Vehicle Reviews

The Buick Enclave, a 4-door, up to 8-passenger SUV, is a good choice for those looking for an upscale, large crossover vehicle. The Enclave is available in CX and CXL trim levels with FWD and AWD. For 2011, 19-inch, nine-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheel replaces seven-spoke chromed aluminum wheel, standard on CXL2 and available on CXL1. The Enclave now comes with Cyber Gray Metallic, Dark Ming Blue and Gray Green Metallic exterior finishes.

The CX trim is equipped with second-row captain's chairs, six-way power driver's seat, and two-way power front passenger seat and it can accommodate seven passengers. The CXL comes with second-row captain's chairs, eight-way power driver's seat, and four-way power front passenger seat to accommodate the same number of people. Front halogen fog lamps with projector technology; solar-ray deep-tinted glass; outside heated, power-adjustable, body-color, manual-folding mirrors with integrated turn indicators; 18-inch six-double-spoke painted aluminum wheels (CX); and 19-inch fifteen-spoke machined aluminum wheels (CXL) are some of the exterior and interior features on the 2009 Buick Enclave. The CXL trim is fitted with an AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player with speed-compensated volume; Radio Data System (RDS); TheftLock; auxiliary audio jack; and 6-speakers.

A 3.6-liter V6 rated for 288 hp and 270 pound-a foot of torque is standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive Enclaves are estimated to get 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive lowers those numbers to 16/22. When properly equipped, the Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds. A full 19 cubic feet of usable space is behind the third-row seat.

The standard safety and security equipment installed on the Buick Enclave include dual-stage, front and side-impact driver and front passenger air bags and side curtains; first, second, and third row outboard passenger airbags, Passenger Sensing System, and rollover protection; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; full-range traction control with StabiliTrak; high-intensity discharge Xenon projector headlamps; OnStar with one-year of Directions and Connections Plan including turn-by-turn navigation; theft-deterrent system with content theft alarm and vehicle PASS-Key III engine immobilizer; and remote keyless entry.