Buick Enclave

Reviewed by: Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Date: August 2007

Arrival Date:

Buick�s first true Lexus-fighter cross utility vehicle arrived in showrooms earlier this summer.

Target audience:

If you�re looking for a luxurious minivan wrapped in the skin of a stylish cross utility, this is the vehicle for you. Or if you�ve never been a fan of Buick, but you�re in the market for a premium class cross utility that�s on par with the quality, styling and luxury accoutrements found in Lexus�s RX 350 and Acura�s MDX, this is the vehicle for you. Early indications reveal Buick is winning over a lot of new customers to their brand.

Replaced:

This vehicle replaces Buick�s entry into the cross utility vehicle, with the boxy-shaped, Rendezvous and the dated looking, Rainier.

What�s new:

Everything! It�s based off the same platform as the Saturn Outlook and ultra-popular GMC Arcadia.

Body type:

It�s only available as a 4-door cross utility vehicle.

Seating:

Depending on the seating package, the Enclave is capable of seating 7 to 8 adults.

Popular Standard Features:

-Dual Zone Automatic Air condition (standard on test vehicle)

-8-way power driver seat (standard on test vehicle)

-4-way power passenger seat

-Power locks (standard on test vehicle)

-Power windows (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Locks (standard on test vehicle)

-AM/FM/CD/MP3 Player

-19-inch aluminum wheels (standard on CXL)

Safety Features/Awards:

- NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):

*5 out of 5 stars: Driver & Passenger Frontal Crash

*5 out of 5 stars: Front Seat & Rear Seat Side Crash

*4 out of 5 stars: Rollover Rating

-Air Bags (side curtain standard on test vehicle)

-Inside Rearview Mirror w/auto dimming feature

-High Intensity Discharge Lamps

-Rear Parking Assist Sensors (optional on test vehicle)

-Vehicle Stability System

-Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-ABS

-1-year Onstar w/turn-by-turn navigation

-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls

Warranty:

Basic warranty: 4 year or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain warranty: 5 year or 100,000 mile (whichever comes first)

Maintenance Included: No

Towing Included: Yes

Engine/Gas Mileage:

3.6L 6-cylinder, 290 horsepower, 16 city/24 highway

Fuel efficiency:

Only one engine choice is available. As of now, this vehicle is not available as a hybrid.

Looking forward:

Out of all three of GM�s all-new CUVs, this one is the most luxurious. If I had an opportunity to be apart of a future focus group, there would only be a few minor suggestions, I would share with the engineers. Eliminating the ultrasonic rear parking sensor, which makes a loud beeping sound as you encounter an object, should be replaced by a rear view camera. Additionally, the engineers should consider changing the front sunshade with a true sliding sun- shade cover and consider changing the flimsy-like reclining latch adjustments on the second-row captain chairs, to a more durable design. And, like some of the premium class CUV competitors, it wouldn�t hurt if heated seats were also added to the center row, too. Too bad Buick didn�t reserve the Roadmaster name for this vehicle.

What�s so special:

Michael Burton, the African American director of interior design for the Enclave, influenced the inside cabin space. If you�re a true Buick fan, this vehicle is reminiscent of the class and style exuded in the Electra 225�s of the seventies. The 19-inch wheels, the side chrome air vents and the muscular curvy exterior design, outfitted with the dual exhausts chrome pipes, will easily remind consumers of Buick�s long-term heritage. For the past few years, Buick�s quality has run neck-to-neck, with that of the Lexus brand. Based upon the fit, finish, quiet-tuned ride and overall quality of the Enclave, I am assured Buick will continue to stay atop of J D Powers Quality list.

How much:

The Buick Enclave CXL I tested listed for $39,080. The vehicle included approximately $4,600 in options � 19-inch chrome wheels, a power sunroof with a second row fixed-skylight, a 6-Disc CD player, a remote start system, a rear parking assist system and heated windshield washer fluid.