Is this an advertisement or a review? Shame on LLN.

Do the people who consistantly get the top comments here wait all day for these articles to get posted? Lame.

Comment by rompn4x, posted on October4 at 9:57 pm
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sorry man it just happens that way, i check lln opn breaks and lunches.
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this os a really nice buick i am really surprised
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oh and lln you have gone legit and get to test cars now, congradulations, but please let us swear at each other.

Fairly good automobile, fairly good review.

CTS, I dont get your comment. You posted at the same time as I posted. I got online at the end of the work day, read an article & commented. I couldn’t care less if I am the first or last to comment.

TOZO, this “review” was as soft as MotorWeek reviews. This was a glorified reading of the marketing brochure. Even the best car has its negative points. LLN has done a poor job of reviewing this vehicle. They did a good job or reprinting the marketing handouts.

I don’t look forward to another soft review by LLN.

am i the only one NOT impressed by this thing? i’m not sure what the hell its trying to be… it certainly doesn’t have any of the appealing sportiness of a crossover, in design or in driving capabilities. and lexus seems a rather lofty competitor… cloth seats??? they’re going to have to do more than match lexus to compensate for it being a buick.

The article is payola of sorts for the advertisement bucks that will be spend with parent company of LLN. Who would have cojones to criticize GM among publishing companies? And or that reason any serious sponsor.
Driven, you are correct.
TOZO, how do you know if it’s good or bad? Did you see it in the flesh or drove it? Just because someone writes that it is good and quiet does not really mean it is good or quiet. Which marketing material have read that said ” Our product sucks”? Yet some plants are being closed, per todays articles, because cars/trucks glorified by marketing folks don’t sell. If you believe everything you read you may turn into Chinese commie. Watch out.

I’m surprised at how good looking the interior is.

This vehicle has thrown my family for a loop. My son, who favorite automobiles have been his Honda Civic si, and his Acura Integra, just loves and wants the Buick Enclave. I would have never guessed it in a million years. Since I come from a Buick family (my mother always had a Buick), I guess somewhere it rubbed off on him. Go figure.

I just saw it in person at the (OC) autoshow. It’s actually pretty nice.

It seems because this is such a positive review on a GM car, you guys have to jump on it for being “soft”.

Now I know it probably sounds like I’m just saying that because I’m an “American” supporter but don’t even start on that; of course I am, but the better product wins regardless of where it’s made. I just think this is a better product than the competititon.

All the reviews of this vehicle that I’ve read say very similar things. I’ve heard it is indeed a little lofty, and get’s poor performance numbers albeit good economy, but that isn’t what the vehicle is supposed to be about. And for it’s price, I’d say GM did an awesome job on this vehicle.

piece of utter crap…

I just can’t bring myself to like the looks of this Enclave. To me this has got to be the worst designed automobile out there. That’s just my opinion though.

crap i`m sorry DRIVEN, it was posted by rompin4x a couple days ago i just copied it, and was just explaining to him it just happens that way, the exact same way you got the first post, its not like we wait all day we just open it and there is a new subject.
it wasnt meant for you at all, sorry if it seemed that way.

HAHAHAA Autonutt that was a crackup.

FIX YOUR TYPO:
cars we have even driven

BOOOOOOOOO Left Lane News!!! You’re giving into the advertising. You’re giving into the bs. The only way this site can operate is for it to simply report the automotive news of the day, objectively. That’s it. Because this site receives sooo much advertising, for it to be doing reviews, and softy, unrealistic, bs reviews like this one, is NOT acceptable.

NEVER DO THIS AGAIN.

This thing is impressive. I am getting a Lambda next wwekend. Glenn Beck calls the Acadia “The best car ever,” so what does that make this Buick? My only knock is that there are too many Lambdas. The’re should have only been the Enclave and the Outlook OR Traverse. Oh, Well. I am in love with a Buick. Lets see, children, exurbnan home, Buick. I am now officially old.

Driven: “This was a glorified reading of the marketing brochure.” Either that, or Glenn Beck was right. Puff piece.
Autonut: at any reputable publication neithert editorial nor advertising know what the other half is doing. My first attempt at this post included an anecdote from my own carreer of a car guty threatening to pulls ads because I was writing something he didn’t like. He got checked from upstairs. Every automaker is going to advertise in car publications, because the people who read them are interested in cars to a greater degree than are People or SI readers.

