2008 Buick Enclave: Tester's Comments
2008 Buick Enclave ▼
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- MSRP: $33,200 - $37,455
- Invoice: $31,061 - $35,020
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Buick Enclave. See if the 2008 Buick Enclave is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Buick Enclave |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | CX |
| Arrival Date: | 08/06/2007 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 32,055 |
| Price as Tested: | 36,260 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 4214 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5110 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 896 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 48.082 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 18.63 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Entertainment Package #2 (DVD Rear Seat Entertainment, Rear Seat Audio Controls, Bose Speaker Sound System); White Diamond Tricoat; Driver Confidence Package (Remote Start, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, Heated Windshield Washer Fluid, 18 in. Machined Aluminum Wheels)
From the Back Seat
Chuck Giametta
What's one rung below true elegance? That's where the Enclave resides. It's very quiet, comfortable enough, and highly capable on the road. But does its styling cry out for too much attention? Does its cabin's plasticy brightwork betray its aspirations? These things may be matters of taste, and Enclave is not the only upscale vehicle open to such scrutiny. But we know elegant good taste when we see it, don't we?
Ed Piotrowski
Enclave enters the premium-midsize crossover market facing some extremely stiff competition from other seven-passenger rivals, such as the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and GM's own Cadillac SRX. This Buick offers the luxury amenities buyers expect, including a standard power tailgate. The driving experience is serene, with a very comfortable, extremely quiet ride. The pricing, model lineup, and features mix also hits the mark, with buyers able to really customize a vehicle to their needs. Need a rear DVD system but don't want leather seats? No problem. Further, if Buick's performance in a recent reliability survey is any indication, this crossover should also provide an ownership experience that won't require a frequent guest pass to the dealership service department. This is a five-star effort from General Motors, and anyone in the market would be remiss not to test drive Enclave.
Rick Cotta
With impressive cargo volume and seating space, Enclave and its kin can rightfully take the place of both a full-size SUV and a minivan, but only to a degree. Towing capacity can't match that of the former, and fuel mileage doesn't approach that of the latter. That means Enclave is a compromise of sorts, but it's really a darn good one.
Tom Appel
For the first time I can recall, the things I don't like about a Buick aren't flaws, they are inherent in the car's character. There's some float in the ride for example, but this car is such a well-engineered piece that I accept it as intentional. And that sums up Enclave: intentionally a Buick. Enclave is the best Buick in decades because it is luxurious, isolating, and high quality--all attributes Buick has struggled to deliver on architecture shared with other General Motors divisions. Not any more. Congratulations Buick loyalists, the great Buick is back. Congratulations Buick dealers, you now have a car worth full sticker. American Luxury, indeed.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Buick Enclave |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | CXL |
| Arrival Date: | 07/17/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 37,040 |
| Price as Tested: | 46,035 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2681 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2791 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 110 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 6.511 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 16.89 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Entertainment Package #4 (touch-screen navigation, DVD rear-seat entertainment, rear seat audio controls, Bose Speaker Sound System, rearview backup camera), 19-inch chromed aluminum wheels, power sunroof with 2nd-row skylight, Luxury Package (heated power-folding outside mirrors w/turn signals, steerable headlights, power tilt and telescoping steering, 110-volt power outlet), Driver Confidence Package (remote start, ultrasonic rear parking assist, heated windshield washer fluid)
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
The Buick Enclave mixes style, refinement, utility and good-for-its-size highway fuel economy with a comfortable and handsome interior. Enclave is a no excuses premium SUV. Well done.
Jack Stewart
The Enclave is a good alternative to full-sized SUVs. It has great interior room, drives like a car, and gets decent mileage.
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