Buick Enclave concept: I finally got a close look at it, and ironically the only thing I DON'T like are the overly contrived portholes on the hood. The Enclave's basic proportions and body lines are attractive. As the first model off that platform it also has the benefit of not looking like a rebadged anything else. Hopefully the other GM models coming on this platform will be able to make the same claim...
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By navigator89
on January 10, 2006
11:31 PM
The Enclave really has everything going for it, power, interior room, and styling, This is the first truly exciting product to come from Buick. The Lucerne and Lacrosse never made a big deal to anyone.
Karl, I was wondering have you seen the Enclave's cousins, the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia? I want to know if there will be any big differences between the three.
I sure hope the production Enclave isn't too much different from the concept. They will sell well for sure. This is a much more solid effort than the Rainier or Terraza, (which were rebadged vehicleles) ever was.
Karl, what happened to the Saturn Aura? I haven't heard anything about it. Is GM still planning to introduce it?
BTW, I read the Tahoe full test. I'm glad that a GM car is finally getting praise for it's interior. What do you think of the Tahoe as a vehicle compared to the competition?
By savetheland
on January 11, 2006
03:53 PM
Saturn Aura is already awailable in Europe as Opel Vectra. But it does not hold its own against older Mondeo and new Passat.
By ateixeira
on January 12, 2006
02:31 PM
Dunno, Enclave just looks like a stretched Hyundai Sante Fe (the new ones). They were probably designed around the same time, but the Hyundai pictures have been out longer.
Looks OK, just not compelling. I bet the Outlook looks better, as I like euro GM styling.
By 1487
on January 12, 2006
03:38 PM
The saturn Aura will be produced this summer. I expect it to be formally shown at Chicago next month. Tha Aura isnt the exact same as the Vectra, but it is on the same platform as is the Malibu and G6. The styling and transmission will be different from the Vectra.
By rsholland
on January 13, 2006
08:29 AM
Porthole: Well for years I too shared Karls' feeling about them. However, over the years I've come to realize that portholes are sort of a Buick "signature," as much as any logo is a signature of the product it represents.
So good or bad, I see those portholes as an important "visual" element that is uniquely Buick: 4 portholes for the top model, and 3 portholes for lesser Buicks.
No, they don't have to be "portholes," per say. They could just be a subtle other styling element that has evolved out the porthole experience—but I do think they're needed for Buick to be a "Buick."
By tirthankar_b
on January 13, 2006
11:42 AM
Start making and selling it.. Fast. Before the Japs come up with something..
By billymay
on January 15, 2006
12:54 PM
Hideous. Poor copy of an ugly Mitsubishi SUv that no one bought. Way to go Buick.
By steve_
on January 15, 2006
03:03 PM
There was a beloved '53 Buick in my family when I was growing up and I've always associated portholes with Buicks. I well remember the Body by Fisher logos too.
By rsholland
on January 15, 2006
08:24 PM
Steve, I've got you beat...
The first car I ever remember was my dad's '41 Buick Special 2-door sedanette (fastback).
By jerrywimer
on January 17, 2006
09:59 AM
I think it's extremely sharp. We're thinking of having another child soon, so I won't be changing vehicles again for a while (already have a minivan now), but if not for that, assuming Buick's production model is close, I can see seriously shopping the Enclave.
Had my truck in for an oil change yesterday and saw my first Buick Lucerne up-close-and-personal as the dealership was pulling one into their showroom. I've seen more impressive exterior styling before, but this car is still no slouch. I don't know if they all have the NorthStar V8, but this white one did. And it definitely seems well put together.