For the 2008 model year, Buick’s lineup is being revitalized by parent General Motors. Just like the surging Saturn brand, the Buick lineup is given a new crossover SUV in the form of the much heralded Buick Enclave. The Enclave is related to the new GMC Acadia and the Saturn Outlook. This full size crossover SUV is the highest priced among the three and it shows in its exterior and interior styling cues and features.

The three crossover SUVs were based on the new General Motors Lambda platform. The Enclave is designed to look bulky – a promise that it has adequate interior space which it has. Even though the Enclave is based on the same platform as the Outlook and the Acadia, the newest Buick is easily recognizable as a Buick. This is because of its trademark waterfall grilles and portholes.

The Enclave competes in the luxury crossover SUV segment. Facing tough competition from domestic and foreign brands, the Enclave is designed to offer a luxurious interior with traditional Buick styling cues which have been integrated into the vehicle. One of the strong selling points of the Enclave is indeed its size.

The Enclave is designed to seat either seven or eight passengers. The eight-seater Enclave is an option for consumers who are looking for a vehicle which can accommodate more passengers. Aside from providing adequate space for its passengers, the Enclave also offers adequate cargo space and such is a feature that many car buyers are considering when purchasing a vehicle.

The waterfall grille and portholes on the hood of the enclave is reminiscent of Buicks produced by the company after the Second World War. With a look back at the styling cues of the past, Buick is aiming to rekindle the passion of Americans toward American made vehicles. The exterior design of the Enclave is based on one theme – chrome. Although the 2008 Enclave comes in different body colors, chrome is extensively used which tends to accentuate the styling cues employed by General Motors in the development of the Enclave.

Although at first glance, the Enclave has a tendency to look like a Volvo, further inspection reveals that the Enclave has an identity of its own. The headlight configuration gives the Enclave a not so aggressive look but such perfectly complements the bulge on the hood. The bulge of the hood of course signifies that something powerful lurks beneath the metal hood.

On the back, the Enclave has a good stance. Although its dual exhaust looks disturbingly like that of a certain Volvo model, the rear accented in the middle by a Buick emblem is relatively unique. The horizontal taillight which can be fitted with a taillight cover accentuates the rear glass window.

Inside the hood, one can find a 3.7-liter V6 engine with a capacity of producing 275 horsepower. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant used on the Enclave is a High Feature engine, a classification of General Motors engine that was first used on the 2004 Cadillac CTS sedan. Other noteworthy vehicles which have been equipped with the same engine are the Cadillac SRX, the Buick LaCrosse, the Saturn Aura and of course, the new Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia. Stability and handling are also focused on by the makers of the Enclave to present the newest competitor in the luxury crossover SUV class.

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