Buick Enclave SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Buick Enclave SUV is a large crossover vehicle that has become popular for hauling the family around on vacations, weekend trips and even through the urban environment. Although based on a unibody construction, the Buick Enclave SUV features sleek exterior styling and an equally luxurious interior. Other practical features for a family hauler include a large cargo capacity and a quiet and comfortable ride.
There are four trim levels available for the Buick Enclave SUV. Featured in the base model are bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, outside mirrors that are heated, cloth upholstery, climate control with three zones and a power liftgate. Other features include a leather/wood steering wheel that is of the tilt-and-telescopic kind, cruise control, keyless entry, and an audio system with six speakers, a CD/MP3 player, Onstar and satellite radio. The next trim level add a rearview camera, rear parking assist and remote starting while going up another trim level gives you leather upholstery, front seats that are heated and powered with eight controls for the driver and four for the passenger and memory settings for the driver seat. The highest trim level includes all of the fore-mentioned features as well as front seats that are heated and ventilated, 19-inch chrome wheels, outside mirrors that power fold, are heated and have turn signals built-in and an upgraded audio system with 10 Bose speakers and a set of jacks for headphones for the rear seats.
The engine in the Buick Enclave SUV is a 3.6-liter V6 that can produce 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Buick Enclave SUV is available as either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, both models being standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the Buick Enclave SUV for the front-wheel drive model is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined while the ratings for the all-wheel drive model are 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. The vehicle can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package.
The Buick Enclave SUV seats seven passengers as standard a captain's chairs in the second row and the third row as a bench seat which is suitable enough for adult passengers. If you add a second row bench seat, the seating capacity increases to eight. The interior is stylish and made of quality materials yet spacious enough to transport up to eight passengers comfortably.
Cargo room in the Buick Enclave SUV is adequate with 19 cubic feet available behind the third row seat. If you fold down the second and third row of seats, the cargo space increases to 116 cubic feet which is greater than that of many crossovers but does meet the capacity of many modern minivans.
Even with its truck-like design the Buick Enclave SUV handles well when compared to other large crossovers of its size and has a suspension system that makes for a very comfortable ride. The acceleration of the V6 engine well serves a wide variety of driving conditions. Its performance combined with a comfortable and quiet cabin make this vehicle an excellent choice whether you plan a long trip, use it for driving every day or have other driving needs in mind.
There are four trim levels available for the Buick Enclave SUV. Featured in the base model are bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, outside mirrors that are heated, cloth upholstery, climate control with three zones and a power liftgate. Other features include a leather/wood steering wheel that is of the tilt-and-telescopic kind, cruise control, keyless entry, and an audio system with six speakers, a CD/MP3 player, Onstar and satellite radio. The next trim level add a rearview camera, rear parking assist and remote starting while going up another trim level gives you leather upholstery, front seats that are heated and powered with eight controls for the driver and four for the passenger and memory settings for the driver seat. The highest trim level includes all of the fore-mentioned features as well as front seats that are heated and ventilated, 19-inch chrome wheels, outside mirrors that power fold, are heated and have turn signals built-in and an upgraded audio system with 10 Bose speakers and a set of jacks for headphones for the rear seats.
The engine in the Buick Enclave SUV is a 3.6-liter V6 that can produce 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Buick Enclave SUV is available as either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, both models being standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the Buick Enclave SUV for the front-wheel drive model is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined while the ratings for the all-wheel drive model are 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. The vehicle can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package.
The Buick Enclave SUV seats seven passengers as standard a captain's chairs in the second row and the third row as a bench seat which is suitable enough for adult passengers. If you add a second row bench seat, the seating capacity increases to eight. The interior is stylish and made of quality materials yet spacious enough to transport up to eight passengers comfortably.
Cargo room in the Buick Enclave SUV is adequate with 19 cubic feet available behind the third row seat. If you fold down the second and third row of seats, the cargo space increases to 116 cubic feet which is greater than that of many crossovers but does meet the capacity of many modern minivans.
Even with its truck-like design the Buick Enclave SUV handles well when compared to other large crossovers of its size and has a suspension system that makes for a very comfortable ride. The acceleration of the V6 engine well serves a wide variety of driving conditions. Its performance combined with a comfortable and quiet cabin make this vehicle an excellent choice whether you plan a long trip, use it for driving every day or have other driving needs in mind.
I have a 2009 Buick Enclave I purchased new. The blind spots are the biggest drawwback. The side mirrors seems to always be in my way, and they don't help with the blind spots. I love the quietness and smooth ride, but I won't get another one until Buick addresses these issues.
