2008 Buick Enclave Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Aimed at older, more creature-comfort-hungry members of the crossover SUV market, Buick's new Enclave has earned flattering reviews and...
Aimed at older, more creature-comfort-hungry members of the crossover SUV market, Buick's new Enclave has earned flattering reviews and clearly reflects Buick's renewed focus on quality and up-to-date styling. Built on the same platform as the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, with which it also shares a 3.6-liter, 275-horsepower V6 with variable valve timing, the Enclave is easily the plushest of the three.
Interior materials and finishing struck most reviewers as noticeably higher quality than those on other recent Buicks. The shifter and steering wheel, which tilts and telescopes, are both trimmed with real wood and leather, and wood-grained trim highlights the dashboard, doors, and center console. The Enclave accommodates eight adults with plenty of legroom throughout, or with the second and rear seat rows folded flat, it offers just over 115 cubic feet of cargo space, 30 cubic feet more than the roomiest of its competitors. All that extra space and trim does have a cost, though - the Enclave weighs almost 5,000 pounds.
The Enclave's fluid lines, sound insulation, and triple door seals all help reduce noise inside, and reviewers were consistently surprised by the quietness and smoothness of its ride. Many also enjoyed driving the Enclave, but opinions regarding the front-wheel-drive versus all-wheel-drive versions varied. One reviewer found the AWD version's cornering abilities noticeably better than the front-wheel-drive version's, but another reviewer believed the all-wheel-drive system's additional 205 pounds put too much stress on the engine and found passing at highway speeds uncomfortable. That reviewer was also frustrated by the Enclave's six-speed automatic transmission in city traffic and preferred to shift manually using + and - buttons on the shifter.
Standard safety features include dual front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS, and electronic traction control, contributing to the Enclave's five-star NHTSA safety ratings. A six-speaker stereo with MP3 input is also standard and includes a free introductory subscription to XM satellite radio. Buick also offers lots of options on the Enclave. The second row of seating is available as a 60/40 bench or dual captain's chairs, giving walk-through access to the third row of seats. A rear-seat entertainment system, including wireless headphones, and a navigation system that includes a rear-view camera are also available, and the standard 18-inch alloy wheels are upgradeable to 19 inches.
Enclave pricing starts in the low- to mid-thirties, and the EPA estimates mileage at 16 city/24 highway, or 16 city/22 highway for the AWD version. Offering limousine luxury in a package that can accommodate heaping helpings of passengers and/or cargo, the Enclave deserves a look from anyone contemplating a full-size SUV.
What owners say
"Overall, owners are quite pleased with the 2008 Buick Enclave, praising its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and family-friendly features like the DVD system. Many find it stylish and easy to drive, making it a good option for families. However, some drivers have noted the vehicle can feel underpowered at times and wish for better fuel economy, especially given its size."
quiet and comfortable to drive lots of room interior very nice with good fit underpowered and trans shifts too often good gas milage for large suv only one problem after 2 yrs - replace airbag sensor how do I get out of this page??????
November 5, 2010I still own this vehicle , I still Love this vehicle, no matter what headaches it throws my way. I searched for this particular Enclave for 6 months before i found the ONE that I wanted for the mileage, the 1 owner, price, with the options that this one has, all the way down to the color - inside and out.
January 1, 2015This a great vehicle which can have 7 passengers for a fun trip! Captain seats in back with a 3rd row bench. Captain seats can adjust for longer legged people or move forward to give a little more room for the 3rd row. The Enclave gives you the feel that you have total control of the road especially in the winter. Very reliable
April 18, 2014What owners say
quiet and comfortable to drive lots of room interior very nice with good fit underpowered and trans shifts too often good gas milage for large suv only one problem after 2 yrs - replace airbag sensor how do I get out of this page??????
November 5, 2010I still own this vehicle , I still Love this vehicle, no matter what headaches it throws my way. I searched for this particular Enclave for 6 months before i found the ONE that I wanted for the mileage, the 1 owner, price, with the options that this one has, all the way down to the color - inside and out.
January 1, 2015This a great vehicle which can have 7 passengers for a fun trip! Captain seats in back with a 3rd row bench. Captain seats can adjust for longer legged people or move forward to give a little more room for the 3rd row. The Enclave gives you the feel that you have total control of the road especially in the winter. Very reliable
April 18, 2014This car is just awesome, quite and comfy interior, great looking exterior. Head lights give a perfect vision at night. Very safe. The 3.6 liter engine gives surprisingly good performance for this SUV that is on the heavier side. Over all very nice vehicle.
December 24, 2012We purchased this car because we wanted 8 passenger seating. The seating is comfortable and the cargo space is great. The car lacks power for such a large vehicle and the fuel economy could be better. We will likely trade this in for a Ford Flex or a Ford Explorer which both have better fuel economy and power, but only seat 7.
November 29, 2011Love the car! Handles very well and it is a quiet ride. The styling is superior both inside and out. It is fun to drive too. Only had it a few weeks so can't comment on cost of ownership yet.
April 7, 2010After owning this car for three years and putting 70,000 miles on it. I still don't have the heart to get rid of her. The car continues to impress me and others around me. This car is a keeper. Nothing more than regular maintenance to keep her going. Maintenance on this car is not expensive. Still drives like the first day I brought her home. The dual sun roof is amazing.
August 30, 2012Good looking head turner. Quiet, handles well, powerful, great traction, priced right. Just feels safe. Kids love the rear seat DVD player and the back up camera/GPS combo is great. I recommend this car to anyone with a family or who travels a lot. It is a great road cruiser.
July 14, 2009This is the best Realtor Mobile there is! My Enclave has every option available and is fun to drive. I don't think that Buick emphasizes the 24 MPG enough for a car that easily hauls 7 people (8 with the middle bench seat) plus stuff in the back. GPS, remote start, electric folding mirrors, video screen, back-up camera, and Bose speakers get the most "Oooohs"
November 26, 2008This is a beautiful and reliable car with excellent interior finishes. The color of the interior is just a bit too light for my tastes, but it still looks good after 8 years and 138,000 miles. I would like to purchase another with newer options like Internet or Bluetooth.
March 8, 2015Trims & specs
Base MSRP $37,380 | Seating 8 |
Engine 3.6L 288 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 18.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 18.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 18.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $39,380 | Seating 8 |
Engine 3.6L 288 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 18.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