Seanm: “They’re going to have to do more than match l—s to compensate for it being a buick.”
If it can’t bvest a faux-luxury toyota, it’s not worthy of the Buick name.

F451: looks like your son is developing a taste for the finer things in life.

doghis: you’re collossaly wrong if you’re talking about the Buick, but you could be right if you’re talkinhg about the article.
These are the crappiest, most inaccurate parts of the article:
“Fit and finish are light years ahead of past GM vehicles but still comes in just below L—s quality.”
and this laugher “But in an effort to move Buick upscale to compete with luxury brands such as L—s.” While Christopher colombus proved that you can reach the east by sailking west, there’s no vehicle that can get so good it goas nback to crappy, then up a littl;e bit to “L—s” level.

Ian: i respect your opinion, but disagree. I’m still going to test rthe Subaru Tribeca and the mazda CX-9, but that’s probably just a formality.

This thing is impressive. I am getting a Lambda next weekend. Glenn Beck calls the Acadia “The best car ever,” so what does that make this Buick? My only knock is that there are too many Lambdas. They’re should have only been the Enclave and the Outlook OR Traverse. Oh, Well. I am in love with a Buick. Lets see, children, exurban home, Buick. I am now officially old.

Driven: “This was a glorified reading of the marketing brochure.” Either that, or Glenn Beck was right. Puff piece.
Autonut: at any reputable publication neither editorial nor advertising know what the other half is doing. My first attempt at this post included an anecdote from my own career of a car guy threatening to pull ads because I was writing something he didn’t like. He got checked from upstairs. Every automaker is going to advertise in car publications, because the people who read them are interested in cars to a greater degree than are People or SI readers.

Seanm: “They’re going to have to do more than match l—s to compensate for it being a buck”
If it can’t best a faux-luxury toyota, it’s not worthy of the Buick name.

F451: looks like your son is developing a taste for the finer things in life.

doghis: you’re colossally wrong if you’re talking about the Buick, but you could be right if you’re talking about the article.
These are the crappiest, most inaccurate parts of the article:
“Fit and finish are light years ahead of past GM vehicles but still comes in just below L—s quality.”
and this laugher “But in an effort to move Buick upscale to compete with luxury brands such as L—s.” While Christopher Columbus proved that you can reach the east by sailing west, there’s no vehicle that can get so good it goes back to crappy, then up a littlle bit to “L—s” level.

Ian: I respect your opinion, but disagree. I’m still going to test the Subaru Tribeca and the Mazda CX-9, but that’s probably just a formality.

the part line on the brushed metal trim below the vents really bugs me.
cheap

GM is so desperate they are using LLN to advertise their cars Now LLN is just as unreliable as JD Powers
Shame Shame Shame

jackjimturkey: were you drunk when you typed that post? Sounds like some patriotic anti jap rambling but that’s to be expected, though you really sounded like a 12 year old now.

“If it can’t best a faux-luxury toyota, it’s not worthy of the Buick name.”

This just convinces me that you’re GM_Sales…

Back on topic, the Enclave actually sounds quite nice for the price. It’s at least a notable alternative to the already crowded SUV segment even if you can’t imagine owning a GM. The Tribeca probably offers better handling though.

Why is everyone comparing Enclave to Lexus? Lexus has nothing big enough to compete. The soccermom RX is smaller.

The Buick Enclave is a GREAT automobile. PERIOD. Don’t try to pin this good review on bias or whatever. LLN was fair here and it recognized that the Enclave is a great CUV and so they gave it a positive review.

I don’t hear you complaining when biased publications like Consumer Reports advertise every Toyota based on nothing else other than the fact that it is a Toyota. This Buick had a lot of negative perception to change and it did its job.

