2008 Buick Enclave Exterior Review
Based on analysis of 36 Enclave reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Reviewers judge the Enclave's exterior to be sleek and stylish. New Car Test Drive captures the consensus, writing, "The long body shell is anything but boxy, with curvy, swoopy, and sexy shapes from every angle."
AutoWeek thinks the Enclave "is the best looking Buick to hit the streets in years. From the delightfully tight and tidy panel gaps to available 19-inch chrome rims, the Enclave looks good -- and dare we say surprisingly young." That's not to say that the Enclave's styling doesn't have its Buick forbears. Motor Trend points out, "Tall as it is, with its length and proportions, the Buick Enclave melds SUV and minivan into a modern station-wagon shape, heir to an early 1950s Roadmaster Estate or a 1971 Estate Wagon. Squish one of those wagons at both ends to make it not quite so long, but taller for good interior space, like watching a wide-screen movie on a small, square TV, and you've got the Enclave."
Road and Track explains, "The Enclave's body panels are unique; a single horizontal line starting in the middle of the aggressive waterfall grille circles the vehicle, and all the styling elements -- from the curved front fenders to the taper in the rear seemingly hang off this departure point." Car and Driver finds that the Enclave's "soothing design" has a "continuous line from the trishield badge," along with "warm colors, and 100-percent-unique sheetmetal, including, of course, signature (but nonfunctional) portholes." Those portholes are another nod to Buick's history, and have lately been popping up on other new models.
Exterior Trims
The Buick Enclave CX
"The Enclave comes in two trim levels," explains Road and Track, "but you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference other than the badging." One difference is that the CX is equipped with 18-inch tires and wheels.
The Buick Enclave CXL
The feature-packed CXL largely distinguishes itself inside. On the outside, its badge and its 19-inch tires and wheels are all that distinguish it from the CX.
