The 2008 Buick Enclave was in Consumer Guide's test-car fleet for two weeks.
Model: 2008 Buick Enclave CX; 3.6-liter 275-horsepower V6 and 6-Speed automatic
Base Price: $32,055
Options: Entertainment Package #2; White Diamond Tricoat; Driver Confidence Package
Price as Tested: $36,260
Editors' Notes
What's one rung below true elegance? That's where 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?--Chuck Giametta 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.-- Ed Piotrowski
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.--Rick Cotta
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.--Tom Appel
New Car Quote
Acura