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2009 Buick Enclave

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Buick Enclave

Overview

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2009 Buick Enclave Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Over the years Buick has worked hard to change its image of a builder of cars that are long on comfort but short on excitement. It is a little surprising, then, to encounter the 2009 Buick Enclave, a family-friendly eight-passenger crossover SUV that proves Buick can build an exciting vehicle. The Enclave is Buick's entry into the growing luxury SUV category and competes with well-established offerings from Lexus, Acura, BMW and Volvo. With eye-catching exterior styling, a highly usable interior and a remarkably quiet cabin, the Buick Enclave has what it takes to be a viable entrant in this competitive segment.

You'll Like This Car If...

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.

You May Not Like This Car If...

You may not like the 2009 Buick Enclave if you plan to venture far from paved roads. All-wheel-drive is offered for the Enclave but it is engineered to enhance traction in the more realistic conditions of wet or snowy roads and is not intended for serious off-roading.

What's New for 2009

The Enclave receives a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with output now rated at 288 horsepower. Heated and cooled front seats become a stand-alone option, while Bluetooth is made standard on all trims.

Driving the Enclave

Driving Impressions The 2009 Buick Enclave is made to carry up to eight passengers in relaxed comfort and it does so with ease. At the same time it also manages to deliver...

engaging, even fun driving dynamics. The steering is light but firms up a bit at speed to give the Enclave a confident feel. The V6 engine provides good if not scorching acceleration and should be up to the task of hauling a full load of cargo or passengers. At cruising speeds Buick's attention to noise reduction pays off with very little wind, road or engine noise intruding into the cabin.

Favorite Features

Second-Row Seats
Getting to the rear-most seats in many vehicles can be a hassle. Not so in the Enclave, where the cleverly designed second-row seats, with flip-up cushions and the capability to slide far forward, provide a wide flat space to enter the third-row seating area.

QuietTuning
Buick's QuietTuning method of in-vehicle noise reduction may seem like marketing hype, but it has to be experienced to be appreciated. At higher speeds the interior remains delightfully calm and free of the sounds that fatigue occupants on long drives.

2009 Buick Enclave Details

Interior

The 2009 Buick Enclave's interior features a curvaceous dash design accented by camphor burl wood appliques and chrome trim. High-quality materials, a simple, logical layout and an impressively low level of interior noise make for an extremely inviting cabin. The Enclave is offered in both seven- and eight-passenger versions with slide-and-fold second-row seats that make getting to the third row extremely easy. Cargo space behind the third row is good and, with the second and third rows folded, the Enclave offers a cavernous, flat load area.

Exterior

As one of the few vehicles to make it from concept to production without having its exterior styling diluted, the 2009 Buick Enclave offers a bolder appearance than many crossover SUVs. While large enough to accommodate eight passengers, the Enclave's artful body lines give it the look of a much smaller vehicle. The face of the Enclave features a "waterfall" grille, modern-looking portholes above the fenders and intricately detailed almond-shaped head lamps. Adding some flash to its svelte body are standard 18-inch wheels, chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets and chrome roof rails.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

There are two trims offered for the 2009 Buick Enclave. The standard equipment list for the base CX trim includes 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, power front seats and tri-zone automatic climate control. Stepping up to the CXL adds heated power-adjustable front seats, leather seating surfaces and stylish 19-inch aluminum wheels. Standard safety features on all Enclaves include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front air bags, front-seat-mounted air bags and three-row side-curtain airbags that stay inflated longer in the event of a vehicle rollover.

Optional Equipment

Many of the optional features available for the 2009 Buick Enclave are grouped into packages. Included in the Driver Confidence package are remote vehicle engine start, a heated windshield washer fluid reservoir and rear parking sensors. Available only for the CXL trim is the Luxury Package that adds power folding side mirrors, adaptive headlamps and a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel. Also available are a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a rear-facing camera, eight-passenger seating, heated and cooled front seats, a navigation system and a power sunroof.

Under the Hood

Powering the 2008 Buick Enclave is a strong 3.6-liter V6 engine. It delivers energetic performance and excellent fuel economy with the help of modern technologies like variable valve timing, direct injection and an electronic throttle. The V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A wide spread of gear ratios helps get the most out of the engine while maximizing efficiency. We did, however, notice some delayed reactions from the transmission and the occasional rough shift. An optional all-wheel-drive system is also available which requires no driver intervention and automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels.

3.6-liter V6
288 horsepower at 6300 rpm
270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 16/22 (AWD)

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2009 Buick Enclave Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 192 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 Buick Enclave models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

Spacious, comfortable, smooth, quiet high ride.

By Enclave (MI) on Sunday, April 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Keeping RPM's low, MPG are 19.2 city, 26.7 hwy"

Cons: "The Govenment don't recognize getting maried to it"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned 9 new automobiles and this is the only one my wife has ever fell asleep in. She has always said she was too nevous to sleep. MPG will be great as long as you focuse on the RPM's and don't drive it like it's a car."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle I've ever owned! Drives itself.

By Debbie (MN) on Thursday, April 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love my Enclave! The backup camera is great! It helps me park as well as keeping people behind my vehicle safe. The seats are comfortable and roomy for my 6'3" husband. It is the elite of the elite! Highly recommended!"

9 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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see all 192 reviews