Even though the GM embargo on reviews of the new Enclave doesn’t end until late May, one journalist went to local Buick dealership and took an Enclave out on a test drive to circumvent this. Calling the it “the better Buick you can own now,” the review provides the first look into how Buick executed on this key product for the brand.
According to AutoWeek, the Enclave is nearly identical to the concept shown at 2006 Detroit Auto Show. The exterior is executed exquisitely with tight panel gaps, excellent lines, and wheels that filled the wells. The ride was characterized as “world class” and combined with the interior — which they described as “ Lexus RS quiet” — the Enclave will give buyers a really good reason to consider Buick .
Buick’s sales have been in a tale spin for the past couple of years. They currently sell fewer cars in the US than Oldsmobile did when GM announced the death of that brand. Other than the Enclave, its lineup consists of the LaCrosse, a fleet queen as its sales have plunged (down 35% year-to-date compared to 2006) and the Lucerne, a competent car that has also seen its sales decline (down 11% YTD compared to 2006). Given the relative lack of success of its other vehicles, the Enclave may be the lone saving grace for the Buick brand.
AutoWeek did the same thing when they released an early review of the 2007 Sivlerado, infuriating GM’s press department.
[AutoWeek]