Toyota is in consumer reports because they make a great product and earned the respect and the money of consumers (whine about engine sludge bc I know thats your next weak retort) GM has failed to make a product to compete with the Japanese. Its a good truck if you buy GM or americans but no CUV SUV TUV HIV buyer who is in an import will switch to this.
Leave the road tests to Edmunds and Motorweek. LLN is getting paid by GM
Even if I were to stoop so low as to drive American I would lease a Lincoln MKX and get rid of that **** after 3 years

I’m not saying this is a bad car (its closer to a car than a truck). My point is LLN is doing its readers a disservice masquerading this GM marketing piece as a review. Even Edmunds found a few items worth mentioning on an otherwise good vehicle.

Tip to LLN: next time find something to critique so your selling out isn’t so apparent. Heck, mention you don’t like the cup holders. At least then you would begin to appear like you are giving an unbiased review.

More advertisements like this and LLNs readers will go elsewhere. When their readers leave GM will stop paying them for advertising, er reviewing.

I like this Buick. Very nice interior, very classy for an SUV, almost Caddy-like. I just wish GM would kill the name Buick though. It’s as retarded as Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Mercury and all these other side brands that really have been defunct since the late 80s. Maybe if GM stuck with Chevy and Caddy they’d be better off.

Whatever you call it or compare it to – this is a good looking vehicle on the street and when you see inside.
I have been beside it, followed it and watched and listened to it and I have been impressed by it’s presence. I think if potential buyers give it a shot, they will too.
It’s a niche vehicle that will build cred as time goes on.
I’m not at all surprized that the LNN revue had that tone too.

I bet you people wouldnt think this was an advertisment if the enclave had a toyota badge.

115, what’s your deal with buying American? Is it “stooping low” to support your own economy and industry? I won’t whine about engine sludge (name a GM debacle that large) I’ll whine about snapping camshafts and ball joints that shear right off large SUVs early in their life cycle. Any SUV buyer who is in an import is doing themselves a disservice buy not looking at superior domestic vehicles. I’d never stoop so low as to buy an imported product when there is a domestic product I can get. Toyota is popular because its “unsophisticated” to own “blue-collar” American vehicles. Yuppies want to be though of as ANYTHING but American and that means imported garbage. Enclave has no Japanese competitor. The ****ty RX is comparable in size to an Equinox, not a Lambda-CUV. And yeah a lot of import owners are trading their rice-**** in for some good ol’ Detroit Iron (40% of Enclave’s sales are conquest sales). You can debate economy cars with me but when we’re talking trucks and SUVs GM is so far ahead of Toyota its laughable.

Mr 1115, please shut up. Of course TOYota spends much more than GM in ads and that influences, and influenced deeply any review about any TOYota car. Ever wondered why in europe TOYota doesn’t sell so much? Lexus doesn’t even exist in european brands recognition radars.. May be ’cause european motor journalists hadn’t been paid enough by jap money so far to give such a false perception to readers that only japanese company can produce good car. I’m wondering if you, Mr 1115, are just an emploee of TOYota paid to magnify your boss company….

Luca and Lock Go f&*k yourselves.
LLN is not supposed to do advertising and especially not for some old man retirement Buick. It would be nice if GM make 18 models of the same car. This car hasnt proven itself with quality and NO and I mean NO import buyer would even consider this thing oover a Pilot or Highlander. Even if they thought it looked better its still a just a GM
I’m going to start a website Just a GM.com

At 5000 lbs, those 250 lbs-ft of torque will feel like flogging a bloated carcass with a lawnmower down the freeway. GM can **** themselves for this ugly porker “crossover.”

autonut: how do I know…? Are you serious??? It’s an opinion!!!

Interior does look good…but the rest?
BAAAAAAARF!!!!!!!

At this point, months and months past the car’s launch date, I don’t see the point of serving up yet another puffball review of the Enclave (next to all the other usual gushy, insubstantial columns that typically grace Sunday Automotive sessions of dull newspapers) which contains not a single negative, critical word about the vehicle.

This review is marketing copy written by someone who was so pleased to be invited to a GM event where they served free sandwiches, they don’t dare suggest there’s anything wrong with the car lest they not get invited back.

LLN readers most likely read the buff mags, Edmund’s, etc. and heard all this stuff about the Enclave months ago anyway. This coverage adds nothing.

