2008 Buick Enclave

Buick has traditionally stood for luxurious pampering, even when it came in a truckier sport utility body. But now its trademark hush, hush quiet is transferred to the new Enclave crossover, a Buick with a softer touch. Enclave, new for 2008, replaces the brawnier Rainier and minivan-like Rendezvous models, and likely will appeal to a broader audience of shoppers. Like other crossovers in its premium class, it has the feel-good finesse of a luxury auto, expanded in size and scope for a greater capability.

2008 Buick Enclave Interior

As one might expect, the Enclave is expansive enough to offer comfort throughout, not a mini box designed for a family of four. Rather, it can accommodate seven or eight, including real adults with room to relax in the third row seating without having knees touching chins. Sandwiched glass and body panels hold enough sound conditioning to allow realistically whisper-quiet travel without totally isolating one from the road. Call that Lexus killer intentions. It's also the frosting on the cake of three similar vehicles from GM that share a foundation and many components, as it joins last year's GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Underneath is an accommodating 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant, mated with Buick's first six-speed automatic, which generates 275 horsepower and provides mileage rated at 16 city/24 hwy.

Enclave has an entry price in the low $30,000 range (front-drive CX version), and enough goodies to surpass another $10,000 more at the register as a loaded CXL with all-wheel-drive. But if you get what you pay for, Enclave lives up to the promise of a superior, pampering, near luxury vehicle, with the expected back-up camera, DVD, surround sound, multiple safety functions including panic braking and other premium features. Add to that a beautiful design, sumptuous interior and compliant handling. Such a combination might cost thousands more with some other auto company's badging on the front.

Read RTM’s 2008 Buick Enclave Review