Vehicle: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL AWD 7-seater
Price as tested: CDN$52515
Performance: The Buick Enclave, just like its chassis sibiling, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, has only one engine choice. Its the Cadillac-derived 3.6 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing technology. Although it got 275 horses at driver’s disposal and 251 lb/ft of torque doesn’t look shabby. Its Enclave’s weight that is most hurting during acceleration. With our AWD version closing in at 5000 pounds. Imagine having 7 persons on board with only 275 horses, its only adequate if not exactly underpowered. The saving grace is GM’s 6-speed automatic gearbox which has an excellent fuzzy logic program that adapts to driver’s right foot, as well as driving condition. This alone adjusts to 7 persons to 1 person and level of throttle input accordingly.
Handling: Buick is never about dynamics but Enclave seems to have a right handling mix with sublime ride quality. The rack-and-pinion steering remains light even if it provides feel and precision one expect from an SUV. Stabiliztrak acts at the right time whenever driver has got out of hands when entering a corner too hot. Understeer and body rolls are more than acceptable. The Enclave handles curves and corners confidently without all those loose feel in all previous Buicks. At the same time, it doesn’t lost the superb ride quality one expected from Buick.
Brakes: With Enclave closing in at 5000 pounds, its 4-wheel discs and standard ABS have provide decent pedal feel and short stopping distance even in poor weather. That’s a big surprise because Buick’s brakes used to feel mushy and dead.
Interior: Inside the Enclave, it got the use of materials and fit-and-finish that GM can only dream about a decade ago. Although there are some cheap pieces in minor areas, the rest of the cabin feels rich and classy inside. The leather seats are comfortable and ergonomics are spot-on. Latter is a huge revelation to Buick’s once disasterous interior ergonomics.
Both the 2nd and 3rd row of seats are as comfortable and well-foamed. You simply need to flip down the 2nd row in order to get into 3rd row. What’s surprisingly about 3rd row is the legroom and headroom are spacious enough for most adults.
Conclusion: The Enclave, as well as Outlook and Acadia, are excellent replacements to GM’s unremarkable minivans. The overall execution will definitely help GM moves each one out of the showroom without help of a rebates. Its just one of the examples to show this automotive giant is coming back.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5