2009 Buick Enclave CXL

Since there are lots of inquiries from our friends regarding our ride for the week, we decided to write a short review based on our experience for the whole week. Please take note that the review is based on personal experience of a non-professional auto critics expert.



Make: Buick
Model: Enclave CXL
Year: 2009
Engine: 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6
Power: 275 hp @ 6600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed AT

At a glance the Buick Enclave CXL is a head turner. A classy and elegant touch of a crossover SUV makes it stunning. The Buick comes together with a standard 17" front wheel and 18" rear wheel. The twin chrome exhaust tips makes the rear appearance more attractive.




The interior is really classy. Heated leather seats and wooden finished panel really makes it a class of its own. Sporty and elegant, I would say. The cabin size is spacious, enough to cater 7 to 8 passengers maximum; 6 to 7 passengers comfortably. The 3rd row can be converted to more cargo area. Without the 3rd row, I can say it can fits in 4 full size golf bags. Fuel consumption is quite reasonable. Full tank will cost you around $80 and will be able to last around 350 miles (based on our experience).

We managed to clocked 1,500 miles of mileage; mostly on highways. We traveled around CT, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Boston. The ride was smooth since the engine is so quiet. Acceleration picks up as expected on a 275hp engine. We hardly noticed that we have reach 90 mph within seconds. The brakes come with ABS, and it works really well. However, based on my personal experience, the deceleration took a bit longer than I expected. You really have to familiarized with the car to know the right timing when to hit the break. Suspension was excellent, on a bumpy road, we hardly feel it.

The car comes with a lot of high tech features such as CD player with MP3 and XM radio, memory pre-set for 2-driver customizable seating adjustment, sensor for automatic lights, HID Xenon lights, OnStar (Direction and Connection) and Driver Information Center (info on temperatures, tires pressures etc.)

Overall, the Buick Enclave CXL is a great car. It combines the sporty and elegant style. For a crossover of its class such as the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5, it is as good as its rivals.