 2009 Buick Enclave CX FWD. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Buick Enclave
Oshawa, Ontario – If any vehicle has to mark the turning point for Buick, it’s the Enclave. Introduced for 2008, it carved out a new spot for itself in the lineup, straddling the now-discontinued Terraza minivan and Rendezvous SUV. It wasn’t just its configuration, but an entirely new attitude over attention to detail: good performance, handsome styling and, most importantly, an interior that could stand up in looks and quality to its competition.
My 2009 tester doesn’t look much different from the inaugural 2008 model year, but it’s what’s under the hood that counts. It’s still a 3.6-litre V6 as before, but direct injection technology raises it from 275 horsepower to 288 while torque lifts from 251 lb-ft to 270 lb-ft. Despite the Enclave’s size, it makes for brisk acceleration and good performance, with each gear handled by a six-speed automatic that generally keeps it right in the sweet spot, with only a little cog hunting on the odd hill. There is a manual shift mode, but it seems more of an afterthought, consisting of a button on the side of the shift lever that you toggle to up- or downshift. Even so, this really isn’t a segment – or a brand – that’s normally given to sporty driving, and I don’t think any lack of shift paddles or a gate on the lever is really an issue.
   2009 Buick Enclave CX FWD. Click image to enlarge |
The Enclave is one of three vehicles that share all but trim: siblings are the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, as well as the Saturn Outlook, now discontinued with that brand’s demise. The Enclave looks the most upscale of the three, and at a base price of $42,805 for the front-wheel drive CX trim line, it’s considerably more than the base $35,620 Traverse and $37,800 Acadia. Oddly, though, at the top end of the scale, it’s the Chevrolet that becomes the most expensive: $53,560 for the all-wheel drive Traverse LTZ, versus $53,145 for the all-wheel Enclave CXL. The reason is in the option package: standard on the top-line Traverse are heated and cooled seats, larger wheels and a DVD-based navigation system, which are optional on Enclave models.
As with its siblings, the Enclave comes strictly with three rows of seats. The default is seven-passenger seating, with two captain’s chairs in the second row; eight-passenger is optional, which swaps out the second-row chairs for a flat-folding bench that slides fore and aft. The top-line CXL uses leather upholstery, while my CX’s seats were wrapped in a plush velour fabric, which I’ve always preferred to cowhide. As you’d expect from a Buick, the seats are extremely comfortable in the first and second rows. The cushions in the far rear row are very firm, but legroom is better than with many three-row competitors, and headroom remains impressive all the way to the back.
The equipment list is well-stocked, even at the CX level: automatic xenon headlamps, power liftgate, roof rails, tri-zone automatic climate control with separate switches for the second- and third-row passengers, 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Moving up to the CXL adds rear parking assist, remote starter, power-folding mirrors, 19-inch wheels, 110-volt outlet, leather upholstery, power tilt and telescopic steering column and premium audio. You can option most of that onto the CX, though, and both models can be topped out with such features as a trailer towing package (the Enclave will handle a maximum of 2041 kg/4500 lbs), cargo convenience package of net and cargo cover, sunroof, rear-seat DVD, navigation, and a “Hit the Road” package of assist steps, cross rail roof package and a cargo floor mat.
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at 6:29 am
Come on, these are not “good vehicles”. They would be considered completely unacceptable in virtually every other automotive market. I suppose I can sort of understand the Acadia and Traverse appealing to someone who’s looking for the largest vehicle at the cheapest price, but driving the Buick just adds “and I have no taste or style whatsoever and wanted to pay a bit extra to prove it” to that equation. That awful wood trim and velour, combined with the identikit cheap GM dash is just plain nasty.
I simply don’t get this kind of automotive journalism that lets GM off the hook, as if it’s impossible to build a vehicle that is large AND genuinely good to drive and stylish. The relatively low entry price just isn’t relevant since the depreciation on these vehicles is absolutely savage. The only people buying them new are likely rental fleets who negotiate enormous discounts, or consumers similarly benefiting from huge rebates and dealer discounts, or those who just have to buy American.
I don’t believe anyone is buying these vehicles because they really get that “I want that!” feeling…
at 7:28 am
Daniel – Take a breath and calm down.
That they would not be considered accepatable in any other market is relevant because????
You may be put off by the interior treatment but others may find it entirely acceptable. That’s why we have such a wide assortment of choice in the market and I would not have it any other way.
As for only rental fleets buying them – please do your research. Since launch, this SUV has been one of the better sellers in its segment. Google works. Try it.
at 8:17 am
Don’t walk — RUN, from the Buick “Blob”!
This thing looks like a sensible, well-proportioned station wagon that died and bloated in the hot sun. And that rear end — cribbing from the Daewoo Lanos are we? Who on earth would stoop to that level?
C’mon GM. You can do better. Square your jaw and amaze us.
at 8:42 am
They still make Buicks?
at 10:25 am
it’s to big and bloated, but a good effort…
at 11:03 am
I understand that this family of vehicles suffers from lower than average reliability. As always, I think vehicle reliability should at least come into play during a test drive. And no, I’m not trying to be negative for the sake of it. If, for example, Consumer Reports had some criticism of transmission reliability, I think it would great if Jill was able to say, “Hey, look, this vehicle is shifting smoother than butter, no lags or jumps or anything. Maybe Buick addressed that.”
