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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  so far so good... - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By dpgull - March 22 - 10:38 pm

  well dispite all the horror stories I read about a few major issues, I decided to take the plunge and buy a very well equipped 2008 CXL (everything but the folding mirrors, 110volt outlet and articulating headlights). It was a 1 owner car that was dealer maintained and I had access to all the service records. It seems the original owner had already addressed the steering (full replacement) and strut issue, and at 80,000 miles it runs tighter and quieter than the Mercedes M Class it replaced. Also I got an excellent price for the car well below book value. I did purchase a 3/36,000 extended warranty through my credit union which covers all major component, so if that wave plate goes...

• 

  Honeymoon is over. Still working on the marriage - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By grnmama - March 21 - 9:00 pm

  Bought 2008 Enclave CLX new. Have since had warranty replacement/repair of GPS (twice), water pump, sunroof leak, and various small things. Many interior trim pieces broke, were glued on in service, only to fall off later. When the warranty was up we started to have steering problems. Found out it was the rack and pinion steering failing at 75,000 miles, a known design flaw for this platform. I have tried to contact our service rep at the dealership and have not had a return call twice. Had it repaired elsewhere. Too bad this didnt happen before we bought the 2013 Buick LaCrosse 3 months ago!!! Would like a GM representative to contact us.

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  Why wont the dealerships tell me? - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By ybayless - March 2 - 8:42 pm

  I just want to know what is wrong this time. Ive spent 2000 on my car in the last 6 weeks and the problems still exist. I dont want to spend another dime until I know that my car will be fixed. There are a lot of problems with this model vehicle, but I still love it. I will have to get rid of it anyway since I can no longer reccomend it to my friends. GMC should be ashamed of themselves. They should feel responsible for all the money and extra problems that they cause loyal patrons to spend. I feel duped.

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  my 2010 Buick Enclave totaled in electrical fire - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By fire5 - February 14 - 12:58 pm

  I have an attorney because of all the electrical failures. Then last night as I was driving home the car shut off and went up in flames.

• 

  Buick Hits a Homerun - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By john178 - February 11 - 9:08 pm

  Have had our Enclave for 1 week and absolutely love everything about it. The interior is much more plush than the 2012 model. The quiet cabin is as advertised. The ride is so comfortable it is hard to describe. The led rope lighting on the doors and dash are classy. First time we got the articulating headlamps and this actually helps enlarge the area of lighting when turning. The rear entertainment system will be well used by grandkids. The Intellilink is user freindly and awesome. The spaciousness for all 7 seats is impressive.

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  Buick made me buy American again - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By johnkay - February 4 - 2:42 am

  Id like to congratulate the Buick team for bringing their product line out of the stone ages. I left this company for dead. I just bought a 2013 Enclave AWD, leather edition and all I can say is WOW. The fit & finish is right up there with Lexus or Mercedes. They didnt short cut as American manufacturers generally do. I cant believe that this car is even American built. The car handles great and the ride is smooth. I especially love the Nav/electronics of the vehicle and it seems that Buick is up to date with these features. The led rope lighting the circles around the top of the dash and front doors is a nice touch at night.

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  Enjoying the car, but the milage is horrible - 2012 Buick Enclave
  By sirk2 - January 31 - 9:17 am

  We purchased our Enclave in July 2012. After 5 seat cars, we are really enjoying the space and can now carpool with others and bring the dog on trips. I wanted captains chair in 2nd row and 3 spaces in 3rd, and most SUVs cant do that. It could always use another USB port but we juggle just fine. My only major complaint so far is the milage. This winter it has been averaging 16.4 miles per gallon. This thing chews through gas like you wouldnt believe. Over the summer, it was slightly better, but we were doing more highway traveling. With nothing but metro driving, it is sobering how much we are spending on fuel. Clearance is ok, but check measurements - this is lower than hoped.

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  So sad this is happening to a vehicle I have loved to drive - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By grits18 - January 27 - 11:32 am

  Mar 2011 power steering whine and locking up repaired under warrenty. Nov 2011 check engine light on, replaced solenoid under warrenty. Feb 2012 check engine light on, service stabilitrack, service traction control, traction control goes on and off, engine loses power, replaced throttle body covered under warrenty. Jan 2013 check engine light, service stabilitrak, service traction control, traction control goes on and off. No longer under warrenty repair is to replace valve cover and seal as the original is a flawed design and has been re-designed. Cost near $1000.00. GM takes NO responsiblity and no recall as not a "safety" issue. No but it is a flaw GM is well aware of!!!

• 

  Nice Ride - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By emo4 - January 10 - 11:29 pm

  We have been pleased with this car. My friend has an older one, and I am happy to have gotten the redesigned version shortly after it was introduced. The transmission has been re-tuned to shift at higher RPMs, producing brisk and smoother acceleration. I was only disappointed that the navigation systems font size is too small and cannot be adjusted. This could be a safety hazard, since the small font makes it hard to read.

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  Disappointed with the 2013 Enclave - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By briansal - January 7 - 5:03 pm

  Back in 2008 the Buick Enclave was a work of art, a revolution in cross-over SUV vehicles. Unfortunately, I do not feel the same about the 2013 Enclave. Buick did add some features, but they also removed or downgraded some important things. The big selling point of this vehicle was supposed to be the Intellilink system with enhanced navigation, but then they made the touchscreen smaller than before? Other things like Pandora, Stitcher, Photoviewer simply do not work. Are they really selling a $50,000 vehicle that isnt even compatible with an iPhone? Are you kidding me? There is also an occastional low rumbling noise in the engine manifold when the vehicle is idling at a stoplight.