. Very smooth. Handling is quite responsive. Feels very solid and safe. Looks great. Interior is nice. Plenty of room in all three rows. Traded in a Chrysler Town & Country that I loved. No regrets. Only the third day of my ownership, but so far I am quite pleased. Looking for excuses to drive!

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  Quiet and Smooth are True Luxuries - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By OwnedALot - December 4 - 8:50 am

  I have owned and driven my Enclave now for 5200 miles and still love it. We just had our first child, and I sold my BMW M3 to get it. Never did I think I would love the quiet and smoothness so much, I assume my son likes it as well since he snoozes in it so well. I have also carried a full load of people on a 4-hour trip with no complaints and 20MPG. Not bad for 7 Adults and one child. As for around town driving, I get an average of about 17MPG with mostly local driving. Ive never gotten less than 15MPG, with very city-like local short trips, so I am not sure what some people are doing to get less than that. Finally, we have had exactly 0 problems.

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  Great crossover! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Matt Kahn - November 23 - 7:56 am

  This is the best crossover out in the market. We looked at every one and found the Buick was the best priced and had the most options standard. Our Buick has every option available. With GMs OnStar you can do without the navigation. I will only buy cars that have OnStar. Hopefully this will be the start of good things to come from GM.