In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL
Click image above for high resolution gallery
When the Buick Enclave concept hit the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the roomy CUV was very well received, but past experiences left both the media and public skeptical. Many felt that the stunning looks and luxury amenities of the Enclave would never make it to the dealer lot, and in the end there would be a lot of compromises made to keep costs down. As it turns out, the General pulled a fast one, and the exterior and much of the interior of the classy concept hit production intact. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz kept saying that Buick could compete with Lexus in terms of quality and refinement, and the Enclave shows that blogger Bob isn't just blowing smoke. We've been eagerly awaiting a crack at the Enclave in the Autoblog garage, and now we've finally got our chance. Read on for our impressions from our week-long test.
Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL
click any image to view high-res
On the road, the Enclave has a commanding presence. Buick's CUV is Tahoe-like in both width and length, and the Enclave's monstrous chrome grille looms large in many a rear-view mirror. While the Enclave shares its underpinnings with both the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia, the Buick gets by far the most distinctive sheetmetal. Elegant, flowing lines are accented with tasteful chrome trim on the bodywork and around the headlights and taillights. The aforementioned grille and optional 19" wheels get an extra helping of the stuff, and give the Escalade a run for its money in the bling department. The size of the tires on the Enclave are massive, even when compared with other CUVs and even some larger pickups. 
Few large vehicles we've driven have garnered more positive comments than the Enclave, and one passer-by actually asked if he could sit in the back seat to test out the captain's chairs. Once inside, the appreciation of the large CUV grows. The driver's seat is so roomy, it took us a couple days to get used to our newfound freedom. Comfortable and supportive, the front seats provided ample cushioning for a long trip up north. Thanks to its lower ride height, getting in and out of the Enclave is a bit easier than in most truck-based SUVs. The steering wheel on our CXL (the L stands for leather) mixed thick leather with wood, and large, easy-to-use redundant controls were well-placed and easily accessible. The only problem we had with the controls was that we hit the tuner button on three separate occasions when making large turns, which changed the channel on the radio.
The gauge cluster was bright and legible, and contained a readout for everything we could ever need. The backlighting looked very classy at night, with the analog clock, radio read-out, steering controls, and gauge cluster all sharing the same crisp blue hue. The center armrest has a small storage area for receipts, pens, or change, and a much larger compartment below can store anything from a small purse to bottled waters or snacks. 
The center stack is an important part of every vehicle, as it adds character to the cabin while providing the driver and passenger with necessary functions and information. The Enclave scored extremely high in this regard, with a similar layout to what you'd find in a Tahoe or up-level Suburban, and truly easy to use HVAC controls. There's a digital time display on the Bose stereo, which some would call redundant due to the analog clock situated directly above it. I had the same thought until my daughter, while in the 3rd row seat, read the time aloud for her younger sisters. She couldn't read the analog clock, but the digital display on the radio was clearly legible. 
While the Enclave's exterior design will grab your attention, the second and third rows are where this crossover shines the most. The Enclave is positively huge inside, and with the captain's chairs in the second row, seven full-grown adults can travel in comfort, six if they're tall or big-boned. The hot summer weather was kept at bay by a very strong air conditioning unit, as all three rows get their own individual vents, and the big cabin cools down quicker than some compacts. The Enclave provides the flexibility of a fold-flat third row, giving you the ability to load plenty of groceries or shopping goods. One item we'd like to have is a deep well behind row three, as some items rolled around on the flat surface. There is a removable compartment with a shallow well that works OK, but removing the top could mean losing it forever, as many a family can attest.When on the road, the Enclave doesn't feel as big as a Tahoe and it's more nimble than a smaller Explorer or 4-Runner. The steering has a nice weighted feel, although we'd never call the 4,800lb CUV sporty. Body roll was minimal when hitting turns at 15-20mph, and I didn't get the tire-squeal I tend to hear in my 2006 Freestyle. The 275hp, 3.6L V6 provides steady acceleration both from a stop and at highway speeds, but we get the feeling the Enclave's powertrain was tuned more towards fuel economy than performance. The proof was in the pudding, too, as we achieved an absolutely astounding 21.5mpg in very mixed driving. The Enclave's 6-speed transmission was very smooth, and even has grade shift logic, which automatically downshifts when going downhill with a boat or camper in tow. We didn't tow anything during our time with the Enclave, but GM says you can pull up to 4,500lbs with the optional heavy tow package.
