2012 & 2011 Buick SUV Reviews & Ratings

Buick SUVs, like many others on the market, haven't been around for very long. The SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is a rather new concept when you consider the century-long history of the automobile industry. Buick, premium brand of General Motors, first entered the SUV market with its Buick Rendevous, a mid-size crossover SUV that was marketed by spokesperson (and golf champion) Tiger Woods. The Rendevous was sold between the model years of 2002-2007 and was first introduced in spring 2001. The Rendevous was a big hit for Buick, which was following the steps of luxury competitor Lexus by introducing a crossover. Today, the 2012 Buick Enclave is Buick's SUV model, and there's another on the way for 2013: the aptly named Buick Encore.

The 2012 Buick Enclave comes in three trims in addition to the base trim: the Convenience Group, the Leather Group, and the Premium Group. The Enclave offers only slightly refined feature changes for the 2012 year as compared to the 2011 model. The Enclave has several competitors across the market, including the Mercedes-Benz GL450, the Lexus RX 350, the Toyota Highlander, the Audi Q7, the Land Rover Range Rover LR3, and the Honda Pilot. The Enclave is a crossover SUV, which means it has attributes of both a minivan and an SUV (as well as a rounder shape). It's a rather large crossover, due to the fact that it can hold a capacity of seven-eight adults. The Enclave is distinguished from the other GMC models based on the same platform (the GMC Acadia and the Chevy Traverse) by its luxurious interior and exterior styling. The Enclave includes a quiet and comfortable ride, massive cargo space, and a powerful V6 engine.

All trims of the Enclave offer seven-passenger seating (some of which is due to a third row). There's also a second-row bench seat available for no upgrade fee, which ups the configuration to eight-passenger seating. In this way, the Enclave SUV is incredibly family-friendly! Gear, children, and pets can all fit in the Enclave safely and securely. The base model comes with bi-xenon headlights, heated exterior mirrors, climate control, Bluetooth capability, and satellite radio, to name a few features. The Convenience Group trim adds such features as rear-parking assist, a rearview camera, and remote starting. The Leather Group adds heated power seats and leather interior, and Premium Group builds upon these features and tacks on 19-inch chrome wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated seats, a Bose audio system, and a USB jack, to name a few features. Options vary according to trim level and include a two-pane sunroof, a rear entertainment system, and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.

As far as performance goes, the Enclave SUV is available with either AWD or FWD and receives its power from a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produces 288 horsepower. Six-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and the Enclave is available with an optional towing package. The Enclave receives relatively good fuel economy ratings, and its safety ratings are top-notch. Be on the loo-k out for the Buick Encore, premiering soon.