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Used 2016 Buick Encore SUV Consumer Reviews

3.5 out of 5 stars
68 reviews

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Pros
Cons
2 out of 5 stars

So close, and yet, so very terribly terribly slow.

J, 05/09/2016
2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 33 people found this review helpful

The size/shape and features of this vehicle are great. The price is right. It's one of the few cars that might convince me to buy American again (it's been more than 20 years). It's surprisingly well-featured, quite comfortable, and fairly agile. And then GM goes and put an absolutely anemic engine in it. Zero-to-Sixty? Maybe in 15 seconds with a tailwind -- which is going to cause problems getting on California's freeways and squirting in and out of traffic -- perhaps it's enough for states where they drive slower and more lawfully, but not here. And this is on the increased-horsepower sport/touring model. The base model is almost undriveable. I know that GM has better engines in its lineup. There's no excuse for not having the option to put 200-250 horses under the hood (look at the VW Tiguan and BMW X1 to see this done well). That change would make all the difference, and it's an absolute shame how much the current powerplants completely ruin the car. (I'm also one of the tiny minority of people who would prefer all cars to at least be available with a manual transmission... but for vehicles in this class, I know that will never happen)

Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Car grows on you

Don, 02/08/2016
updated 02/09/2017
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful

Handles very good lots of power very quiet inside easy to see out of moves around in traffic and parking lot very easy let's you know if someone is behind you so you don't hit anything fun to drive . Very good gas mileage a year latter and still a great car not one problem very happy with car. Mine is a 2016

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 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
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1 out of 5 stars

Feels like a new 1996 Geo Tracker

TheManInDboX, 04/21/2016
2016 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 45 people found this review helpful

The seats are hard, the seating position is terrible, and you can't see out of it.. I have had the little SUV now for the past 3 days due to my Volt (which is a complete pile of garbage) being fixed again.. During that time i can say it is pretty good on gas, but the transmission is jerky, there is no snot at all in it, meaning it won't get out of it's own way.. the seats are too small, i am thin and tall, but the seats are way to short and too hard.. making it feel like you are sitting on a pick-nick bench. The audio controls require a degree in computer science to figure out, nothing is labeled well, the steering column plastic isn't straight, and there are noticeable creaks and rattles when you hit bumps.. (The Loaner has 395 Miles on it) There is NO storage at all in it, there are nooks and pockets to store things around the driver, but the rear of it where you would put groceries, or other shopping things, or even a baby stroller, there is simply just not enough room back there. As per handling it may handle well, but it feels top heavy when you hit a corner which doesn't leave much confidence in the handling ability. Good: The BOSE stereo is amazing.. sounds fantastic.. The look of the materials makes it seem like a high end vehicle.. I mean until you realize, they are cheaply made.. Gas mileage seems pretty good for a small SUV (Very small) Bad: Fit and finish Seating position is hard short Seats The telescoping steering wheel is worthless it rattles You can't see out of it, and the parking sensors indicate you are too close at nearly 2ft from something It's slow (The Volt feels like a corvette in comparison) It's expensive (There are a lot of MUCH better options for less) Due to it's shape you can't get anything in the hatch area Controls aren't well laid out..

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Get up and Go!

Pete O'B, 07/02/2019
2016 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great small SUV! Turbo gives plenty of power for size. Comfortable, quiet and great gas mileage.

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
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1 out of 5 stars

Don't Buy

Kevin, 04/12/2023
2016 Buick Encore Convenience 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

To many issues and now at 55k miles needs a full trans replacement. Friend has an encore also and has constant issues. Unfortunately GM doesn't build reliable cars anymore. Will avoid GM products at all cost. Honda here we come.

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1 out of 5 stars

Problems in top of problems

Tracie H, 03/31/2025
2016 Buick Encore Leather 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was attracted to this model for the AWD, fuel economy, compact size for easy parking, and extra features like seat warmers, sunroof, and roof rack. I bought the vehicle used with 45,000 miles and within a year I have had to replace and repair over $4500 worth of problems. Hard to find parts and three different auto mechanics have told me that this particular year making and model tends to have repeated issues. AC leaks, radiator leaks, fuel lines needing replaced, master valve cylinder replaced, the attenuator has failed and needs to be replaced for hundreds of dollars at the dealership and I’m finally giving up and tossing it. Really had high expectations and it’s a total fail.

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

The little SUV that tried too hard

Bob DePino, 02/23/2016
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 44 people found this review helpful

Take a good look at the cars that you have been admiring on the road and note that it is their body design that makes them appealing. The basic design of the Encore is overshadowed by a ton of unnecessary glam. An overpowering front grill and a lot of randomly placed chrome has basically turned the car into a distasteful quinceanera dress. And don't even consider having a front seat passenger that weighs more that 150 pounds as they will not fit in the seat. Think long and hard before buying a car and then go and purchase one that you will get compliments on. The Buick Encore won't do that for you.

