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2008 Buick Enclave Review

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

graceful lines and voluptuous curves
Edmunds

a bolder appearance than many crossover SUVs
Kelley Blue Book

a very fresh, modern exterior...curvy
Mother Proof

voluptuous skin
Truck Trend

The 2008 Buick Enclave is a crossover vehicle--which usually means it's derived from car pieces. Only in this case, GM designed the Enclave and its sister vehicles (the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse) from the ground up, though some engine and suspension pieces are borrowed from the company's cars.

The Enclave, Buick’s newest vehicle, is a “crossover with flowing lines, big wheels, a wide stance, and a tapered upper body,” according to Car and Driver. In some ways, it’s similar to its siblings, MSN Autos says, “but the Buick model looks the best of the trio.”

The shape isn’t borrowed from any vehicle—it’s a new look for GM and for Buick, one filled with rounded forms and soft, subtle shapes, both inside and out. The 2008 Buick Enclave’s "voluptuous curves" and "graceful lines" are praised by the likes Edmunds, while Road & Travel calls it "slinky." Mother Proof says the Enclave is "curvy" and "lean." According to the review from Kelley Blue Book, the "waterfall" grille and portholes above the fenders recall the ripe, sensuous lines of the classic Buicks of the late 1940s and early '50s. It’s “a more soothing design,” Car and Driver thinks—and BusinessWeek agrees, saying, “the curvy contours, the chrome, and the bold grille-work perfectly reflect the Enclave's overall tone.”

Even the interior suggests the era, according to The Auto Channel: "The dash features a center arch in housing an analog clock giving the Enclave an Art Deco feel." Motor Trend notes that “its nicely designed interior is as tangible an improvement over the other two as its organic, Coke-bottle sheetmetal is compared with their creased lines.” The New York Times agrees, writing, “The cabin’s design showed that G.M. was successful in its effort to upgrade its interiors.” BusinessWeek gushes about the interior as well, calling it “gorgeous, easily as nice, or nicer, as the interiors of the Lexus RX 350, the Acura MDX, and the Volvo XC90.”

TheCarConnection.com is with the majority here. In looks, inside and out, the 2008 Buick Enclave has curvaceous fenders and glamorous detailing, though the D-pillar would look better blacked out than in body color (it's the vertical piece that separates the rear doors from the cargo area). Inside, it's subdued, luxurious, and high-quality throughout--and a revelation for Buick.

Conclusion

The 2008 Buick Enclave is an attractive vehicle first, a handsome crossover second.


Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Buick positions the 2008 Enclave as statement of American luxury. This crossover does battle against some heady competition, and most of them are more sporting and significantly smaller. If room is important, go with the Buick. Only the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 offer three rows of seats, but their last rows are better suited for children. The Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Infiniti RX all offer optional V-8 engines in their crossovers, giving their takes on luxury a bigger power punch.

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See the Buick Enclave in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (2 total)

  1. 2008 Buick Enclave Bottom Line

    By Deb Harberon | Posted: Aug 22nd 2008, 02:59:29 PM

    Here is what I don't understand. It is an elegantly appointed cross over that can carry 7 - 8 people. I certainly wouldn't load 6 kids in this car and I rarely drive around with 6 other adults, so who is this car for?

  2. One Size Doesn't Always Fit All

    By Diane | Posted: Sep 2nd 2008, 02:40:49 PM

    The reviews are very helpful. I don't understand Ms. Harberon's reluctance to put children in this vehicle. It is safe and comfortable. Of course if you let your children do whatever they please, then I can see the reluctance. I have never had those issues with mine. As far as the adults are concerned, we regularly go to dinner and on weekend trips with other couples and have found the roominess and comfort to be a great asset. With gas prices so high, why would you not own a vehicle that could be used to share rides? It's also better for the environment to share rides. We have taken two other couples with us on at least eight different occasions and everyone commented on the comfortable ride. One other couple actually bought one after riding in ours. I guess if you are very concerned about the expense and the kids making a mess, a base model minivan or sedan is what you need. I wouldn't give my Enclave up for anything!

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