2009 Buick Enclave Consumer Reviews

1st Class all the way

Written by: Yellow Jacket Fan on 11/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I was growing tired of my Ford Explorer, even though it was only 4 years old. It was starting to cost me money in repairs, and it was becoming a rattle trap. I wanted an upscale vehicle that would seat at least 7 passengers comfortably for hauling kids, but that would still seat adults comfortably in all 3 rows, and would still have some cargo room with the 3rd row up. I didn’t want a mini-van, so I thought I would be stuck with a large SUV like a Suburban or an Expedition, but then I found the Enclave. Looks great, drives great, rides great, and has nice appointments inside and out. I have 6000 miles on it, and have not had a single issue with looks or performance.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seating for adults as well as kids in all 3 rows, reasonable cargo space even with 3rd row up, great bluetooth integration, nice audio system, luxury look and feel inside and out

Suggested Improvements

Improved rear visibility, include the roof rack cross bars (seems cheap to include the roof rack but not the cross bars), improved gas mileage (although the mpg is not bad for a vehicle of this size and weight)

Report inappropriate post

New Enclave Engine Problems

Written by: Stranded in Seattle on 10/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I really wish I could love my new Enclave. This is my first GM purchase and my first American car. What a frustrating and disappointing experience, so far. In less than a month since taking delivery of my new 2009 Buick Enclave CXL AWD, and with less than 800 miles logged on the vehicle, my new car has been in for service three times for the same engine vibration problem. The fuel injection system has been cleaned, fuel injector and ignition coil replaced and now the service techs are "looking more deeply into the cylinder head and valve train." (YIKES!) Vehicle downtime now stands at an abysmal 50%, since taking delivery. I was so hopeful for GM, but this car simply doesn't work.

Favorite Features

Seating for 3 passengers in the 3rd row (versus 2 in other crossovers) 2nd row console Navigation system and voice choice Cooled front seats Surprisingly tight turning radius Backup camera

Suggested Improvements

Power tailgate should stop midway (to open the tailgate but avoid hitting garage apparatus). OnStar's Navigation instructions should download into and use the installed Nav. system's voice s/w. Wish car phone button accepted forwarded calls from my cell. I wish ALL doors auto unlocked in Park

5 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A Great SUV

Written by: Joe on 10/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

The Enclave is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium suv. We compared to the Acura, Lexus and Lincoln models and chose the Enclave because it has more room than the competition along with superior comfort and performance. To date, the quality has been excellent and the comfort and ride dynamics have exceeded our expectations.

Favorite Features

Quiet Tuning, OnStar, and 2/3 row seating arrangements

Suggested Improvements

None

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

CITY GAS MILAGE

Written by: JWL on 10/12/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Buick claims a city gas milage of 17 mpg on the EPA sticker. In straight city driving under the most conservative starts and stops my Enclave gets an averave of 11.7 MPG. I have provided the dealership the gas receipts and milage. The fact is that the 6 speed electrocic transmission holds the car in 2nd gear at 30 miles an hour causing the engine to Tach at a steady 1900 RPM. When the car passes 40 MPH the Tach drops to 1200 RPM. I was contacted by GM's Division Manager who told me that is how the transmission is calibrated and there is nothing they can do about it. I bought this car based on the fuel estimates and I feel that they should be able to produce what they advertise. 31% less.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Calibrate the Transmission. Right now it costs as much gas to run at 30 MPH as it does to run at 65 MPH soley on the fact that the vechile is held in a lower gear at 30 MPH. Try it on your Enclave.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Buick Smells Like Gas

Written by: Bruce on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have a 2009 Buick Enclave that I bought brand new in May. I have put 2500 miles on it. I told the dealer after about a week, that I smelled a raw fuel smell inside of the car. I didn't know it smelled from the outside until a friend told me after driving behind me. They tried to say it was the evap system but that smells way too much. The inside fuel smell happens when I turn a sharp corner or come to a stop. My kids, wife and I get sick when we go on a long drive and have headaches and nausea. It is a raw fuel smell. Like unburned fuel. Now even under the Lemon Law, GM won't budge as if I'm making this up. I'll never buy a GM again.

