Road Test: Buick Enclave CXL AWD

[91 s-10baja]

Seductive lines, both inside and out
Roomy, versatile, quiet interior
Potent engine
Progressive brakes


Second row is decent at best
Abundance of faux wood inserts on the dashboard


Mediocre rearward visibility
Lack of steering precision and feedback
Significant fuel consumption



http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/...py?artid=95046

[ZRock]

Accelerations and passing maneuvers are completed with undeniable smoothness thanks to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode that sends power to the driving wheels (be it the rear ones, or all four when you select AWD).

FAIL.

I guess they'll let anyone write a review these days...

[Ultra Magnus]

Originally Posted by ZRock

FAIL.

I guess they'll let anyone write a review these days...

I just read that. Someone should really tell this person that the Enclave never was or will be RWD.

On top of that I am getting really tired of reviewers complaining for vehicles like this. It is efficient for what it is: A big crossover. If you want 30+mpg then get a Civic or an Aveo. Otherwise, stop your whining.

I would like to see a manufacturer or even a couple collaborating that could develop a concept vehicle that was the size of the Lamdas and got 30+ mpg. Then showed what it would cost to the public and government and ask who is willing to pay for it even if they sold 500K per year.

[CobaltSScrazy]

With a commanding size and 8-passenger capacity, the Enclave is a confident and versatile performer.

Looks like a R-class Mercedes from this view JMO.

So its a guzzler of gas??? Huh?

CobaltSS

[Hoosier Red]

Originally Posted by ZRock

FAIL.

I guess they'll let anyone write a review these days...

These are just basic facts and it kills me. I have no connection to the auto industry and I know it's FWD or full time AWD.

[usa1]

I added a comment to the review about the lack of knowledge on RWD/FWD.

Mark

[Bggriffi]

How reputable is the Canadian Auto Network?

[04bonnie]

Fuel consumption will be better in the 2009 version with the direct injection, so that should make this reviewer happy. There's no excuse not knowing it's FWD.

Thing is, there's no competition for the Enclave, really, so it's hard to get a review that compares it to anything, because it's in a class all it's own. Most, if not all the other luxury crossovers that are FWD are only 7 passenger max. Also, the cargo room, like mentioned, is not matched. The Enclave's only competition comes from it's own cousins, so that's kind of a good thing for GM.

There is no real thing that's bad on this vehicle. The rearward visibility is something you would get used to after driving a while, and the steering gripe is mainly because everyone testing vehicles wants them to perform like performance cars, which they aren't.

[coaster.n3rd]

Manual mode? WTH! Thats a range shifter.

DAMN IT!

[91 s-10baja]

I thought you guys just looked at the pretty pictures? hahaha

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

First thing I noticed was how he ranks mpg, ehhem, I mean Liters/kM. That's a European way of measuring fuel efficiency. The Europeans regulate by distance traveled, than gallons consumed. A subtle, yet sigificant difference.

My main concern is that he compares the Enclave (MSRP $32,000-$37,000) for rear cargo room with the Veracruz (MSRP $26,000-$34,000), Highlander (MRSP $27,000 - $34,000, hybrids excluded at $40,000) and CX-9 ($29,000-$35,000). Seems, price wise, the Enclave should be compared with the RX330, MDX and MB M-Class.

An he knocked the faux wood accents. I guess he had to find something. That's faux wood as opposed to faux brushed aluminum that's available on other models.

Overall a pretty objective review. It's tough, outside of HP and torque figures, to be objective when reviewing cars. You either like it, or don't.

[YupYupYup]

Originally Posted by Bggriffi

How reputable is the Canadian Auto Network?

Not very...Just another dime-a-dozen up here...

[Ambalanche]

Originally Posted by YupYupYup

Not very...Just another dime-a-dozen up here...

That's what I'm sayin!

[Steel4ring]

Anybody here at GMI own a Lambda?

I am looking at the Outlook and Acadia....thinking of dumping the wifes Suburban.....what is the real world MPG for the Lambdas? I am seeing numbers everywhere from 12 MPG to 26 MPG.

I would be happy with a mixed run of 18-20 MPG over the 14 MPG I get in the Burb.

[BrickTamland]

Originally Posted by Ultra Magnus

On top of that I am getting really tired of reviewers complaining for vehicles like this. It is efficient for what it is: A big crossover. If you want 30+mpg then get a Civic or an Aveo. Otherwise, stop your whining.

If a review of a compact car listed its good gas mileage as a plus, would you be criticizing them with a "Well, no crap!"?

It's fair to point out poor gas mileage in large vehicles in my opinion.