NWCN

Buick Enclave

Everyone loves a good comeback story. Whether it’s Converse Chuck Taylors re-entering the fashion mainstream or William Shatner getting those Priceline ads, Americans are romantic about cultural rebirth. Face it, aren’t you happy Lindsay Lohan is out of rehab and drug-free? Oops. Spoke too soon.

A few years back, General Motors declared that Buick’s new mission was to transform itself into the “American Lexus.” With this grand proclamation, a few giggles were heard from the automotive press. Buick had little in their showrooms to accomplish this move upscale. LaCrosse had just been introduced, but quite frankly, competed more with Camry and Accord than ES and TL. Better news was Lucerne. Many find it to be a big step forward with excellent road manners and crisp modern styling. 

Now, Enclave has hit the streets. There’s no snickering as Buick claims affordable luxury. It’s still too early to say this neglected brand is on the way back, but this large car-based crossover may single-handedly make Buick relevant again. I’m driving a nearly loaded CXL model that lists for $43,530, including destination.

A good-looking ride

Enclave rides on the same car-like Lambda architecture as the well regarded GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. The sheetmetal is a whole different story though. Acadia and Outlook are handsome, but Enclave is a concept car you can park in your garage. Don’t think it’s drop dead gorgeous? Get your eyes checked. People have trouble believing it’s a Buick. Parking lot discussions with curious admirers are a common occurrence.  

Enclave successfully replaces three vehicles - the Rainier SUV, the awkwardly penned Rendezvous crossover and the slow-selling Terraza minivan. Enclave doesn’t look like Buicks of yesterday, and doesn’t drive like them either. Forget Barcalounger suspension settings, the ride quality is firm yet comfortable. Rumor has it that Buick engineers liked the settings for the Acadia so much, they left them alone. Good call. 

For a larger vehicle, the substantial Enclave is composed in the corners and the steering wheel has a nice European heft to it. It doesn’t have the performance of Acura’s nimble MDX, but pushing Enclave in a turn is a pleasant surprise.   

Behind the wheel

On the highway, this Buick is hushed. From now on, libraries may be referred to as Enclave quiet. The extensive sound isolation process has been named Quiet Tuning. This marketing slogan is shorthand for laminated glass, exclusive Michelin tires and acoustical materials that are used to subdue the din of the outside world. If GM is targeting Lexus here, they have hit the mark. The General brags Enclave is quieter than industry leader RX350. I’d have to agree.

Choose between front-wheel drive and Stabiltrak all-wheel drive. The only engine offered is a 3.6-liter 275 horse V6 that’s hooked up to 6-speed automatic with manual shift control. Acceleration is average. As a luxury ride, I’d like to see a little more power. In the real world I’m seeing an 18 mpg average on regular grade fuel. Not bad for a large crossover. And considering Enclave's size, the anti-lock brakes do their job well.

The spacious interior is the best looking Buick cabin in memory. Wood snobs may diss the wide polycarbonate tree planks but heck, they look good. The right amount of chrome and an analog clock (required jewelry in the luxury segment) set the right tone. Gauges glow with an aquamarine shimmer and there are plenty of small storage nooks throughout. A bin in the driver’s center console lifts out to reveal a deep compartment large enough to hide a small purse in.

Enclave can be ordered up with my favorite feature, keyless ignition and a rear seat DVD entertainment system (both are missing my rig). Other slick tricks are a dual sunroof, remote engine start and heated windshield washer fluid that cuts through both ice and bugs.

More amenities

All the important safety features are present and accounted for. Six airbags are augmented by stability control. Enclave is a stylish substitute for minivans and the safety-minded will appreciate a five star performance in both front and side government crash tests (four stars for rollover).  

Those in the middle row get their own climate control. Even without the DVD entertainment system, kids can listen to a different audio source than mom and dad. There’s even a 110 outlet on the console to charge phones and iPods. 

Enclave can hold eight adults when ordered with the bench seat. It’s actually cheaper than the captain’s chairs. I’m testing the seven-seat model. Both middle row seats adjust for travel. Even kids can easily fold them for access to the back.

Unlike many crossovers the third row actually has ample room for three adults, if they're on the thin side. Along with siblings Acadia and Outlook, this space is easily best in class. The center passenger doesn’t get a head rest though.

Moving on to cargo, many crossovers have little to no trunk space with the last row in use. The Enclave is an exception. In the often imitated but never duplicated Toilet Paper Trunk Test, four jumbo warehouse packs fit easily. Fold the split seats down and Enclave becomes the new champ of the Toilet Paper Test. That means a massive 18 packs folks, one more than Acadia. With the second row folded, this crossover can swallow sheets of plywood and sheetrock. 

Gripes

My gripes are minor. I’ve covered the want of more horsepower. The normally elegant GM nav system has been fussy for reasons unknown. It occasionally sends me willy nilly around the city even with the appropriate “fastest route” mode selected. From an aesthetic standpoint, the wood trim on the instrument panel has a seam in an awkward place and the clear plastic shield over the transmission selector looks like, well, plastic that will scratch easily. Finally, visibility is a little compromised out the back. I highly recommend the backup cam option.

GM has given Buick the task to fight Lexus but it’s hard to compare Enclave to any of their models since it’s larger than the ubiquitous RX350 that seats five. It’s closer in mission to the Acura MDX or Volvo XC90. Also, Toyota’s premium brand sports slightly better materials all around. The wood in the RX is from trees, not a refinery, and the leather is more supple to the touch. The devil, as it’s said, is in the details. 

Still, Buick’s marching orders are “affordable luxury” and the larger and more soulful Enclave comes in around $5,000 less than the RX350 comparably equipped. This will appeal to many buyers who are happy to get more vehicle for less money. You also won’t see the Buick 20 times on your way to work. At least for now.

Can Enclave bring Buick back from the brink? Not by itself. This brand is winding down to just two other models, LaCrosse and Lucerne, neither as distinctive as this crossover. GM has to be serious about feeding this division exciting new product. There are rumblings that handsome models originally slated solely for the Chinese market (where Buick is considered a true premium brand) are headed stateside. Stay tuned.

Starting at around 33 grand, Enclave is a compelling reason for younger buyers to shop dealerships they’d have shunned before. In the end, Buick’s image is the only thing that might hold this excellent vehicle back. But hey, John Travolta resurrected his career. Who knows? Maybe the old slogan “wouldn’t you really rather drive a Buick?” will become relevant again.