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| Editor Jeff Fortson is featured with Michael Burton, the interior designer for the Buick Enclave. |
What’s New:
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Since the well-equipped luxurious people mover was introduced to the market in 2007, there are only a few minor changes Buick engineers decided to make to enhance this crossover for the 2010 model year. For one, to compliment the classy exterior design, the Enclave is now available with 20-inch chrome clad wheels. And to help profile the larger wheel package, the crossover gets a new 6-speed fuel-efficient transmission.
Added to that, a USB port is now included with the Enclave’s premium radios, allowing occupants to connect portable music and recharge run-down batteries. Furthermore, a new rear back-up camera features a screen embedded in the rearview mirror, allowing the driver to enjoy this option even without the navigation radio.
Must-Have Goodies:
The Enclave is available in two trim packages: the base CX model and the well-equipped CXL model. In addition to the standard front-wheel drive configuration, for those traveling in cold weather climates, the Enclave is available as an all-wheel drive vehicle, too.
Other must-have features available on this Lexus-like quiet-tuned crossover includes: a sunroof with a fixed second-row skylight; bench or bucket second-row seats; a 10-speaker Bose audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound and a rear DVD entertainment system; articulating front headlights for concerning and power folding outside rearview mirrors for parking in tight spaces; and a trailering tow package.
And to aid with parking or backing up, the Enclave can be outfitted with GM’s Driver Confidence Package, which includes a sonar rear park assist system.
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| The upscale well-executed interior layout of the Buick Enclave was due to the craftsmanship of GM's interior designer Michael Burton. |
What Rocked:
Buick’s well-equipped and stylishly designed seven-passenger or eight-passenger crossover, depending on the seating arrangements, is now in the same league as a Lexus as it relates to quality, dependability and value. Since being introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model, the Buick has consistently run second to the Lexus RX in new-vehicle sales in the premium crossover segment. For a brand that almost followed the now defunct Oldsmobile and Plymouth brands, this is a major feat. Buick is back in full swing, as a result of the success of the Enclave.
It’s easy to see why this crossover has become a respected player in the luxury crossover segment, offering such features as Xenon headlamps, a power liftgate, a Mahogany wood and leather steering wheel, a distinctive oval interior clock, second-row sliding seats, XM Satellite radio, GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation and rollover capable head curtain side airbags.
The success of the Buick Enclave has put the brand back on the map again, yearning back to the years of the Riviera and the 225, when it was considered a status symbol to drive one.
In fact, the posh, well-executed interior layout was designed by Michael Burton, the only African American to work as a designer for all three domestic-based automakers: Chrysler, Ford and GM. Burton is the director of interior design for GM's front-drive and luxury crossovers. As of late, Buick has made all the right moves to restore its heritage.
Furthermore, for those who prefer not to use the touch-screen navigation system, GM’s OnStar system provides a turn-by-turn navigation system that can be downloaded directly to the radio via the OnStar representative.
What We Hated:
While Buick’s new luxury crossover is years ahead of past crossovers like the Rainer and Rendezvous, it’s still lacking some of the safety and convenience technological features found in some of its competitors. Hopefully in the future the Enclave will incorporate a Blind Spot Monitoring System for lane changing, a keyless push-button starter and a refrigerated storage console like what we found on Lincoln’s crossover, the MKT.
Any Juice:
The Enclave now incorporates a new fuel-efficient six-speed transmission which is matted to a 3.6-liter engine, putting out 288 horses.
The Verdict:
For those looking for a luxurious, reliable people mover, but aren’t smitten with minivans, large SUVs are station wagons, the Buick Enclave is the perfect alternative. Not only is Buick winning over traditional American car buyers with the Enclave, but import buyers, too. Buick also mimics the same new-vehicle warranty offered by many of the luxury brands with its 4-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which ever expires first. With products such as this, it’s no wonder why Buick is back in the luxury game again, attracting a new-generation of car buyers.
Pricing for the Enclave is quite affordable. The popular crossover starts out at $36,000 and can run up to $54,500, when fully-equipped. Yes, this is still significantly less than many of its competitors.
Competition: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, GMC Arcadia, Lincoln MKT and Mercedes R-Class.
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