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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  A Lexus for a Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Karen - November 20 - 3:16 am

  I traded my 2003 Lexus GX for the Enclave and so far so good. The ride is very smooth. Comparable to the Lexus. Drives like a car, which I like since I also traded my Accord on this vehicle. Figured I only needed one car and the Enclave was the combination of the two I was looking for. Granted its not a Lexus but so far its pretty close. I would say its lacking on acceleration but so far it hasnt been that big of a deal. Gas mileage varies from 14 to 22 and I check it myself, I dont rely on what the info center tells me. Visibility trying to back up is limited and yes I have the back up camera but it makes me dizzy and its hard to see it in the daytime when its sunny. Overall a winner

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  Your friends will be envious! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By CarNut - October 23 - 9:43 pm

  My wife wanted to upgrade for a more luxurious ride and wanted to look at the Buick. I thougt she was crazy or having disillusions. Boy was she right and I was wrong. The car blows Infiniti, Lincoln, and Lexus away (Europeans are too much money for what you get). Not sure why people knock the interior quality, its as nice as anything out there and better layout. It drives like a car and luxuries are there to make you feel like youre escaping the world. Ultra silent ride, smooth, and handles very well (remember, its not a sports car). All in all, a must drive.

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  Big Value in Luxury X-overs - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Willie Wonka - October 6 - 8:20 am

  My wife is a die hard Lexus RX 330 fan, but fell in love with the Buick Enclave. Its roomy, beautiful,and loaded with all the features anyone could want and you dont need to take out a mortgage to own it! My neighbor commented that the interior is just like a cockpit of a small jet (and he didnt read the promotional add!). For performance, styling and handling,this car is at the head of its class. I love it.

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  Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By mary - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  I love my Enclave! It rides so smooth, handling great in the snow. I was hopeing for a little better gas milage, averages 16/17, 20max on highway. The interior is sharp w/wood grain and leather seats. I did get the DVD/Nav combo and use the Navigation daily w/my job. This vehicle is very roomy, I have space in the back to store items and also seating for 7. Do wish the 2nd row of seats could be adjusted front and back to give the back seat passangers more leg room if needed.

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  2008 Buick Enclave CXL FWD - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tuckermech - August 25 - 9:16 pm

  Love it and have had it 1 month and have 600 miles on our Cocoa Metallic with Cashmere leather interior. Have Driver Confidence Package, 19 inch chrome wheels and entertainment package #1. A thrill to drive after parting with our 2004 Cadillac Deville. Love the seat height, Onstar and the attention we have been getting. Purchased the cargo shade and net and think Buick could have done a better design job on the shade. Love the room as my wife and I intend to do a lot of traveling.

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  Elegant car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Julie - August 2 - 9:46 pm

  We finally upgraded and graduated out of our beloved family Honda mini van. I feel like I have finally grown up and have something just for me. The Enclave is quiet and smooth driving. ours is fully loaded and it will take a while to learn all of the bells and whistles, but our decision to buy this hard-to- find Buick was a good one! We looked at the Lexus, but the Enclave rated much better for emissions. I love this car!

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  Where are the options and power? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Ron Scindle - June 29 - 11:13 pm

  Im very excited the Buick Enclave I purchased has been the hit of our neighborhood. Everyone likes the design of the exterior and interior as much as I do. I love almost everything about the car with the exception of the following things. Why arnt heated seats in the rear available? They are in some of the other SUVs that GM makes, but on this car they are missing. I wanted all options, but when the car arrived it didnt have the luggage rack cross bars I bought and paid for. The running boards were also paid for and the dealer cant tell me when the delivery date might be. The sales information states the the rear headphones come with option 3, but I now find out that isnt true.

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  Nice comfort - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Maryann - June 15 - 3:13 am

  This is my 2nd owned Buick. Purchased base on previous service and reliability. Nice quiet ride. Rides like a car. Waiting to take the 1st long distance trip.

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  Groovy - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By sweet_joe - May 31 - 1:56 pm

  We also looked at MDX, CX-9 and Veracruz. Nothing compares to Enclave. We were attracted to the stylish exterior initially but we were surprised to see how good the build quality was. This is the best bargain in the market if you are looking to get a quality SUV/CUV. We have the White Diamond which they no longer produce. Worth a 12 weeks wait.

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  I cant believe we own a Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rich - May 31 - 10:13 am

  We looked at the Acadia, Outlook, SRX and Mazda cx9 and ended up with the enclave...much nicer (classier) interior than all but the SRX, and it has a 4 year warranty too...took a 1200 mile trip on day 4 and the car ran perfectly...very smooth and quiet ride, in fact one of the most quiet cars I’ve driven...the front seats are very comfortable and I didnt get out of the car after 3 or 4 hours all tired and stiff...no complaints so far