MSRP: $35,070 - $39,380
Invoice: $33,141 - $37,214
MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.6
Performance:8.3
Exterior:8.4
Interior:8.5
Safety:9.9
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Responsive, ultra-smooth ride
  • Cabin is whisper-quiet and accommodating
  • Exterior styling is sleek and classy
  • Seats are comfortable and supportive
  • No optional V8 engine
  • Somewhat inconsistent quality to the interior materials
  • Substantial curb weight hinders acceleration

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Buick Enclave - What the Auto Press Says

The Enclave offers a smooth ride, stylish exterior and especially upscale interior for its class. It shares GM's Lambda platform with the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia, but holds a price premium over both.

"Enclave builds on the strengths of its more mainstream cousins by offering tangible upgrades in luxury and style," says Consumer Guide. "Its car-like driving dynamics and ample passenger and cargo versatility make it a must see for shoppers considering a premium SUV." Reviewers are particularly impressed with the Enclave's upscale and comfortable cabin and stylish exterior. However, many are also disappointed with the crossover's slow acceleration. For 2009, the Enclave gets a new direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 engine that adds 13 horsepower over last year's model. It also gets new options including OnStar turn-by-turn navigation and a rearview camera, as well as standard Bluetooth capabilities.

The 2009 Enclave is available in two trims: the base CX and the premium CXL. Both trims are available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

  • "Overall, the 2009 Enclave sets its sights on upscale, luxury-seeking drivers looking for a combination of high-end comfort with family-style versatility." -- Car Gurus
  • "Why does the one of the world's greatest athletes drive a Buick? Like Tiger Woods, the Buick Enclave is approachable, down to earth, yet something the rest of the pack keeps chasing." -- Washington Times
  • "If you appreciate the refinement of a luxury car but also need the flexibility of a crossover SUV, we think you'll like the 2009 Buick Enclave. It offers the image of owning a luxury vehicle, yet at a more affordable price than many of its competitors." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "The Enclave exuded class, inside and out. It was adorned with lots of chrome jewelry to put that extra twinkle in the eyes of all the pedestrians as you drove by. On the inside, there were heated seats for the driver and front passenger, and zoned heating and cooling for all three rows." -- Mother Proof
  • "With three rows of seating and a roomy, luxurious cabin, the 2009 Buick Enclave is a great pick for shoppers looking for an upscale, large crossover SUV. It's also the best Buick in recent memory." -- Edmunds

Enclave Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Buick Enclave is a smooth and fun-to-drive SUV. "The 2009 Buick Enclave is made to carry up to eight passengers in relaxed comfort and it does so with ease," says Kelley Blue Book. "At the same time it also manages to deliver engaging, even fun driving dynamics." The most common complaint is that the Enclave's significant curb weight sometimes takes its toll on acceleration. However, that may no longer be a problem since its V6 engine gets 13 more horsepower for 2009. Read More

Enclave Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2009 Enclave's sleek and stylish exterior is identical to the previous model. "The headlamps have similarity to the eyes of a human; in fact they even turn sideward to the illuminate the area in turning (adaptive headlights)," says the Washington Times. "The entire headlight assembly sparkles, giving a hint of a personality that's inviting. It makes you want to get inside." Read More

Enclave Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

The Enclave's eight-seat cabin is spacious, comfortable and luxurious. "When I opened the door that sparkle could be seen everywhere, as the interior ambience is upscale and very sophisticated," says the Washington Times. "Not only are the seats comfortable, they are luxuriously covered with soft-stitched leather. The trim also contains leather that blends with the burl wood mixed with brushed aluminum trim." For 2009, the Enclave gets new optional features. Read More

Enclave Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Buick Enclave scores very well in federal government crash tests. It's also one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Picks." Read More

Enclave Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Buick Enclave reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Buick Enclave comes equipped with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 6/25/09