Note that the Enclave IS a very nice effort but by no means flawless. It’s chunky, heavy and expensive, among other things. Unless LLN has the guts to write a balanced review it shouldn’t hurt itself by posting air kisses like this.

Get over yourselfs!!! LLN is not advertising ****. They are praising a car that deserves praise. This is a big surprise considering the cars that Buick has been making lately – the Enclave is truly revolutionary in terms of fighting negative perception (like 1115’s most recent ignorant comment that “all Buicks are old man’s cars” which shows how stupid he/she really is. He buys into whatever most people agree with, he follows the crowd).

QUOTE FROM ARTICLE:
“Fit and finish are light years ahead of past GM vehicles but still comes in just below Lexus quality. The interior — which features arched vents and an analog clock atop the center stack — is finished in rich-looking faux wood with chrome accents. Overall the design is well executed, but the material covering the top of the dash and steering wheel face seems to be of a lesser quality than you would expect to see in a vehicle with such lofty goals.”
I don’t know how much “money GM paid for that” but I think they got ripped off. LLN critisized the Enclave wherever it deserved it, but remember that usually people don’t expect a lot from a Buick and so they are blown away by the Enclave. The sheer change Enclave represents from typical “old man Buicks” compared to its own sophistication might make some (including me) overlook its minor shortcomings because we are just so pleasantly surprised by a crossover like this coming out of Buick.

You want to talk about paying for PR, and positive reviews/marketing? Look no further: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/05/28/100034332/index.htm?postversion=2007052305

So get over yourselves and go check out all the ass-kissing reviews of Toyonda products that mention NOT ONE flaw, not even their ‘conservative styling’ to put it nicely.

oh, and 1115 – so many people would take this over the aging Pilot. The new Highlander is actually quite good, so it will give FAIR MINDED people a choice between the Enclave and Highlander. Of course, people like you will always just go “Honda, Honda, Honda!!! Toyota, Toyota, Japan!!! GM SUCKS!!” but that is getting so old. There are other choices out there, so don’t be mad when America makes a great vehicles. I understand you want the Big 3 to fail (don’t know why), but just take a break from all your GM bashing when they do something right.

And as for the Lambda’s not proving their reliability – the Lambdas have only had 1 MINOR recall very early on (and that is practically GM’s only recall this year). I don’t know how else you want them to prove their “worthiness”. I don’t understand people like you – ones that buy into all the BS. Toyota makes the Prius, and suddenly people think that EVERY car Toy makes is fuel efficient and this and that and they feel good about buying Tundras and Land Cruisers. On the other hand, you seem to apply GM’s shortcomings in quality from YEARS ago to ALL of GM’s products.

i like the headlights

I really hope that a lot of people hate this car. That way, I can pick up my Enclave in 6 months when GM starts offering huge discounts!

Quite frankly, I am appalled with all the negative comments on this story. With all the GM bashing going around I have to admit, it’s nice to see a positive review on a product well worth the praise. I am traditionally a Japanese car buyer until I purchased my first American car (Lucerne CXS) about a year and half ago. I have interest in getting my wife a new vehicle and the Enclave is on the top of my list. We have driven both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX350 and the Enclave is simply a better vehicle. We were especially impressed in the third row seating comfort! We were also impressed with how much room there is behind the third row seats and just how quiet the Enclave is. This SUV is truly head and tails above anything that anybody else is selling at this moment. I could get a great deal on the RX350 or Acura MDX but I don’t want them. Forget about getting a great deal on the Enclave because dealers are getting MSRP for these things they are so popular. So we will wait for next year. For all you knee Jerk GM Haters (And I was one of them) maybe you should actually drive an Enclave before you suggest that this story is nothing more then a PR stunt. GM is building better cars today then ever before and it’s only a matter of time before the general public will notice.

wow, this is really bad. this site has gone down the tubes.

ITNetPro – Nice post. The problem for most of the haters is maturity. Honesty comes with maturity.

