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2008 Buick Enclave Quality Review

July 14, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Interior includes high-quality materials
ConsumerGuide

Delightfully calm
Kelley Blue Book

seats are exceptionally comfortable
BusinessWeek

Could be finer
Motor Trend

Reviewers across the Web agree that the 2008 Buick Enclave is one quiet, roomy crossover, with an occasional knock against the crossover’s trim.

The Auto Channel notes the "magnificent" job GM's designers have done on insulating the vehicle against road noise. GM's QuietTuning also attracts the attention of the New York Times: “The Enclave gets more soundproofing than its cousins,” which may help Buick compete one day against Lexus, they note. Kelley Blue Book describes the interior as "delightfully calm and free of the sounds that fatigue occupants on long drives."

The 2008 Buick Enclave has lots of interior room, and it’s usefully packaged, according to the reviews consulted by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide reports that there is an abundance of head- and legroom, and getting in and out of the passenger compartment "is a breeze." BusinessWeek points out that the “second-row captain's seats are exceptionally comfortable,” and have a SmartSlide feature, “which allows them to fold forward, making room for an adult to step into the third-row seats.” Cars.com suggests that adults might find the third row a little too cozy for comfort.

Car and Driver is impressed with the sheer volume of the interior with seated folded or raised. There’s “19 cubic feet behind the third row,” and “115 cubic feet behind the front row with the rest of the seats folded down, a cavity that can accommodate the ubiquitous four-by-eight-foot sheet of plywood.”

In terms of quality, the Buick Enclave has inviting styling and only a material lapse or two. Kelley Blue Book calls the interior "extremely inviting" with a dashboard that features "camphor burl wood appliques and chrome trim" and high-quality materials all around. Motor Trend admires the “wood and the leather steering-wheel rim,” but points out that it “contrasts harshly with the hard plastic on the back of the steering-wheel hub, and some of the plastic and vinyl grains could be finer.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Buick Enclave is a big, comfortable vehicle with mostly plush interior trim.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Interior includes high-quality materialsConsumerGuideDelightfully calmKelley Blue Bookseats are exceptionally comfortableBusinessWeekCould be finerMotor Trend Reviewers across the Web agree that the 2008 Buick Enclave is one quiet, roomy crossover, with an occasional knock against the crossover’s trim. The Auto Channel notes the "magnificent" job GM's designers have done on insulating the vehicle against road noise. GM's QuietTuning also attracts the attention of the New York Times: “The Enclave gets more soundproofing than its cousins,” which may help Buick compete one day against Lexus, they note. Kelley Blue Book describes the interior as "delightfully calm and free of the sounds that fatigue occupants on long drives." The 2008 Buick Enclave has lots of interior room, and it’s usefully packaged, according to the reviews consulted by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide reports that there is an abundance of head- and legroom, and getting in and out of the passenger compartment "is a breeze." BusinessWeek points out that the “second-row captain's seats are exceptionally comfortable,” and have a SmartSlide feature, “which allows them to fold forward, making room for an adult to step into the third-row seats.” Cars.com suggests that adults might find the third row a little too cozy for comfort. Car and Driver is impressed with the sheer volume of the interior with seated folded or raised. There’s “19 cubic feet behind the third row,” and “115 cubic feet behind the front row with the rest of the seats folded down, a cavity that can accommodate the ubiquitous four-by-eight-foot sheet of plywood.” In terms of quality, the Buick Enclave has inviting styling and only a material lapse or two. Kelley Blue Book calls the interior "extremely inviting" with a dashboard that features "camphor burl wood appliques and chrome trim" and high-quality materials all around. Motor Trend admires the “wood and the leather steering-wheel rim,” but points out that it “contrasts harshly with the hard plastic on the back of the steering-wheel hub, and some of the plastic and vinyl grains could be finer.” ConclusionThe 2008 Buick Enclave is a big, comfortable vehicle with mostly plush interior trim. 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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