Safety features include Stabilitrak, extremely bright and aesthetically-pleasing Xenon headlamps, heated side mirrors, a backup sensor, and heated washer fluid. OnStar is standard, and the available turn-by-turn navigation is outstanding. All you need to do is hit the On-Star button located on the rear-view mirror, give the operator the name or address of the place you'd like to go, and you'll be given audible, computer-generated directions all the way to your destination point. On-Star will even look up phone numbers for you, which can save $1.50 or more per call vs. using your cell phone to call information. Our tester also had XM Radio and the optional Bose audio system. The sound quality is superb, especially when you're listening to talk radio. We didn't listen to much music during our time in the Enclave, however, as we got our first taste of the many comedy channels that XM has to offer. This feature alone made my 45 minute commute to work pass by very quickly.
The Buick Enclave starts at $32,790 for the CX, and $34,990 for the CXL. Our tester was $37,780, and it included the upgraded sound system and 19' wheels. Overall, the Enclave is an excellent CUV that combines many luxury appointments with the roominess and flexibility found in thirstier SUVs. The 21.5mpg we achieved during our tenure with the Enclave blew us away, especially when considering the amount of city driving we did with a car full of people. GM has done some of its best work with the Enclave, and judging by the reactions others had to our test vehicle, the General will be rewarded with increased sales volume as time rolls by. $37,780
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mpfirman78 11:31AM (2/04/2009)
We just bought a 2009 Enclave, and so far, it's the best car I've ever owned. Yesterday, we recieved 8 inches of snow that started just before rush hour. My 1 mile commute took 55 minutes, but I was the only one who was able to make it up some of the steeper hills in the city, thanks to the Enclaves AWD system. The interior and exterior are both beautiful, and I have recieved so many compliments. My wife has a Cadillac SRX, and we couldn't be happier with both of our GM vehicles!
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naggs 1:29PM (8/14/2007)
i walked by one of these a few days ago, it stopped me in my tracks. pictures do not do it justice, fantastic looking car. just gorgeous.
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Phillip 1:11PM (8/14/2007)
I hope their future cars have the same amount of effort put into them.
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jfa 1:18PM (8/14/2007)
Of the tripletes I like the Buick the best. But is it really necessary to have 3 nearly identical vehicles in the GM portfolio? Remnants of ols school GM still linger I suppose...
Cmicasa the GREAT 1:57PM (8/14/2007)
"Of the tripletes I like the Buick the best. But is it really necessary to have 3 nearly identical vehicles in the GM portfolio? Remnants of ols school GM still linger I suppose..."
Dude U could sit each one of these vehicles side by side and only people who have read the presses countless allusions to the relation would kno the difference.
A client of mine has one and even after she heard me tell her 3 times that a GMC Acadia in the parking lot not 7 cars away was the same vehicle...did she believe thatthey were related.
dixon 1:58PM (8/14/2007)
Yes Gm must compete or die,looks like they choose
to live the new Enclave is a real winner its part of the new GM.On a blog Bob Lutz said we will improve our interiors
. Audi interiors is the level of quality we want.
More proof that GM is serious : New Caddy CTS,
Saturn Aura, Chevy Corvette, GMC YUKON So take a look at these gems....The future is looking good! Go head to head
with the imports.I figure Toyota cant rule forever go after them and we have a great chance to get back on top!
recently.. Buick tied with Lexus for owner satisfaction and reliabilty!
The big 3 must win the customers back! Compete or die!!
TriShield 1:14PM (8/14/2007)
The amount of detail put into this vehicle is staggering. It's hard to believe something this nice and stylish came from the same people that produced the Cavalier.
It's a gorgeous vehicle and cleverly engineered vehicle, it makes the Lincoln MKX from Ford look like the cheap waste that it is.
If all of Buick's vehicles were like this I don't think we'd be talking about it as a dead brand. Hopefully future Buicks have this much verve.
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P to the C 1:29PM (8/14/2007)
I half way hope that these depreciate like all the other Buicks so I can pick one up cheap. I doubt that will happen with this vehicle though. In the field of luxury SUV's in this price range, there's really no competition at all.
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Joe 1:40PM (8/14/2007)
Though the shape and style remain from the concept the interior of the concept looked like a small private jet. It was truly a luxury-class interior on a grand scale. Though the interior is still very nice, it is missing the pieces that make the concept stand out, the light wood tray tables, leather swathing everything. It is impossible to be disappointed with how this vehicle turned out (Apart from the Grand nationals I can't remember a buick I actually liked) but I still feel like some segment-firsts were tossed along the way.
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Rboyett 1:48PM (8/14/2007)
If Buick is hoping to draw in a younger audience (under 40) then this car is a HUGE step in the right direction.
