2008 Buick Enclave Review

The all-new 2008 Enclave is a bold departure for Buick, and it scores points on several levels. While the exterior wears the Buick family face, it does so far better than the midsize Rendezvous and Rainier did, and lends visual cohesion to the Buick line. The newest Buick pairs a 3.6L V6 that produces 275 horsepower with a six-speed automatic transmission. As is typical of the Buick nameplate, the Enclave comes loaded with standard features and space, which means plenty of room for people and their things.

Both the CX and CXL include Buick's tri-zone climate control, halogen fog lamps, and xenon headlights, power remote rear liftgate, a full-size spare tire, and much more. The CX comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels, while 19-inch aluminum wheels are standard on the CXL.

The CXL adds leather seats with heat for both driver and passenger and eight-way power settings for the driver, along with memory presets. The CXL also offers a Luxury Package, which features power folding outside mirrors, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, articulating headlights, and a 110-volt outlet.

Available options for both models include Active Intelligent all-wheel drive, rear parking assist, four different premium Bose sound and navigation systems that range in price from $980 to $4,320, and a power sunroof with additional skylight. While seven-passenger seating is standard with second-row captain's chairs and a third-row 60/40 split bench, a second-row 60/40 split bench with flat folding and SmartSlide access to the third row is available for $495.

Safety features on all Enclaves include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, a tire pressure monitor, dual-stage front- and side-impact air bags, as well as side curtain air bags for all three rows of seating, and a full year of OnStar.
The Enclave is an all-new model for Buick in 2008, and it replaces both the midsize Rainier and the Rendezvous SUVs. It shares its architecture with other big GM crossover SUVs like the GMC Acadia and Saturn Vue. It is powered by GM's superb 3.6L all-aluminum V6, which puts out 275 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. The Enclave comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and two trim levels are available-the CX, which starts at $32,990, and the CXL, which starts at $35,190. see less