The Buick Enclave midsize crossover SUV was first introduced in 2007 for production and sale as a 2008 model. Replacing the Buick Rainier, this General Motors offering was designed to help reinvent the perception of the Buick brand name as old and tired with little to get excited about. The Enclave shares the same platform as the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, with the fundamental difference being a more direct focus on luxury and refinement.

The Enclave comes in a base model CX trim and the high end CXL trim. Both models have 3 rows of seats and can accommodate 7 adult passengers very comfortably when the center row is configured with captain's chairs that easily both tilt and slide forward to allow for convenient access to the 3rd row. Up to 8 passengers can be accommodated when the 2nd row captain's chairs are replaced by a bench seat, which is available at no extra charge. The interior is large, comfortable and user friendly, even when compared to full size SUV's. Both 2nd and 3rd row bench seats fold flat, increasing cargo space to a commendable116 cubic feet.

Chic and attractive wood-grain trim is found throughout the cabin, and depending upon personal preferences, seats are exquisitely upholstered with either a premium fabric or supple leather. All models feel as well as look luxurious and are very well appointed. Some of the standard features include a power rear lift with remote control, dual chrome exhaust tips, remote keyless entry, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, Xenon HID headlights, a leather wrapped and mahogany trim steering wheel, three zone automatic climate control, a Tiffany style analog clock, a calming blue light instrumentation panel and 6 speaker stereo system with CD/MP3 player. An abundance of safety and security features are also incorporated into the design, including 6 airbags, electronic stability control, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Power is provided to the Enclave from a new 3.6 liter V6 engine that delivers 275 horsepower. Also new and part of the standard configuration is Buick's first ever 6 speed automatic transmission. Not unlike many midsize luxury SUV's, it performs best on paved roads but does have the ability to tow up to 4500 pounds.

The Buick Enclave has a very appealing design, a welcoming interior, adequate power in just about all situations and an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride. All things considered, it appears that the Buick Enclave may just be the ticket to reviving the brand name and providing American car buyers with a whole lot of vehicle at a much lower price than most midsize luxury SUV's of similar quality.