2008 Buick Enclave CXL AWD:

Editor’s note: Today’s Drive has become Short Stint, but the information is still the same–a brief impression of a vehicle that’s been in our test fleet.

OUR TAKE: Enclave sales are off to a good start, which isn’t surprising considering the vehicle packages the best of an SUV and a sedan into a more practical and easier-to-drive vehicle than either an SUV or a sedan could do alone. This is the vehicle that Buick should have built instead of both the Rendezvous and Rainier. Hopefully those two misfires won’t cost them consideration when it comes to Enclave.

This test vehicle came equipped to the hilt–heated leather seats, navigation system, power liftgate, Bose audio and entertainment system, the works. During its tenure in our stead, we had occasion to use it in virtually every way possible except towing.

For starters, it was packed to the limit for a family Christmas weekend, carrying food, gifts, gear, skis, skates, musical instruments–you name it, we loaded it up. Post-holiday, we tossed in the downhill ski gear and headed to the slopes; with just three people onboard, with skis and bags, we almost had an overabundance of space. On the return trip from the north country, we plowed headlong into a snowstorm, but we barely noticed it in the Enclave: the fog lights added some extra visibility, the heated washer fluid helped keep the windshield clear.

The powertrain is refined and strong, though it would be good to have some kind of “power” or “sport” setting to quicken the response. Unless you really kick the pedal to the floor, the powertrain seems geared to fuel economy first (and the numbers are good, so it’s hard to argue against) and therefore is slow to respond to partial pedal actions. Steering also takes some getting used to, in a good way: It is highly responsive, with very little dead zone on center, so Buick drivers used to lots of slop in the steering will have to take heed or they’ll end up on the shoulder. Its ride quality is a strong point, too–neither jarring nor spongy. Again, buyers used to floating in a Buick may find the Enclave too attached to the road, but thanks to what the automaker calls Quiet Tuning technology, drivers won’t notice much in the way of road or wind noise. This thing isn’t Lexus quiet, but it’s close: We found it quite easy to converse without raising our voices.

Couple of nits: Even with the top-of-dash storage compartment, the Enclave is a little short on good storage in and around the front seats. The large under-console tray isn’t as practical and usable as a center console bin. Also, while cupholders may work just fine in sliding rear minivan doors, they’re not practical on hinged doors where open cans, cups or bottles may empty their contents upon closing the door.

autoweek.com

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