My two cents…
at 3:11 pm
I love all the “expert” comments. Have any of you ever even Drivin a Enclave?
at 4:38 pm
Ive drivin the CXL Enclave, and the Acadia many times over. And have to say, they are good vehicles. They have alot of room, have just about every option you could want, and have very plush inteiors.
They styling is american, some may like it, most wont.
The drive is amazing, quieter then most of its competion im betting, and smooth, agile and powerful, to a extent. It is a SUV, or CUV, not a roadster.
The only problem i see, is the asking price, and the resale value, Which is HIGH and LOW. Another big issue, is branding. Its just not a desireable car, or a desireable anything. Plus the acadia, tranverse and enclave are much to similer, and alot of people want exclusive cars.
at 6:57 pm
Savage depreciation…..LOL!
Seriously, why does GM make one vehicle and rebadge not only once but FOUR times!
1-Buick Enclave.
2-GMC Acadia.
3-Saturn Outlook.
4-Chevy Traverse.
What is the reasoning???? If it doesn’t sell well, the next rebadge will???? Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong (four times)
my 4 cents worth.
at 10:57 pm
New Enclaves are in demand – try to find a 2009 or 10 on a dealer lot. GM is adding the 3rd shift to keep up with demand. It has had fewer initial problems that the MDX and Pilot! Fit and finish are excellent. Cabin tranquility is superb. The fault most mentioned is the poor sound quality from the 10 speaker BOSE receiver.
at 11:30 am
Vanguard: The enclave is just an overhyped Traverse, that do not sell, even on E-bay. Stop resisting conventional wisdom, and just go with the MDX or pilot. Read on…
After an enormous amount of hype and wasted PR-money, General Motors is ending its car-selling partnership with eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) after dealers reported that the program didn’t spur sales and led to a raft of low-ball offers that didn’t go anywhere.
It’s the same old GM. GM unveiled the eBay partnership with a ton of hype and plans to expand it nationally. If they thought the program was successful, they would not have ended it after eight weeks. Does GM really think that people are so stupid that they won’t see through that bit of bluster? Memo to GM brass: Most Americans are not as stupid as you are.
The problem with the eBay-GM partnership — as I’ve been writing all along — was that it really offered nothing even remotely unique: a site where you could either buy the car at the listed price or try to negotiate for a lower price. How is that different from every other car buying website/classified ad/magazine on the planet? It isn’t. And it was disingenuous of GM to try to pitch as something new and different.
So far we’ve seen more of the same-old from the new GM: overhyped new programs that yield no results and are quickly abandoned. That doesn’t bode well for our investment in the company.
at 2:13 pm
Oh for the love of…. What a bunch of liars some of you are. I’m probably the only person on this thread who has actually ridden in an Enclave and it was an absolute treat. The interior was gorgeous and comfortable. The tranny was silky smooth and responsive. Quite a head turner to say the least, the Enclave is a huge win for GM.
Daniel, “Consumer Advocate”, whatever else you feel like posting as. Go crawl back into your hole and let people who actually know something about cars talk. It’s pathetic to see haters like you feel the need to bash vehicles you have no idea about.
at 2:20 pm
Roberto:
Got it. Everyone is wrong, your right.
at 2:39 pm
Roberto:
Sad news for you, the Saturn version will be gone soon. The E-bay Motors Traverse crashed and burned. Two out of four rebadged models are gone, how do you stand to reason the bloated buick is any good?
at 3:34 pm
My opinion is based on personal experience and not on a particular hatred or love of any one vehicle manufacturer. I recently ordered an Enclave after doing extensive test drives with MDX, Pilot, Lincoln MKT and Lexus RX-350. Other than the Enclave, the only vehicle in that mix with merit is the RX-350 – it is a beauty and very comfortable. However the Lexus is not as quiet as the Enclave and is a 5 passenger rather then the 7 seats that I need. I currently own a 2007 Volvo XC-90 and it does not hold a candle to the Enclave or for that matter the Lexus. But it also beats out both the Pilot and MDX – again that is one man’s opinion. Anyone prepared to spend the money for this type of vehicle needs to do their homework; both theory and practical.
at 3:37 pm
I should have added that I also had an opportunity to spend a full day with both a Traverse and an Acadia; neither impressed me as much as the Enclave in terms of overall comfort, solid yet compliant ride and quietness. A friend just purchased a new Equinox and I was impressed at how quiet the interior is at highway speed.
at 6:18 pm
It is interesting to hear that this Buick is quieter and rides better when all four are essentially the exact same vehicle mechanically wise.
This Buick is destined to fail, like it’s clone brother Saturn Outlook. The Buick is just too expensive, big, heavy, and bloated for the typical Buick buyers to drive. Look, the average age of a Buick customer is 55 yrs old, they are empty nesters that do not need third row seating. What 35-40 year old with 3 kids will ever buy a Buick?????
Ever wonder why the majority of Honda Element customers are 50 yr old empty nesters? They want a smaller footprint SUV/CUV that is easy to maneuver.
No wonder, someone posted this car has “savage depreciation” it has no appeal.
at 8:59 pm
As mentioned earlier, one must do their homework: the Enclave has triple laminated glass on the windshield, driver and passenger windows. The Traverse and Acadia do not. The Enclave has significantly more sound deadening material in the chasis and even in the A pillars. The Enclave uses a superior suspension than that of the other two vehicles.
I agree that the Saturn experiment was a waste of money and effort. The plan was good but the implementation was deficient.
I am not a GM disciple nor do I have a particilar favourite among any of the vehicle makers. Each time I set out to purchase a vehicle the homework is done as thoroughly as possible based on available information and personal hands on experience. I have owned American, British, European, Swedish, Japanese and Korean vehicles that meet my budget parameters. All have been worthy at the time of purchase but I always search for better with each subsequent purchase. This time better represents a Buick Enclave; in 3 years time who knows what the outcome will be! But I will have done the research to justify the expenditure. Never, ever purchase on the basis of loyalty or hatred of a particular brand or group of individuals. Emotion has no place in a decision to spend hard earned money.
at 11:17 pm
At the risk of just going back and forth. If you really took the emotion of the equation, there is not a fat chance you would purchase this vehicle.
Buick is your grandfather’s brand. This buick is too big and cumbersome for granpa or grandma.
Buick is the anti-youth brand.
Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Hummer, and Saturn have been shed by GM, next is….Buick? Nobody is safe with GM.
Over one third of GM dealerships have closed, where, how will you service it, warranty work? Parts suppliers for GM have gone bankrupt.
GM cars suffer from savage depreciation.
The Buick price level is too high, might as well get a Lexus, BMW, or Merc, those brands carry prestige.
Honestly, I don’t think you will buy this anti-youth ride.
at 6:39 am
The Enclave is a fancy people mover, a mini-van with hinged rather than sliding doors. It does not appeal to the same person who wants a Bimmer, Merc or Lexus. No concern for service as I keep cars for 3 years and GM is not going away anytime soon. If Lexus made a 7/8 seater, extended RX-350, they would have my money. I especially like that the current RX-350 is made in Canada.
Before taking any more hard positions Sicko, I invite you to take the 2010 Buick La Crosse for a drive – wow and look out Lexus. If the quality holds up the new La Crosse will be a winner – time will tell.
Depreciation? Try my 07 Volvo XC-9O – that hurts. And while you are on the web, search for some used Enclaves and check the price – interesting.
Grandpa always drove a Pontiac and loved it – no matter what – all emotion!
That’s all folks. Thanks for the discourse Sicko!
at 1:40 pm
Vanguard;
“There’s a sucker born every minute”, good luck my friend.
at 8:29 pm
Well, I happen to love the idea of selling the same car under a different rebadged name and over and over….sort of a “ponzi scheme” if you will.
Mr. Vanguard, call me, I have other emotionless investments ideas, you are the perfect guy for this.
at 5:43 pm
Vanguard:
I took your advice and got a closer look at the Buick. After close examination of the anti-youth Buick brand enclave, it is clear there are a few differences between the poor selling E-bay Motors Chevy trashverse. The Buick has more tacky cheap plastic chrome trim on the grill and tailights, and a $10K increase in sticker price.
It is only a matter of time the Buick brand will go the way of the OLDsmobile.
Bernie above is correct, GM rebadging the trashverse and selling as four different models is a PONZI SCHEME.
at 7:53 am
Who buys GM cars nowadays? The uninformed and credit risks?
at 5:26 pm
This vehicle is amazing you don’t know what you are talking about. Have you ever been in an enclave the ride is smooth and the exterior is gorgeous.
at 5:36 pm
You would all like this vehicle if it was a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, or Audi so why not Buick? Look at the new Allure it looks better than any BMW on the road right now.
at 8:42 pm
The GM brand carries the stigma of cheap, unreliable and disappearing brand. GM has now managed to fall several notches below Kia and Hyundai.
at 9:24 pm
GM has recently spent millions advertising the “new” Equinox as better than the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4. GM claims the Equinox get 32 MPG on their TV spots and newspaper ads.
Consumer Reports just published MPG test results on the Equinox. The noisy and raspy 4 cylinder gets a disappointing 21 mpg and the V6 gets a dismal 18 MPG. Needless to say, the Chevy’s MPG are way under the CRV and Rav4 “real world” MPG.
I realize, this review is about the larger clone GM/Buick not the compact Equinox. But it goes to show you, indeed, only the uninformed would buy this vehicle. GM continues with what amounts to deceptive practices to push their inferior products. There is an obvious trust issue with GM.
Those who choose to be fooled twice, well, shame on you.
at 6:04 am
16 MPG for the Buick by Consumer Reports tests findings. At 16 MPG you may as well get a V-8 SUV and get decent towing capacity. V8 MPG for a V6, what was GM thinking? The Kia Borrego is so much better than this Buick.