My traction control light keeps coming on and the car slows down to 20 mph which is very dangerous. I already took it in to the dealer to have it fixed and 2 months later its happening again. There is a slight hum sound in steering colume that started two days before this occurance.I m not happy with this. Is there no solution?
I bought a 2011 Buick Enclave AWD. The outside mirrors block my view. My path of vision is so hampered, I'm afraid I will have a wreck. Is there anyway, the outside mirrors could be lowered? I couldn't be the only person who has this problem!
Quiet is the best feature of the 2011 Buick Enclave. The worst? GM has seen fit to leave out seat controls for the front passenger seat - the bottom cushion moves front to back only, no tilt function. I could live with it if the seat were fixed at a proper angle - but it isn't - the damn thing tries to dump you forward and out of the seat. There is no other option here. When contacted, Buick will simply state "this is how we made it, it's a design feature". This is reminiscent of GM of old, when they made products with no consumer input and said "we will make it and you will like it". Rubbish, GM is off my list from now on - I am strictly a Ford guy - better seats, better quality, more features for the dollar, better vehicles!
I agree with blind spots. I have a 2008 & have had new AC motor,transmission, repeat brake issues. Now power mirrors do not work. Brought new, first & last Buick.
My son purchased a brand new 2011 Buick Enclave and after having it for a month or so and it only having about 5,000 miles on it the car died on Rt. 78E. The engine just totally died. Not happy with the way GM is handling this. We had to wait three hours for a tow after contacting GM's Roadside assistance. I was in the car with my daughter-in-law and my four year old granddaughter. We barely made it over to the shoulder of the road. They don't know what is wrong with the car and told my son they would give him a new car with upgrades about two weeks ago. Nothing has happened yet. Has anyone else had this problem with the Enclave?
I have a 2009 Buick Enclave. I love my suv but hate the blind spots.I have had so many close calls because of those mirrors, they totally block my view. I don't have the back up camera either. I don't think this vehicle is safe to back up without it. I am getting rid of my buick because I'm also afraid I'm going to wreck.Fix the blind spot issues and it would be a great vehicle!
We just purchased a 2011 Enclave CXL. We like everything about it especially the quiet ride, the safety features, and the comfort for all passengers. The only complaint we have is with the fuel mileage....averaging 15.4L/100km!!I think the transmission shifts too late before the lock-up torque convertor kicks in.
I bought a new 2009 and traded it for new 2011. I have liked both cars very much, but I want to buy something different. I have been shopping on the net and in person and can't find a thing (under 50K) that I like any better. Guess I'll keep what I have, and enjoy the Enclave for a little longer.
Had 2009 Enclave CXL and just bought 2011 Enclave Leather with dvd/bose/sunroof. We were very happy with only a few minor issues on 2009 and they were all fixed under the extended 4 yr/50000 mile warranty. This car has more room for the price than the others and handles better. I can't figure out why so many people are complaining about blind spots. Is it a height issue? My husband and I are both around 5'9. Also, we drive lots of road trips and in town. I average 16/24 and when doing 75-80 it is usually 22-23 hwy. I have fwd. Not sure if it is awd that is mileage issue? Anyway, beats volvo, honda, and is cheaper and not premium gas like audi.
I bought a 2011 Buick CXL, it's a wonderful car, but it PULLS to the right. We've had it in for correction, realignment, new tires, new rotars, new everything! tweaking of stuff connecting to tires, it's on record, but the GM Manager says it can be fixed. Been in there for FIXING FOUR (4) times & it still PULLS to the right. On occasion it PULLS to the left when putting on the breaks. I hate it. I had a 2001 Century Loved Her! I hate this diamond white car. I won't buy from them again. Worse part, we have had the car for 8 months, they jerked us around every 3-4 wks in between scheduling appts, we paid $7,000 down & traded in a car that was paid off, still owing $35,000 on it & we will not see a penny of that, along with payments $600/mo. I hate these people & the car.
My previous car was a Accura MDX. In eleven years I had to take the Accura to the dealer for unscheduled maintenance... not once. I have owned the Buick for a year and I'm on my third visit to the dealer for check engine lights. I am going to have to cancel a ski trip tomorrow with my kids to get the car fixed.
Just got rid of my Enclave yesterday. Too many knocks and pings with no real solutions from Buick. I loved the spaciousness and the look of wasn't bad, but I traded it after only 10 months. This was my first and last Buick purchase.