It’s funny. Bash the Enclave and it’s an “honest” review. Praise it, and LLN is just a pandering advert. And everyone wonders how and why we elect crooked politicians? Because the people can’t even be honest themselves. This Enclave is a pretty damn nice vehicle. It’s sales numbers will reflect that. Especially when the JD Powers reports support it’s quality and build. The import humpers can have their ugly as hell Toyota/Lexus Highlander.

inetpro: What?
You mean you actually decided to TEST the cars, and Chose the one you thought best? And decided to do more than just grab the first TOyonda you saw?
You’re thinking for yourself, and not just buying CR’s picks?
You’re giving your experience with Buicks over the words of people like the Fluffer?
I’ll be dammed.

Again, I’m looking at the Tribeca and CX-9, but if the Lambdas are better, that’s what i’m getting. Sunday is my wifes birthday, and Saturday is her last ride in the Oldsmobile!

tripleonefluffer: what is an import buyer? Someone who bought one import, or someone who ONLY buys imports? IUf the latter is the definition you’re using, of course such a person wouldn’t buy an Enclave.

LSC: You have the right attitude.

Luca: 1115 works at Digital Playground … until he loses his job to a blue pill.

Piablo: ditto. But I ain’t no hypocrite. Just because John david Power gets one right doesn’t mean he’s to be trusted all of a sudden

JackJim – why would you be a hypocrite? More curiously, why do you say the interior fit and finish is not as great as reported?

BTW – JD Powers simply reports what people tell them in surveys.

I’m not saying that, that was a quote from the article. I was impressed with the interior, but not impressed with teh Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealer in my exurb.
I’ll have to go down to san diego to make the purchase.

I’ve had the same opinion about John David Power for a Long time. If I switch now, just because he puts Buick up top, that’d be hypocritical, in my view

Not at all! Holding a view in spite of facts and information, that’s being indellibly ignorant. Not saying you are, it just wouldn’t be hypocrisy. As I understand it, JD Powers operates by standardized surveys. Every company in a particluar industry will have identical surveys sent to it’s customers. Companies pay JD Powers to be included. Everyone gets a fair shot. Now, if they report GM’s quality as poor or great, it’s the customers who have purchased the vehicle that have said so. Why do you think John David Power is biased or untrustworthy?

I would venture to guess that if someone mapped the demographic bkgd of all the people responding on this thread, all of the positive responders would represent Buick’s ACTUAL current audience, and all of the negative responders would represent Buick’s TARGET audience. How many single, 25-35 year olds buy Buicks as opposed to Lexus’???

That’s one of the points of this vehicle – GM is trying to change that knee jerk reaction.
They have to start somewhere and this is a huge stab at that.
And by the way – Single 25-35 demo is NOT the only demo that counts. Auto makers will take the sales where ever they can get it. Even outside their “actual current audience”. I think this is a very attractive package to a host of shoppers that will give it a chance.

Lucklaster – Exactly. So Buick made some pretty uninspiring land yachts in the past. Point taken. The Enclave is a response to that criticism. It’s just tough for some to be intellectually honest.

Piablo-
…or to act their age instead of their IQ.

So the insinuation is if you aren’t interested in the Enclave then you’re either stupid, immature or dishonest? Ridiculous.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Enclave is supposed to be a crossover, and Buick is trying to target Lexus buyers. Young and single may not be the only demographic, but:
1) The audience for crossovers skews younger
2) The audience for Lexus skews younger

Granted its a much better product than they’ve had, but as a member of the aforementioned demographic, and as someone who is interested in crossovers (and somewhat interested in Lexus), I still have absolutely no interest in the Enclave.

I hold by my point that it is a “huge stab” at selling to people that might be interested in a vehicle like it.
Not about what you think or what I think individually about purchasing this product. If they put their butts in it, drive it and look at the specs then that “knee jerk reaction” will START to change. (whatever the demo)

Lucklaster, something has to inspire people to WANT to take a test drive, for the same reason that Buick desperately needs to focus on attracting people who MIGHT NOT be interested in their vehicles: they have to gain new market share to survive and compete. I doubt GM would be in the position its in if that weren’t true.

Buick should just stop calling this thing a Lexus-beating crossover and call it was it is: a middle-aged middle-class family-moving minivan-replacement-by-another-name. When they do, I’ll happily agree that they nailed the product and positioning perfectly.