Now about that Velte
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M Bell 1:47PM (8/14/2007)
I only wish they had put the same attention to detail into the Lucerne or Allure. I have no need whatsoever for a sport-ute of any kind, nor do I like them, but this is a beautiful vehicle. That interior needs to be seen in person, and sat in and enjoyed. It really is a wonderful place to spend time.
Unfortunately for me, it's in the wrong vehicle to convince me to switch back to domestic vehicles. Too big, too heavy. But if this level of quality continues on to the rest of their lineup, they could win my loyalty back.
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Bandit 2:31PM (8/14/2007)
My mom is buying this car. After driving every possible competitor, including pricier models from Lexus and Mercedes, this is the best car in the segment. Before driving this car, my mom was the typical "import only" buyer. It's funny how one car completely changed her perception. She has some new found pride in buying American as well!
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Hello 1:57PM (8/14/2007)
I agree totally on the looks. Every time I see one of these I just gape in awe at the looks. Every single angle is thought out. I think that the Buick is probably the best looking of the lot, but the GMC version is brilliant as well. Hopefully things like this are the future of The General.
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Cmicasa the GREAT 1:58PM (8/14/2007)
"Of the tripletes I like the Buick the best. But is it really
necessary to have 3 nearly identical vehicles in the GM portfolio?
Remnants of ols school GM still linger I suppose..."
Dude U could sit each one of these vehicles side by side and only people who have read the presses countless allusions to the relation would kno the difference.
A client of mine has one and even after she heard me tell
her 3 times that a GMC Acadia in the parking lot not 7 cars away was the same vehicle...did she believe that they were related.
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DJ 2:04PM (8/14/2007)
As good as this vehicle appears to be, I fail to see why anyone would want this vehicle, expecially the under 40 crowd -- it's too big, too dressed up, and still carries "Buick" baggage.
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psarhjinian 2:06PM (8/14/2007)
In silver or white, this is a nice car. In any other (darker) colour, it looks tacky as hell due to the riot of curves and magpie-level chrome. GM designers haven't got a lot of restraint and they seem to feel the need to tart up anything they touch. Sometimes this works, but usually it results in something that only looks appealing as a period piece thirty years down the road.
Mind you, this is only an opinion, but I think this car is overdone. If it were a Cadillac, this would be ok. Caddies are by their nature blingmobiles and have been so since the tailfins-that-could-kill-you era. Buicks are supposed to be understated. This car is not understated.
The other thing about this car that bugs me is that it shows that GM still doesn't care about making a competitive affordable vehicle for regular people. There's a wisdom to this, but there's also a wisdom to loss-leaders that get people in the door and hooked on the brand. Ford at least tries--you can tell they ran out of money given that the same problems happen at all levels, Focus to MKX--but GM does have the dollars to, oh, not cheapen out the Aura for example.
Gm has, for years, been making flashy concepts and has had reasonable success at the high-end. They've also been a zero in the compact/mid-size segment for over two decades. Again, GM would never have released a car as competent as the Honda Fit (in 2006) or Ford Focus (in 2000) because they simply cannot bring themselves to spend money on a vehicle without margin. It's quarter-by-quarter thinking, and it's still alive in GM's middle management, regardless of what Lutz and Wagoner say.
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Lithous 2:53PM (8/14/2007)
Another *colour*ful comment.
"In silver or white, this is a nice car. In any other (darker) colour, it looks tacky as hell due to the riot of curves and magpie-level chrome."
OK, so there are at least two nice colors for those who don't like the bling. Those two still exist. Maybe the non-Silver and Non-white versions should just be badged Cadillacs?
"They've also been a zero in the compact/mid-size segment for over two decades."
In the last 10 years I'd say that the Olds Aurora and Alero were nice cars in the mid-size arena. My moms Buick LeSabre from 2000 is more stylish than the Accord or Camry from that time. I believe she paid between $22-$24K. The CTS has been made within two decades. Do you mean in the mid-size economy price segment only? I'd take an Aurora over an Acura "Legend" (ohh what name) any day.
"It's quarter-by-quarter thinking, and it's still alive in GM's middle management, regardless of what Lutz and Wagoner say."
They have probably spent more money on long term projects than anybody. They have spent more on electrics, hydrogen and E-85 than Toyota and Honda for sure. Maybe even as much as anyone in hybrids with their two-mode system (at least splitting the cost with their partners)
But the best is for last...
"but GM does have the dollars to, oh, not cheapen out the Aura for example."
Do you have any idea how much money GM is in debt? Any at all? But "colour" speaks volumes to what you think you know about GM. http://uspolitics.about.com/b/a/154502.htm
So, if I made $200K a year but was $400K had non-mortgage type debt then I'd be in great shape, huh? If I sell my house right now I can make more than I owe. GM may or may not (probably the latter) make up enough to pay for their debt if they sold everything (but then what could they do with no machinery to build, etc)
Just tend to your local country news and forget about U.S. affairs (as you do well at that)
psarhjinian 3:45PM (8/14/2007)
One, I'm Canadian and living in a town the depends a fair bit on the rise and fall of the Oshawa, Ontario plant. You know, the plant that makes GM's most reliable vehicles (the W-Bodies), the most anticipated (the Camaro) and the best-selling (the half-ton trucks).
This vehicle annoys me for that very reason: GM ignored the bread-and-butter of their lineup in favour of upmarket vehicles that will not weather economic downturns and will not get new customers hooked. For years, all GM could produce was the likes of Cavalier, Grand Am, Venture and Uplander. Even the entry-level trucks (S-10/Colorado) haven't gotten nearly enough attention.
The people who were turned off GM were turned off by these vehicles. Corvette, Buick and Cadillac buyers were going to keep buying their cars because they were at least slightly competitive, but Chevy/Pontiac buyers (the bulk of the marketshare, mind you) were jumping ship and GM never, ever tried to get them back. They're getting better (the Cobalt, G6 and Impala are merely average, instead of truly mediocre like the Cavalier, Grand Am and Lumina were) but the best attempt--the Aura--still shows the same disregard for the entry level.
I'm not asking for Cadillac-in-an-Aveo, but if GM wants to woo buyers who might grow up to buy an Enclave. Right now, the experience is so much better in a Civic or Accord than the GM competition that GM will not get those buyers back if they ignore them now.
GM almost had me convinced with Saturn, but did it again--pulling the money out of something that should have been a loss-leader. and the Oldsmobiles you noted were at best barely competitive (our local Chevy dealer had noted it's disturbing how much better the fit-and-finish is on the Daewoo-rebadged Epica and Optra than on the outgoing Alero and Aurora).
You have to spend money to make money. Toyota lost significant dollars in the late 80s/early 90s on Lexus. They lost money again on the Prius and early hybrids. They don't make much--if anything--on the Corolla, Yaris or Scion line, but they do get buyers hooked. Honda does the same with the Civic and Accord. Ford got it--briefly--with the Focus, which did more to shake Japan's strangle-hold than any car before or since 1980.
GM, on the other hand, is chasing a lucrative, but small, market with stuff like the Enclave while losing up-and-coming buyers in droves by leaving the entry-level to rot. I can hope the Malibu will show a new direction, but the Aura doesn't give me hope.
As far as alternative powertrain development is concerned: GM may have spent money, but it's yielded squat. The BAS hybrid system (the only GM hybrid you can buy today) is weak, flex-fuel only exists because of agribusiness subsidies (and seriously, how much effort was it to develop the FF engines? We're talking maybe some ECU and emissions tuning at most). GM's behind the curve and--this is hopefulness talking again--scrambling to catch up with the two-mode system. Of course, they've been beaten to the punch by Ford, Toyota, Honda (though IMA is only slightly better than BAS) and Nissan. All GM has done is once again trot out flash (in the form of concepts like the HyWire and low-volume specials like the EV1) while everyone else took the hit and actually built production vehicles, despite the cost. The Prius came out in 1997, the Insight in 1999. GM had, what, the BAS trucks in 2005 and the Vue and Aura in 2006?
Of course, you can just dismiss everyone who disagrees as "Not American". Of course, that's very stereotypically American of you--the rest of the world can go hang, in your myopic world view.
RicardoHead 2:07PM (8/14/2007)
I hate all SUVs/CUVs from any manufacturer. I think they are all atrocious. However ...
The Acadia looks good, the Saturn is nice, and the Enclave is a knockout. And for the money over ALL the competiton there is simply no choice but the Enclave.
Never thought I'd find myself liking Buicks, but this is one that tempts me other than I don't need a 7-seat bus. If GM does this type of work with their future Buicks and Pontiacs (not a caddy guy) I will be on GM lots next time around very likely signing a contract. The last time I was on one was 2002, and I did not buy GM.
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Travis 2:24PM (8/14/2007)
It's a Chevrolet with way too much chrome on it.
I doubt anyone will buy this over a Lexus or Mercedes.
NEVER GONNA HAPPEN
American auto commercials are starting to crack me up... the Buick "finest suv in the world" RRRRIIIGGGHT look up look back look down blah blah blah.....lexus has been selling backup cameras for at least 3 years now... its supposed to be cool that GM is just now offering them. HA
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