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Used 2015 Buick Encore SUV Consumer Reviews

3.5 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Downsizing to Premium Luxury

Christian, 02/06/2016
2015 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
108 of 111 people found this review helpful

This is a review of a loaded 2015 AWD Premium Encore. We have put over 500 miles on it. We had originally decided on an Encore but were dissuaded from taking a test drive by professional reviews which were critical of the power. Our family is accustomed to driving powerful and speedy vehicles (Volvo S60 T6/Ford F-150/Toyota Sienna AWD) with the exception of a four cylinder Ford Fusion (reliable but slow as molasses). The Encore is replacing the Sienna and the Fusion is being handed down to the newest teenage driver (slow is good here). Neither of us adults wanted to drive a car that struggles to reach speed or climb hills. So we explored other options like the Ford Escape, Nissan Murano and even considered another Sienna for its excellent comfort and unsurpassed people and cargo comfort/capability and low price for an AWD. (We need AWD). However, the Sienna AWD is loud- annoying on long trips. So we had forgotten all about the Encore but on a trip to the dealership decided to take one for a test drive, ready to be underwhelmed and sorely disappointed. The salesperson encouraged us to take a long test drive on the interstate expressway, which we did. We were very surprised and impressed with the acceleration of this little 4 cylinder, and while we weren't winning any races, acceleration to traffic (65 mph), merging and even passing was more than acceptable. The turbo clearly making a difference. Once at cruising speed the cabin is exceptionally quiet and peaceful. The leather seats are very comfortable, with lumbar adjustment. Two adults have ample room and comfortable seating in the rear for long trips. A third adult can fit for shorter trips (1hr or less). The Premium edition is jam packed with technology and features that almost defy belief in a vehicle which we negotiated for just under $28k (Navigation, heated steering wheel (can never go back) and seats, rain sensing wipers, power seats, voice controls, blue tooth, wi-fi, Sirius radio, On-star, rear camera, blind spot radar, rear traffic crossing alert, lane departure warning, ambient lighting, Bose stereo, remote start and more.) The heightened ride height of this SUV gives a nice view of the road and enhances one's feeling of safety. The Encore is extremely nimble and shines in city and supermarket lot driving and parking. It is an all around relaxing and stress free drive in mixed driving conditions. We are so happy with our choice- one we almost missed out on. If you have any doubts just take one for a drive.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent CrossOver

tucsoncacti@gmail.com, 02/06/2016
2015 Buick Encore Convenience 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
33 of 33 people found this review helpful

First off let me say this, if you have not researched this vehicle class, then complain about speed and "pickup" it's your own fault. If your going in knowing your buying a heavy vehicle, that is sporting a turbo'd 135+ HP engine good for you. Guess what, it's not going to launch from a full stop at a stop light or stop sign. Something very evident when you test drive the car. BUT, getting up to full speed, or highway speed is quicker than you would expect. Also passing on the highway is smooth and effortless. So all that aside do I like my purchase? HECK yes I do! I went from a V6 300hp Nissan to the Buick, and while I miss the HP, I love the Buicks quiet smooth ride, excellent Bluetooth hands free setup and recognition. Sirius XM sounds wonderful compared to my wife's 2014 Chysler 300C, and having a 120gb IPod classic, setup was a breeze via the USB. (You could also just use a USB stick if you want to change your music more frequently) Night time ride is nice, with minimal blind spots for lane changes, and excellent head light beams. The 4GLTE wifi works surprisingly well but can get pricy really quick on larger GB plans. I do mostly highway driving, and average 31mpg and an average of 69 to 83 mph. Only real draw back I feel I am missing is the dimmed rear view mirror which I feel is standard on cheaper model vehicles, push button start, and door handle push button lock/unlock (this usually comes standard with push button start vehicles). Overall I would give this and overall score of 4.5, with forgoing the bells and whistles of other vehicles in this price range for quietness and a very smooth ride.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

