Drove an Enclave

[stevearends]

Background:

Just a reminder guys (and gals), I am the one with an 03 MDX that is about 70% leaning towards a CX-9.

OK, I have heard (via internet mainly) quite a bit about the Enclave - it is getting some fantastic accolades and lots of orders (for Buick) And, I have a soft spot for Buicks - I owned a very fine 1970 Buick Gran Sport 455 Stage I mscle car and a 1986 Buick T-Type (3.8 V6 turbo) that were both incredible, for what they were.

And, my Dad always liked big American iron from th days of the 56 Buick Specials and the Olds Super 88s and the 98s of the 50's and 60's - honestly, those cars above all have some very very nice qualities - IMO, of course.

So, the Enclave:

Outside:
Probably the best looking SUV I have seen, honestly. The piant and fit and finish is incredible - deep and lusterous - I saw a red one and a white one - the paint is deep and incredible - the lines, the chrome - everything is Lexus/BMW/Audi quality and above. And, I would like to remind everyone - I am a BMW nut (have owned 6 and ciurrently drive a 2002 M5), so I have an appreciateion for some nicely built cars.

Interior:

Also, pretty darn nice - up there with the quality of everything I have seen iin the hifghest end SUVs, but you have to like the old American car spirit that embodies some of the great american cars (like I mentioned above) - the interior has a little bit of a retro feel - ie. it has a very nice analog clock prominently displayed in the frt. dash - it is not tacky. And, the size of this thing inside is, well, pretty darn enormous compared to most other SUVs - and I thought the CX-9 was spacious!

The whole effect of the gorgeous exterior and high quality lux interior works together - it is honest about what it is trying to accomplish!

OK, the ride

Well, it was better than I expected (I was expected a big ol lumbering yukon-ish-suburban like wallowing beast), and the ride was honest considering the size and substance of this machine (it is a substantial piece of iron). It took off with a decent amt of zip and the engine and tranny seemed well matched to the weight of the vehicle. It is consistent with a luxury vehicle - a solid and EXTREMELY quiet ride. Did I mention to you how quiet and cushy and solid it is - it is amazing - every bump was handled in SHERMAN tank like dominance with no hint of a rattle, skeak or weakness.

Performance? Well, now let's just skip this little bit shall we? Well, actually, if you are going to consider an Enclave, you do have to skip the performance - if you want to measure it in 0 - 60 or G force on a skid pad measurements, because it simply doesn't have it. Period, end of story.

But, if you have been bitten by the Enclave alure created by the gorgeous exterior, interior, combined with a definite sense of "luxury cruiser",, then I can see why alot of people might be able to overlook any sense of handling that is even in the realm of a CX-9, MDX, X5 or Cayenne or Q7.

Could I own an Enclave? You bet I could. Will I choose one over a CX-9 or an MDX? More than likely not. WHy? I like performance and efficiency too much. And, even though the Enclave would draw tons of looks and would be a blast to "cruise" around in - it doesn't fit the main driver of our car - my wife - who is all about Zoom Zoom here and Zoom Zoom ther with our kids and wants to do it pretty aggressively without getting boggred down with excess size or trips to the pump.

But if I could have two SUVs (which of course would be stupid)? Mmm, I am thinking a CX-9 and an Enclave would be certainly cool!!!

Steve

 

[DashingMax]

At the end of the day, after everything is said and done, 2 things matter the most:
(1) Performance / Driveability / Feeling connected to the road.
(2) Music / Sound System.

All else, especially exterior looks, etc diminish with time...whether it is MDX's "bling" factor or Enclave's "retro" interior.

IMHO!

 

[rk2112]

I drove the Enclave. It is a big vehicle and to me, it drove like one. I did not care for the seats. I don't think they had enough support. Also on the highway the transmission does do a lot of hunting between 5th & 6th gear (something that all of the car magazines have noted with the Enclave, Outlook, & Arcadia). For me the CX-9 is hands down a better handling vehicle and that is why I ordered one. The Buick dealership I was at wasn't willing to really deal on the Enclave (not that it would have changed my decision anyway). They also told me to order the Enclave the way I wanted it, it would be 3-4 months, about the same amount of time it will take to get my 08 CX-9.

 

[nj_jamaican]

I drove the Enclave too and it was a very nice and smooth ride. My young son was with me and he loved the size and make up of the vehicle. I could see him getting lost in there. I loved the back seats which were very comfortable etc. I actually was going to purchase it but.......

My reason for not buying it: The sales lady at a dealership here in NJ off Route 23 thought I was kidding when I told her after driving that I wanted to order a red one with Nav. She kept giving me the run around and was discouraging me and at one point came right out and said to me that I should consider buying the one without Nav and the fandangles as it is cheaper and would save me money. (Now granted I look younger that I am, and my car Explorer was in the shop that day I drove my father's old Chrysler Concorde there), however I do not hold too kind to any form of covert discrimination or stalling. I think she thought I couldnt afford it, this is after I informed her of my intentions to purchase a comparable CX9.

Needless to say, I proceeded to purchase my CX9 two weeks after.

You know I find it interesting that in working for my hard earned money and spending it I refuse to patronize ppl that either think I am joking or are blatantly or covertly rude in their assumptions.

 

[rk2112]

Does anyone else think that the reason the Navigation option on the Enclave is so expensive and no bluetooth option is because GM wants you to sign up for the "Onstar" service?

 

[FiveG]

GM's OnStar instead of BlueTooth problem was one large reason I went with the CX-9 instead of the GM vehicle I was strongly considering. At some point, they have to wake up and realize that at a minimum, they need to offer both BlueTooth and OnStar.

 

[DashingMax]

No Bluetooth?!!!

GM's OnStar instead of BlueTooth problem was one large reason I went with the CX-9 instead of the GM vehicle I was strongly considering. At some point, they have to wake up and realize that at a minimum, they need to offer both BlueTooth and OnStar.

Enclave wasn't on my short-list, so I had no idea! Wow...THAT is LAME!!

 

[nacra55uni]

I did seriously consider and test drove the GM line-up. Having woked for GM and still having many friends and family who work for GM I have a certain need to seriously consider their products.

The long and short of it: GM is definitely going in the right direction. The vehicles are overall good, drive acceptably but still lack a certain attention to detail (back to no Bluetooth) and would have been my first choice if the CX-9 was not available.

Pros for the Mazda:
More fun to drive.
Much better seats (GM seats are too wide even for a 200lb male!)
More option content for the price and some not available at all with GM (Rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth, HID headlights, 20 in wheels, pearl white paint)
Overall size of the vehicle for my needs.

Pro for GM:
Made in NAFTA.
Bigger (if this is what you need)
Some option content not available on Mazda (Board Computer, Rear park aid without the need for video, heated windshield washer fluid, multi level heated seats)

In my case the Mazda won this time. I really like the car, but am somewhat disappointed in a few details (Why do I have to pay for a switch box to use Sat and Aux?) and especially the dealer service so far.

 

[lazyace13]

Does anyone else think that the reason the Navigation option on the Enclave is so expensive and no bluetooth option is because GM wants you to sign up for the "Onstar" service?

No, you didn't, did you? Shame on you for that insinuation

 

[rk2112]

Another thing is I really like the Keyless remote option. I have it with my Nissan Murano and when I am carrying samples for work it makes it so much easier than fumbling for my keys, especially if the weather isn't the greatest. Just hit the the button on the door!