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2008 Buick Enclave Performance Review

July 14, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

good power for city driving, acceptable power for high-speed passing
Cars.com

adequate go in all situations
ConsumerGuide

feels plenty quick enough
Edmunds

V-6 engine provides good if not scorching acceleration
Kelley Blue Book

too heavy for the 3.6-liter variable-valve timing V-6
Truck Trend

The 2008 Buick Enclave's performance is adequate, not exciting—but as you might expect from a big Buick, the ride is well-damped.

The 2008 Buick Enclave comes with a single powertrain, a healthy 275-hp V-6 and standard six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine may not be quite enough for the Buick Enclave's nearly two and a half tons, Truck Trend suggests. The Enclave uses up 8 seconds to get from 0-60 mph, according to The Auto Channel, which they consider "more than adequate in most circumstances." BusinessWeek disagrees: “The Enclave is a lot slower than the Japanese and German rivals, too…I tried a number of times and didn't come close to matching that time.” Cars.com says that the Buick Enclave's engine "won't be mistaken for the kind of V-8 engine that has historically powered large SUVs," but will do the job when called upon.

Cars.com, ConsumerGuide, and Edmunds all report that the six-speed transmission, while being "smooth shifting," is "more active than it needs to be" and has a strong tendency to upshift more than is necessary. Motor Trend complained that the heavy crossover “makes the six-speed labor hard to launch you out of tight turns, up hilly roads, or onto busy freeways.”

Consumers have a choice between front- and all-wheel-drive 2008 Buick Enclave models, and interestingly, the difference in fuel consumption is marginal. The AWD version gets slightly lower mileage on the highway, according to Cars.com, at 22 mpg, but the city figures for both models--as well as the overall average, according to Edmunds--is around 16 mpg.

On the road, the Buick Enclave rides well. According to Motor Trend, “The Enclave's ride is isolated, comfortable but with moderate roll.” The Enclave handles well “for a large, comfortable crossover utility.” However, they disliked the lack of steering feel, and “poor feedback, especially on-center.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Buick Enclave's strengths are a quiet, composed ride and body control; power and fuel economy are only average.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:good power for city driving, acceptable power for high-speed passingCars.comadequate go in all situationsConsumerGuidefeels plenty quick enoughEdmundsV-6 engine provides good if not scorching accelerationKelley Blue Booktoo heavy for the 3.6-liter variable-valve timing V-6Truck Trend The 2008 Buick Enclave's performance is adequate, not exciting—but as you might expect from a big Buick, the ride is well-damped. The 2008 Buick Enclave comes with a single powertrain, a healthy 275-hp V-6 and standard six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine may not be quite enough for the Buick Enclave's nearly two and a half tons, Truck Trend suggests. The Enclave uses up 8 seconds to get from 0-60 mph, according to The Auto Channel, which they consider "more than adequate in most circumstances." BusinessWeek disagrees: “The Enclave is a lot slower than the Japanese and German rivals, too…I tried a number of times and didn't come close to matching that time.” Cars.com says that the Buick Enclave's engine "won't be mistaken for the kind of V-8 engine that has historically powered large SUVs," but will do the job when called upon. Cars.com, ConsumerGuide, and Edmunds all report that the six-speed transmission, while being "smooth shifting," is "more active than it needs to be" and has a strong tendency to upshift more than is necessary. Motor Trend complained that the heavy crossover “makes the six-speed labor hard to launch you out of tight turns, up hilly roads, or onto busy freeways.” Consumers have a choice between front- and all-wheel-drive 2008 Buick Enclave models, and interestingly, the difference in fuel consumption is marginal. The AWD version gets slightly lower mileage on the highway, according to Cars.com, at 22 mpg, but the city figures for both models--as well as the overall average, according to Edmunds--is around 16 mpg. On the road, the Buick Enclave rides well. According to Motor Trend, “The Enclave's ride is isolated, comfortable but with moderate roll.” The Enclave handles well “for a large, comfortable crossover utility.” However, they disliked the lack of steering feel, and “poor feedback, especially on-center.” ConclusionThe 2008 Buick Enclave's strengths are a quiet, composed ride and body control; power and fuel economy are only average. 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE STYLING | [9 out of 10] Edmunds: "graceful lines and voluptuous curves" Kelley Blue Book: "a bolder appearance than many crossover SUVs " Mother Proof: "a very fresh, modern exterior...curvy" Truck Trend: "voluptuous skin" The 2008 Buick Enclave is a crossover ...

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. By Deb Harberon #1, Posted: 8/22/2008

    2008 Buick Enclave Bottom Line

    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. By Diane #2, Posted: 9/2/2008

    One Size Doesn't Always Fit All

    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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