New 2015 FWD

Jeff, 07/28/2015
updated 07/25/2016
2015 Buick Encore Convenience 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
71 of 73 people found this review helpful

Where to start? Been Toyota people for decades. Buick brought us back to GM. Certainly not built here nor does it have a majority of American made parts. Point is the Buick dealership wanted our business and had a smart, sharp looking vehicle to offer us. A week in to it and my wife and I both love it. Plenty of space for the two of us, empty nesters, and plenty of pep to get us around town and so far to where ever we want to go. Looks, feels and drives like something that will last us for years to come. At our age we have driven alot of new cars. This does not feel cheap. On par with more expensive vehicles we've owned. And alot of features you'd look for in higher end cars and SUV's. I have no reason to suggest not buying or leasing a Buick Encore.....so several months into it. Having hauled furniture, been through some decent snow fall and taken some short trips, we still are very comfortable and pleased with the Encore.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Vehicle

Dave torres, 02/19/2016
updated 08/19/2016
2015 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
49 of 50 people found this review helpful

I've owned car for 11000 miles. Car seat for infant fits, electronics is amazing, fit for a tall person is good. Handles well, rides well, fairly quiet. Very comfortable to drive, with turbo you get fair to good acceleration and great gas mileage! The ultimate compliment...I would buy this car again! I have a bad hip, but I have driven this car all day without pain. Not for a big family, but if just you and spouse....maybe 1 child...it's great. Bigger family would have to move up to enclave.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Hey Guys...a great small SUV from Germany!

Mark Hamilton, 09/06/2015
updated 03/08/2016
2015 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
42 of 44 people found this review helpful

Yes it's true, this car was designed and engineered by the German Opel division and marketed as a Vauxhall Mokka for the UK and an Opel Mokka / for the Europeans and rest of the world. This South Korean made and assembled vehicle is called a Buick Encore for the American market. This mini SUV handles very well in the typical prowess it has been bred with. Great economy with about 36 mpg on highway if you stick to lower speeds, lots of airbags including the standard all important knee air bags, excellent safety alerts,nice leather, love the perfectly located driver's arm rest and all the standard trip monitor system. The seat is very comfortable and perfectly sized. Acceleration is decent and adequate for highway passing. Free maintenance for two years. The eye catching size and design is a type of vehicle and market that Toyota started with their little 167" RAV4 some 16 years ago! GM cleverly re-invented that class of SUV that was abandoned about 10 years ago by the main players as they had all grown about a foot! The 1.4L Turbo Encore has very good looks, great interior, optimal usage of space, great economy and very good power for it's size and class. A great SUV for younger, older folk or empty nesters. Critics have stated a 'lack of power and space', what?? This IS SUPPOSED to be a 168" SUB Compact SUV, not a Porsche, if you want more power and space you can easily jump up into the 180" (15') Compact SUV class! For 2016, Buick has released the more powerful updated 1.4L Turbo DI engine with 153 HP and 177 ft/lbs torque, available as a Sport Touring which should make the power hungry drivers happier. Bear in mind, a lot of the other sub compact SUV's have the mindless whining belt and pulley CVT transmission system and the Encore is one of the few still using a lovely smooth 6 speed automatic. No doubt the best looking and one of the best choices in the Sub Compact SUV class.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
1 out of 5 stars

Very Undependable Vehicle

Mary, 11/05/2018
updated 05/06/2020
2015 Buick Encore Convenience 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful

My husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain tumor, and knowing this his diagnosis would require a dependable vehicle with good gas mileage.to transport him to 2 hours away at U of M for treatments pushed us to buy our Buick Encore. Shortly after buying the vehicle, while en route to U of M, the car broke down due to a coolant leak, which wasn't an easy fix, so we had to leave the car half way into our trip and pick it up several days later. Next, some time of mold was growing in the ventilation system, causing a sour odor to come through the vents. The fix was not really a complete fix. We're stuck with a loud blast of air that comes through the vents, whether we're in or out of the car and whether the engine is running or not - makes me jump out of my skin when we're in heavy traffic, and we have a problem with episodes of musty air. My husband has lung disease, so bad air sends a red flag. Next, the power brake booster went out and then within 2 weeks, the battery died. If I trade the car now, I take a loss in addition to the repair bills I have already paid. We will never buy Buick again. *Update: We ended up trading the car in - took a loss, but it was something we had to do.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

I traded my VW Tiguan for an Encore.

