Here is the vehicle that replaced the traditional full-size sedan for a number of Buick customers... and relegated the Roadmaster and Park Avenue to the history books. Oh, how the times can change!
Launched in 2007 as a 2008 model, the Buick Enclave kicked the mildly-successful Rendezvous minivan to the curb. It proved to be a sales hit from the get-go and eventually became the brand's most popular model. None of the current Buick sedans (LaCrosse, Lucerne, Regal) exits dealer lots faster.
For now.
The century-old GM division's sales will likely get a huge boost from the upcoming Verano compact sedan. Will this model or perhaps the second-place LaCrosse steal the crown from the Enclave? We shall see. The bulky crossover at least deserves credit for helping salvage Buick in the midst of the struggling automaker's 2009-2010 restructuring.
Designed to stand out
With the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia (soon to be axed) and the late Saturn Outlook, the Enclave once formed a quartet of new Lambda-based models oriented toward modern families.
Today, it plays in a crowded arena featuring premium full-size SUVs and crossovers like the hip new Dodge Durango, Lincoln MKT, Acura MDX, Hyundai Veracruz Limited and even the prestigious Mercedes-Benz R350.
Designers were clearly given the task of creating a big, brawny vehicle, as evidenced by the muscular lines and commanding stance of the Enclave. You simply can't miss it on the road.
The exterior also incorporates typical Buick design cues, like the chrome-clad waterfall grille sporting the trishield logo and the side portholes reminiscent of the 1951 Buick Super.
Launched in 2007 as a 2008 model, the Buick Enclave kicked the mildly-successful Rendezvous minivan to the curb. It proved to be a sales hit from the get-go and eventually became the brand's most popular model. None of the current Buick sedans (LaCrosse, Lucerne, Regal) exits dealer lots faster.
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| The 2011 Buick Enclave rivals other premium crossovers like the Acura MDX and Lincoln MKT. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
For now.
The century-old GM division's sales will likely get a huge boost from the upcoming Verano compact sedan. Will this model or perhaps the second-place LaCrosse steal the crown from the Enclave? We shall see. The bulky crossover at least deserves credit for helping salvage Buick in the midst of the struggling automaker's 2009-2010 restructuring.
Designed to stand out
With the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia (soon to be axed) and the late Saturn Outlook, the Enclave once formed a quartet of new Lambda-based models oriented toward modern families.
Today, it plays in a crowded arena featuring premium full-size SUVs and crossovers like the hip new Dodge Durango, Lincoln MKT, Acura MDX, Hyundai Veracruz Limited and even the prestigious Mercedes-Benz R350.
Designers were clearly given the task of creating a big, brawny vehicle, as evidenced by the muscular lines and commanding stance of the Enclave. You simply can't miss it on the road.
The exterior also incorporates typical Buick design cues, like the chrome-clad waterfall grille sporting the trishield logo and the side portholes reminiscent of the 1951 Buick Super.
 |
| The exterior also incorporates typical Buick design cues, like the chrome-clad waterfall grille sporting the trishield logo. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |