2006 L.A. Auto Show: Buick Enclave

We all knew the Buick Enclave would look a lot like the concept vehicle we saw in Detroit 11 months ago, but the production vehicle is almost identical in every way, at least from the outside. The interior is nowhere near as luxurious as the concept, but we knew that would be the case — there’s no way a mass-production vehicle can match a handmade one. Still, the interior seems upgraded enough from the Saturn Outlook to warrant the estimated price increase from that sub-$30,000 sibling.

The exterior design of the Enclave is gorgeous for a glorified minivan. Don’t use that “M” word around GM, though. They call this a “luxury crossover SUV.” The real question will come down to price and whether or not the Enclave will step into Acura MDX territory (starting at $40,000). We’d expect GM to be savvy to that figure, though when the car hits dealers this summer.

Keep reading for a bunch of photos. There will be more information on the Enclave’s powertrain and other features later today in the Cars.com L.A. Auto Show section.

Comments

I wish this vehicle would have been around back when my wife and I bought our Rendezvous. Although we like our Rendezvous, it could stand to be a little longer (which the Enclave is). And, the Enclave is MUCH better-looking than the Rendezvous.

I can't wait to see this thing in real life.

I think it outshines the BMW and Acura SUV in looks. But can it 'run' with them? Actually that interior is quite attractive. Keep up the good work Buick!

Looks good overall, but I must ask... Who at GM decided to put chrome around all its head and tail light units? They destroyed the 9-5 with this, made the new Aura look dumb, and it continues on this Enclave. That design item alone makes me cross these fross overs OFF my list. Once again the division that killed the oldest car company in AMerica proves it is the sevant of the auto industry.

finally the U.S. is starting to make good looking attractive cars....as for reliability on this buick...we dont know only time will tell.

Wow. That's a beautiful car. It should definately be strong competitor in the marketplace. Looks like GM has a hit on their hands.

I love the chrome. That is what makes it a truly American road car, and a Buick. If you want bland, that's what Toyota is for.

If you can't compete with the Japanese or Germans just slap some chrome on it. Anywhere. That's the GM motto.

Love those little chrome port holes on the front fender. They remind me of the fake air scoops Ford puts on it's Mustangs.

At least American car designers continue to prove that they are not cutting edge.

Get those rebates ready!

This is better looking that any comparable Japanese SUV. Give me a break. Some people refuse to acknowledge that GM makes any desirably vehicles. If you love the Pilot and Higlander and think the Enclave is crap you are delusional and so biased that you should refrain from commenting here or elsewhere.

Not the best, but not the worst either. I say GM did a good one on this one, instead off basing a cross-over SUV off a mini-van that cannot be universal. I like the 2nd and 3rd row of seats thou.

Looks like a great leap forward for Buick...but the problem is with the marketing. Why will this be competing with the GMC Acadia at every Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealership on the planet? GM should give it to Buick alone, if they're serious about salvaging the brand.

get off the freakin rebates, ALL automakers are guilt of this, so lets not be discriminate between the domestics and the imports. If you like american style and performance that impresses everyone, then go with the domestic, if you want a cheap underpowered applicance to keep you from sticking out in the crowd, buy an import. If you are not interested in the enclave, then don't open this forum.

I don't understand why Buick sticks with the blowfish and chrome look. Lack of imagination perhaps. Probably just a matter of time before the rebates are advertised. At least it will be more reliable than my 2005 Ford Explorer which is on it's 3rd transmission.
GM's getting better but they definitely still trail Toyota and the likes by miles.

This forum loses it's credibility when you allow people to post silly comments under names like, 'Vagina Lopez'.

Its easy to praise this effort, but keep in mind that the competition is not staying still. Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander will be all new next year. A new Murano based on the new Altima should not be too far off. Only after seeing those 'cars' will we know if this product is competitive.

REBATE REBATE REBATE guys its clear the ass end of this came from Nissans Murano. GM is only tredding water.

Sheth:
"This is better looking that any comparable Japanese SUV. Give me a break. Some people refuse to acknowledge that GM makes any desirably vehicles. If you love the Pilot and Higlander and think the Enclave is crap you are delusional and so biased that you should refrain from commenting here or elsewhere."

So who is delusional and biased?

I have been following the new GMC Acadia. I got my first glimpse of this vehicle at the Anaheim Car Show. The vehicle was on a revolving stage and I could only see the Acadia from afar. Then in December I attended the L.A. Car Show. The Acadia was on display where I could get up close and personal. I was completely disappointed with simple & cheap design and detail of the Acadia's interior. Across the floor my eyes caught a glimpse of this new concept vehicle the Enclave. I was quite taken by surprise when I found out it was Buick. It's about time that an American auto maker decided to step outside the box, and take a chance(even if it's resembles that other car ). I think Buick has a winner on it's hand. GMC should trash the Acadia line, and bring on the Enclave.

Wow! Art Deco - 1930s, classic Buick ovals and chrome matched with modern engine and luxurious interior. Love the blue illuminatings which is a bring back to classic auto archive design. Unlike the passe Buick LeSabre designs, this is going to be a smash hit.

Wish Buick would bring back the Regal as a compliment. Car was ahead of its time.

I'm a designer, early 30's and looking for my 1st "New Car". I have the cash for a mid 30K car and this model really apeals to me. I'm not a "buy America first" nut, but given price and placing a premium on style, I think a long hard look will be taken on this model. It screams at me to be driven...maybe that's just me.

There's a new Forum dedicated to the Buick Enclave at http://www.enclaveforum.net - go check it out if you're interested.