Favorite Features

nothing now with the smell

Suggested Improvements

get rid of the smell or buy my Buick back.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fuel Smell

Written by: fueled on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Everything that everyone says about how good this vehicle is, is true. The vehicle itself is great, but mine smells like fuel occasionally when coming to a stop. The exhaust tips are super black and I only have 2500 miles on it. I've been to the dealer so many times that I will never buy a GM again.

Favorite Features

Navigation

Suggested Improvements

Road test the vehicle with the customer.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great!!!! but.......

Written by: buckeye boy on 09/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We really enjoy our Enclave. We moved out of a Toyota Sequoia and do miss the extra space and taller ride, however, this Buick is a remarkable vehicle overall. I have only 2 complaints, I am only 5'-9", unlike a previous reviewer I like the footrest on the left side. My problem is either the seat is too short or the seat height is not right for me, I get a cramping sensation in my right thigh, especially after driving for awhile. Second concern is that the middle position of the 8 seater will not easily accommodate a child seat as we hoped. Should have tested that. Overall a great vehicle and fun to drive.

Favorite Features

Power seat, satellite radio, stylish appearance

Suggested Improvements

Thigh support seating, Driver seat can smash items or people in back when I press button to exit from driver seat

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Loving it so far

Written by: LI Driver on 09/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

After 4 minivans, I had to have a vehicle that offered more comfort and style, but still offered a roomy third row for my teen/tween-aged kids. But I did not want anything as big (and costly) as a Sequoia. The Enclave fits the bill perfectly. It is roomy and comfortable to ride in. So far, performance has been great. I read the criticism about the transmission being slow to downshift, but I haven't noticed anything significant. MPG was another concern, but on a recent trip, I got over 21 mpg (obviously highway). For a vehicle this size, I can't complain. If you are looking for a crossover that combines lots of room with style and comfort, check out the Enclave.

Favorite Features

Very comfortable seating. Overall style. OnStar/XM (free trials for both included).

Suggested Improvements

Layout of switches/controls could be more intuitive. For example: only one lever off the steering column, which includes windshield wiper controls (among other things), while the rear wiper controls are found under the radio. No biggie, but counter intuitive.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

What Kind of Car Is It?

Written by: Amazed!!! on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I don't think I have ever owned a car people were so inquisitive about. We drove the Enclave on a whim (actually to kill time while we waited on the salesman to find a Yukon on the lot). Wow! What a suprize! Our past 3 vehicles have been a Yukon and 2 Tahoes. We actually had decided on another Yukon but we were not happy with the ride or the boxy look of the new body style. We drove the Lexus, Infiniti, Tahoe, Yukon and kept coming back to the Buick. I researched and read over 70 reviews. They basically said the same thing. It's a great car! We have 12K wonderful, enjoyable miles and it has been a pleasure every time I have opened the door. I still can't believe I am driving a Buick.

Favorite Features

Someone really did aa great job on all of the storage pockets. The 110 outlet is great for charging computer or phone (my daughter though she was going to be able to blow dry her hair...haha). I love the flat folding 3rd row seats. Easy! Lot's of room. Where has electric start been all of my life?

Suggested Improvements

I haven't quite figured out the front garment hook. It's a little strange.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Base Enclave CXL

Written by: alvanhill on 08/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Finally a salesperson listened and found a base vehicle for me to buy. The Enclave CXL FWD compares favorably with our 08 Lexus ES in comfort and quiet ride and has all the equipment I wanted without $$$'s in options. The six speed tranny takes some getting used to and I wish the drivers seat cushion gave more thigh support but this is a very nice vehicle for the money. More mpg would be nice but I think the DI engine will regulate that. At 7,000 miles the car delivers 24 mpg on the highway @ 70 mph.

Favorite Features

On-Star, Satellite radio, power tailgate.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the support for the left foot on the drivers side for more leg room. Longer drivers seat cushion for thigh support.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post