[QUOTE = tripleonefive]GM has failed to make a product to compete with the Japanese. Its a good truck if you buy GM or americans but no CUV SUV TUV HIV buyer who is in an import will switch to this.[/QUOTE]

No? Well, I’d have to say your wrong on this notion…as I did have an import, and have made the switch to the Buick Enclave.

Interesting that you are so quick to pass judgement on such a fine vehicle when you don’t own one yourself. Have you at the very least taken a look at the Enclave in person yourself? Taken it for a test drive? If you did, I seriously doubt you’d be stating such harsh criticism.

[QUOTE = tripleonefive]LLN is not supposed to do advertising and especially not for some old man retirement Buick. It would be nice if GM make 18 models of the same car. This car hasnt proven itself with quality and NO and I mean NO import buyer would even consider this thing oover a Pilot or Highlander. Even if they thought it looked better its still a just a GM.[/QUOTE]

LLN is hardly doing any advertising. You’re stating such simply on the presumption that the review didn’t contain enough negatives for you, and make no mistake there were negatives in that review, but overall, they gave the Enclave its rightful praise. And yes, as an import buyer, I chose this vehicle over the Pilot, as the Honda Pilot was nothing more than a simple rebadge of last year’s model, and it appears next year’s model is even more boxy than the current model. So, if traveling in a box on wheels is your idea of a sweet ride, to each his own. I’ll take the aerodynamic, sleek, and futuristicly designed Enclave any day over the Pilot or the Highlander for that matter any day.

[QUOTE = seanm415]I would venture to guess that if someone mapped the demographic bkgd of all the people responding on this thread, all of the positive responders would represent Buick’s ACTUAL current audience, and all of the negative responders would represent Buick’s TARGET audience. How many single, 25-35 year olds buy Buicks as opposed to Lexus’???[/QUOTE]

I would venture to say that you are simply labeling Buick’s audience. Visit http://www.enclaveforum.net and you’ll soon realize that Buick has done one hell of a job of selling the Enclave to 25-35 year olds. And more accurately, I am a positive responder who actually owns the vehicle and am in the 25-35 year old demographic you so quickly think won’t buy a Buick as opposed to a Lexus. Frankly, I know a LOT of 25-35 year olds who are willing to keep $5,000 to $10,000 dollars in their pocket and purchase a Buick who has reliability ratings on par with Lexus according to JD Power.

Conclusively, I just want to let you all know that the Buick Enclave is all the review stated it was and more. The vehicle is simply awesome. A stunning exterior, a smooth ride, and a luxurious interior. So if any here would actually like to ask any questions to an owner of a Cocoa Metallic CXL with Ebony interior for some real feedback and educated opinions rather than FUD spewed from anti-american-car haters, I’d be glad to answer them.

Itnetpro – you exemplify a smart car buyers. You didn’t just go for whatever you were biased towards (be it domestic or foreign); instead, you drove and evaluated several vehicles and you selected the best one. Is the Enclave the best? That is for you to decide – I would have been just as happy if you had driven all 3 and picked the Acura or whatever. The point is you gave GM a chance to prove themselves and how they have changed recently rather than just going to the nearest Toyonda dealer and picking up whatever they had. You are an honest person

Interestingly-
the only drivers I have seen in the vehicle look to be from that basic demographic + or -.
Small sampling, sure – but still what I have witnessed.
I think it should be celebrated that GM did not come out with a copy of the other brands or half-there version.
Instead they launched a beautiful product.

I have yet to see even ONE of these things on the road, regardless of who’s behind the wheel. Guess I should move to the suburbs…

“Buick should just stop calling this thing a L—s-beating crossover.”

It is what Buick says it is. However, the name “Buick” should imply that it’s better than toyota’s faux-luxury division. If buick wants to be taken seriously, it can’t make the same argument that hyundai makes — even if that argument is true in both cases

marzetta: I’m buying a lambda this weekend, and it’ll be hard not to pick the enclave. Well, I’m also considering two other cars.

How long have you had yours, and did you have to pay MSRP? What did you have before?

“Have you at the very least taken a look at the Enclave in person yourself?” The fluffer wouldn’t do that, because as long as he doesn’t, he can keep insisting that the pilot with an A on the front is better.