2. 2012 Buick Enclave (MSRP Starts Under $37,000)
During the past year, we’ve regularly recommended that three-row crossover shoppers consider the Buick Enclave (read review). We’re almost uniformly met with a blank stare. “A Buick?” they question. “Absolutely,” we counter. The Enclave is easily one of the best values and three-row family vehicles you can buy today. Evidently, that message is not reaching enough people because even though the Enclave has realized year-over-year sales growth over the past four years, we still regularly see generous rebates and incentives on new models. So let’s quickly run down the reasons why the Enclave is a Vehix favorite. An attractive and tasteful interior that is on par with many more expensive luxury crossovers. A Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Better-than-average expected dependability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. Seating for up to eight passengers. And a starting price just over $36,000, which makes it one of the most affordable luxury crossovers you can buy. “A Buick?” we still hear you saying. Absolutely.
Second Opinions:
“The LaCrosse and Lucerne were decent cars already in the lineup, but Buick’s revival didn’t really take hold until the Enclave crossover SUV debuted in 2008. Relatively unchanged since then, the Enclave continues to impress with its distinguished styling, quiet and compliant ride, amply powered V6 engine that returns up to 24 mpg, and a tastefully designed and well-appointed interior. The Enclave is a vehicle that not only strives to compete with models from Lexus and others, but actually succeeds in doing so.”
-- Thom Blackett, Vehix Contributing Editor
"A modern-day Roadmaster Estate, the stylish Buick Enclave set the stage for the entry-luxury brand’s renaissance when it arrived for the 2008 model year. This big Buick is a three-row crossover, one of the largest on the market, more comfortable and roomier inside than the Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon, and more fuel-efficient to boot. Plus, it makes a great family vehicle thanks to outstanding crash-test performances. Though it’s now five years old, there’s nothing significant that we would change about the Enclave in an effort to improve it. When was the last time you heard that about a Buick?"
-- Christian Wardlaw, Vehix Managing Editor
Read: 2012 Buick Enclave Review
View: 2012 Buick Enclave Rebates and Incentives
