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2008 Buick Enclave
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THE AUTO PAGE
by
JOHN HEILIG
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 2008 Buick EnclaveEngine: 3.6-liter V6Horsepower/Torque: 275 hp @ 6600 rpm/251 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic/manualWheelbase: 119.0 in.Length x Width x Height: 201.5 x 79.0 x 72.5 in.Tires: 255/65R18Cargo volume: 18.9/115.1 cu. ft. (behind third row/maximum)Economy: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway/19.6 mpg testFuel capacity: 22.0 gal.Price: $34,340 (includes $735 destination charge and $1,550 in options)
The Bottom Line – The all-new Enclave fits nicely intothe Premium Midsize SUV segment, offering outstanding ride quality andnear-silent road manners. However, even though Buick calls it a crossover,it rides like a much larger vehicle – more like a Suburban than aTahoe or Acadia, upon which it is based.
My definition of a crossover vehicle is an all-wheel drivestation- wagon type, based on a sedan platform, yet offering theconvenience of a sport utility, if in a smaller package. Buick calls itsnew Enclave a crossover, but the vehicle feels, drives and handles morelike a large sport utility. While ride quality and power are excellent, thedisconcerting “largeness” of the Enclave makes it seem far outof its class.
Part of this “oversize” problem, as I see it,may simply be caused by the design of the instrument panel. It is slantedaway from the driver, so that it’s always far away, making theinterior seem even larger than it is.
On the plus side, the interior is huge for a vehicle with a119-inch wheelbase and 201.5-inch overall length. Our tester was the CXtrim version, with three rows of seats for a maximum of eight passengers.The good news is that eight passengers – all adults – can ridein the Enclave. I wouldn’t put a basketball player in the third rowseat for a long trip, but it isn’t uncomfortable. Second-rowpassengers enjoy outstanding legroom, even in the center position. Theright seat in the second row folds and slides forward to provide convenientaccess to the third row. I won’t say “easy” access,because it still involves some contortions, but access is far easier thanin many other three-row vehicles. Third-row legroom is tight, but not bad.
There are three LATCH connectors behind the second-rowseats and only one behind the third row. While the third row might be nicefor children (with an adult in row two), the lack of multiple LATCH hooksdoes reduce that possibility.
Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 that’s rated at ahealthy 275 horsepower. This was more than enough for the Enclave. Powerreaches the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manualmode. However, The technique for manual shifting involved pushing a buttonon the center console-mounted shifter. If you’re going to shiftmanually, it’s best to keep both hands on the wheel as long aspossible, and first finding the button and then hitting “+” or“–“ correctly involves too much precision for a one-weektest. Owner-drivers might find shifting this way convenient.
The Enclave is excellent on hills, particularly going up.When you’re descending, however, you must pay close attention to yourspeed, as the Enclave will tend to run away from you.
Being a Buick, the Enclave is loaded with luxury items,even in the “bottom-of-the-scale” CX version. For example, wehad an extremely convenient power rear hatch that could be operated fromthe key fob, from the lift button on the hatch itself, or from the dash. Italso powered down.
Cargo capacity was equally pleasurable. Buick claims 18.9cubic feet behind the third seat, which is larger than even the largestsedan’s trunk. With the third and second row seats folded, cargocapacity balloons to 115.1 cubic feet. That’s the utility side ofthis vehicle, even if the sport side is a little lame. If you need to haulcargo and don’t want to make a mess or don’t’ want yourcargo to get wet in inclement weather, the Enclave is a winner.There’s also a hidden cargo area under the floor behind the thirdrow.
We had a smart steering wheel with cruise and audiocontrols. The wipers were part of the turn signal stalk, and for the firstfew times I drove the Enclave I kept turning on the windshield washersevery time I hit the turn signal. I realized it was my heavy-handednessthat pushed the washer button on the end of the stalk and eventuallylearned to stop.
Seats were cloth-covered and comfortable, even if theydidn’t have a lot of side support. Storage areas included a pop-upcubby at the top of the dash, cupholders galore, two cubbies under thecenter arm rest/console and bottle holders in the doors.
There’s a clothing hook located in the area of thethird row seats, but it’s inconvenient to reach if the second rowbacks are up. It would have been better for the hooks to be moved forward.
In general, the Buick Enclave is a true luxury SUV. But itisn’t a crossover as Buick would have you believe.
© 2007 The Auto Page
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