A.B., 05/13/2016
2015 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful

The comfort is great, Very quiet ride. Ok it doesn't have as much power as my Tiguan which I miss in times when taking off and getting on the Hwy. Once on the road, the ride is very pleasant, much more quiet compared to the Tiquan. The back seat is not meant for tall people. The bench is pretty narrow, but I don't often have passengers riding in the back. What can I say about cargo space other than it is a compact car, and therefore space is limited but still offers plenty room and hight. If I need more space I can always fold the backseats down. To me the Encore Premium offers plenty of luxury, comfort and it is a gas pleaser and eye candy inside out.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

Good comfort and value in a small package

Richard, 07/14/2017
updated 07/18/2018
2015 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful

This car is classified as a "CUV" (compact utility vehicle), not an SUV. It is built on a car chassis, and not designed to be a heavy workhorse. That being said, I have been amazed at what can be transported in it, when the rear seats are folded flat, and the passenger front seat is lowered. This included a large chest of drawers I hauled over 100 miles, with many other items packed around it. It is a perfect "empty nester" car, economical and easy to park and drive. The pluses are a competitive initial cost, very good warranty, good fuel economy (30 mpg overall), and a very quiet ride. The negatives include a somewhat cheap plastic interior, brakes that "moan" sometimes when cold, lack of a built in garage door opener, and lack of a power rear gate. I would also like them to have thought of designing a "scuff plate" below the rear gate, so the paint on the bumper is not scratched when moving items in and out of the back. Overall, I would give it 4 of 5 stars, which is the highest mark I would give any vehicle in this class. The pluses far outweigh the minuses with this vehicle.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2 out of 5 stars

Great ride poor performance

john lee, 05/12/2016
updated 05/21/2020
2015 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful

Was slightly hesitant when I bought this. Initially was satisfied but I have brought it back 3 times for transmission shifting poorly. Was told its normal for this vehicle. Too bad! Over the mild winter of 2016-2017 the AWD system shut down on me on 2 different occasions. The first time the dealer had it within the hour of the occurrence and let me know this is normal, the system shuts itself down if it overheats. The solution- wait for the AWD to cool down then resume driving. It was a medium snow and I had been driving about 3 minutes when this happened. The second time it was snowy again I had new tires on the car and again the AWD shut off. Of course the Dealer found nothing wrong, so mid March I traded it in for an AWD Chrysler 300, best move I made, the Buicks AWD system is very poor, and the Dealer's response was just as bad. UPDATE: I TRADED IT IN IN MARCH 2017 FOR A CHRYSLER 300. THE ENCORE WAS PROBABLY THE WORST PERFORMING CAR I EVER BOUGHT

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2 out of 5 stars

what would you do?

ray yocum, 02/24/2016
2015 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
31 of 34 people found this review helpful

car has less than 3000 miles on it. with-in one week noises started with the brakes. the dealer tried to find the causes , but after several [ 4] trys the say they don't know what to do . evidently this is not a new problem with the engineering department at general motors, there is a letter stating they are working on this problem and when they find a solution for this problem they will inform the dealer of what to do! they say it is safe to drive but i don't feel good with my wife [ 76 years of age] on the inter-state not knowing what might happen. the noises are getting worse and different at times. we have tried to work with the consumer complaint department at G M but to no avail. we have started a case with the better business bureau. at first we wanted the problem only fixed, now after 6 months we want a full buy-back. we only drive the car when it is necessary, it sits in the garage mostly.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
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