![]() About the Buick EnclaveThe Buick Enclave is a four-door luxury crossover SUV. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive come standard, with optional all-wheel drive available. It boasts a spacious interior, yet its large size and weight may be a hindrance for some as far as handling is concerned. The Enclave is stylish and, while good for most families, it does not compare to a minivan if the family wants options like sliding doors and extra cargo space.Manufactured by General Motors in the U.S., the Buick Enclave was designed to replace the Rainier and Rendezvous SUVs and the Terraza minivan. It has a 3.6-liter V6 engine (288 horsepower) and an average city/highway fuel economy of 17/24 mpg for the FWD and 16/22 mpg for the AWD. Two advantages of the Enclave are that it can seat either... View more seven or eight adults comfortably, and that it has more cargo room than some full-sized SUVs. The Buick Enclave made its first appearance for the 2008 model year. The principal change for the 2009 model was a switch to a direct-injected 3.6-liter engine, which increased horsepower and torque. The Enclave has remained virtually unchanged since then, with the 2011 model including minor alterations such as the elimination of the remote start feature. The Enclave has received a few criticisms, such as being too heavy for its class. Such minor complaints, however, have not negatively affected consumer demand. The Buick Enclave SUV is available in three trim levels: CX, CXL1, and CXL2. Traction control and extra seating are just two popular features of all three trim levels. Some additional features of the CX include an MP3/CD/XM six-speaker stereo system and a rear backup camera. Both the CXL1 and CXL2 trim options offer a DVD player and navigation system. Wood-grain inlays and double-stitched leather seats add to the sense of style and comfort. Furthermore, the Enclave's reasonable pricing, compared to similar luxury SUV counterparts, attracts buyers looking for both luxury and affordability. Despite being a relative newcomer to the SUV field, the Buick Enclave has won industry recognition for its style, safety, and performance in the North American market. It received the Best New SUV award in 2008 from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and it was voted the 2010 Best Buy winner by Consumer Digest. It has earned excellent crash test ratings, including five-star ratings for overall performance in 2011. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded its top Good" score for recent crash tests. Overall, the Enclave is recognized for its stylish exterior and luxurious interior, offering a smooth, quiet ride and secure handling. View less | |||
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