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

sure I am going to wreck and still a gas hog

Linda Farster, 02/15/2017
updated 01/08/2020
2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 34 people found this review helpful

Finally caused me to wreck 2000 damage on hood. Traded it for a 2016 subaru that does not have that feature. Paid 10,000 more but love the suv. Gets 30 mpg too without that feature .

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

newer

Glenn Rhine, 02/01/2020
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful

this 2016 is much better than 2015. enjoy.

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1 out of 5 stars

small

Rose Brown, 09/05/2018
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 35 people found this review helpful

Its too small.

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5 out of 5 stars

Buick Encore

Amy, 06/17/2020
2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I looked for a used car for at least a year. I was overwhelmed almost but when I saw the s Buick Encore I fell in love with it. The dealership that I bought it from were very nice and helpful. The car is roomy but not to small. I’m very happy even with the color.

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3 out of 5 stars

Too small front passenger seat not equal ..i

Noah, 03/22/2021
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2016 encore used it had 27,000 miles on it . Nice little car very dependable so far but there’s no storage space at all no console and drink cup holders are almost in the back seat. The audio system is ok but hope you have time to set things up cuz nothing is labeled .. seats are uncomfortable only one arm rest up from none for the passenger the driver seat is electric but not the passengers also the front seats aren’t even the same the back of the drivers side is leather and the passenger side back is hard plastic.. what??? The design of the interior is awful. They definitely forgot about the front seat passenger!

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

Nice Looking SUV

Keith, 03/10/2022
2016 Buick Encore Convenience 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was happy about the purchase needed some cosmetic fixing and little cleaning up and the price fluctuate but overall it was a good buy

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 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
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5 out of 5 stars

The Buick Man

Ron F. Chillicothe Ohio , 03/06/2024
2016 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Buick Encore premium on November 20th 2023 with 79444 miles on it. It has everything you can get on it, all I can say is I love this vehicle more than any car I have had before and I am 59 yrs. old and 6 foot tall , the drive is great , the inside is awesome and comfortable , sound system is awesome ( Bose ) the leather is supple and gas mileage is averaging 29.5 mpg. , It is a perfect machine...

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
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2 out of 5 stars

Repair frequently for high dollars

Bonnie Priddy , 07/24/2024
2016 Buick Encore Premium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first review on any car. I hate this little compact, no power Flintstone vehicle. Be prepared to do more maintenance, more frequently than any other vehicle. The turbo engine is a baby. Change your oil every two thousand miles or if you make it to five thousand, you most definitely need a tune up, cost 740.00!!! Crappy car that has problems climbing a hill. I have owned mine for three years. Looks brand new, depreciated very quickly. I have only put 10k miles on it and it required 2 tune ups. Run, if you see one.

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

Stay away!

Emily , 07/31/2024
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The turbo went out 2 months after I bought it, then the ac. Fixed those issues, 2 months later it starts making a loud rattling sound and we took it to the shop they could not figure out what it was. They put a ton of new parts on, still would not fix the noise and it only did it on gravel roads but the sound was insanely loud and annoying. Then it started having oil leaks over and over in different spots. Also, gas mileage is awful on this suv, it has NO horse power AT ALL. It’s god awful on the highway you have to keep your foot pressed on the gas to even get it up to 65-70. It’s just so awful. The ac kept randomly getting warm after getting fixed. The ac also was terrible in the car, had no power, the trunk is so tiny. This suv is honestly the WORST vehicle I ever owned. I ended up stop driving it and bought something else and currently trying to sell after only having it 4 months. DO NOT BUY!!!

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1 out of 5 stars

Nothing but trouble

Yvette, 11/15/2024
2016 Buick Encore Leather 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this vehicle with only 16,500 miles on it and there has been nothing but breakdown after breakdown. Not reliable and always in the shop. Even though the warranty help with some coverage still not reliable.

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

Great driving experience but many costly problems

2016 Buick Encore Owner, 05/11/2025
2016 Buick Encore 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the car used with 21k miles. I am now considering selling at 61k miles. Pros: - great driving experience. I am 5' 5". Dash was very easy to see out of, height off of the road is ideal - comfortable seats - surprisingly spacious trunk given the small size of vehicle - compact and easy to drive and park, especially in busier areas - decent gas mileage Cons: - have had bluetooth issues since day 1. Cannot simultaneously connect to Bluetooth and charge my phone with USB port - various sensors have needed replacement, including tire pressure sensors and coolant temperature sensors - lots of problems with oil and leaks. Needed premature oil replacement multiple times. - sporadic on and off of check engine light with no verifiable problems - thermostat had to be replaced multiple times, along with purge valve and camshaft cover - since 50k, has felt like problem after problem - overheated engine notification twice/sporadic swinging of temperature gauge. The first time, it was a sensor issue. Currently scheduled for a second repair for this. Would not recommend buying- big money and time hole, despite its potential with drivability, zippiness, and comfort

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