The holidays are sneaking up fast. I don't have my shopping done yet, but I am starting to think about which long-term test car I'll use to haul the Edmunds clan up to Oregon. So far, our 2008 Buick Enclave CX is the current front runner.
I'm very curious to see how this one does. On the same run, we've tried a Jeep Commander (sproingy ride, small cargo, stranded by broken starter), a Chevy Tahoe (third-row had to be left at home, flat battery, not nimble) and a Cadillac SRX (very good handling, pleasant interior, but too small for Christmas duty.) Our Enclave has the potential to be the best all-around performer for this task. If I can successfully call dibs for the holidays, we'll find out.
After a weekend preview, Tracy and the kids give the Enclave a thumbs up. The ride seems suitable for the trip, and everyone seems to think the seats have a chance at staying comfortable over the long haul. My wife, however, has already noticed the lack of seat heaters. The lack of all-wheel drive shouldn't be a problem - shouldn't.
There are only four of us, but we'll be hauling presents for 12 relations about 1,000 miles north. If we haven't earned coal this year, we'll be hauling an equal amount back too. I'm hoping the fold-flat third row gives us the space we need. It had better, because the Enclave has the most cargo space of any of our current crop of vehicles - except the Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado, of course. But they're out because we need a dry and lockable present-carrying space.
Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 5,849 miles
stephen987 says:
03:29 AM, 12/ 4/07
If someone else nabs the Enclave first, what's your second choice? (Rondo?)
daytona_500 says:
08:02 AM, 12/ 4/07
The Enclave sounds like a solid choice, and I'm hoping for lots of great pictures! I just wish the bumpers werent black, it kind of cheapens the car's premium look.
If someone takes the Enclave, I guess your only other option would be the Q7,or maybe the Outlander.
actualsize says:
08:45 AM, 12/ 4/07
Santa tells me that some of this year's items are on the big side. The Mitsu and Rondo aren't big enough, but the Q7 might be - barely. There is another choice, but it has not yet been checked-in to the fleet.
willin58 says:
08:50 AM, 12/ 4/07
Looks like your choice of options you didn't "need" may come back to bite you. Or at least cause you to catch an earful about it!
bimmerjay says:
09:06 AM, 12/ 4/07
Isn't your Enclave a sassy powder blue? The one in the pic looks more like Light Snot Metallic.
flipb says:
09:09 AM, 12/ 4/07
I hereby open speculation on the yet-un-introduced vehicle that is soon to join the LT fleet. Our only hint is that it's large enough for Dan to consider for the family trek to Oregon.
My money's on a 2008 Mopar minivan.
jriz says:
09:42 AM, 12/ 4/07
There's actually yet another mystery addition. The plot thickens.
"Isn't your Enclave a sassy powder blue? The one in the pic looks more like Light Snot Metallic"
-That would mostly be the setting sun casting its glare, however, the Enclave's color is chameleon in nature. It can look light blue/green, silver and even a little purple from certain angles. It's drawn mixed opinions around here, but I kinda like it.
jlaszlo says:
10:39 AM, 12/ 4/07
4 people and a large cargo area sounds like a job for the Edge.
bradyholt says:
12:55 PM, 12/ 4/07
"4 people and a large cargo area sounds like a job for the Edge."
Not if the roomier Commander was described as too small.
chavis10 says:
01:35 PM, 12/ 4/07
Hey Dan, your wife wants heated seats even with the cloth?
I so think there are a few cars out that actually do have heated cloth seats. I've never found cloth to get that cold or hot so...
beach15 says:
01:53 PM, 12/ 4/07
The Enclave would be the PERFECT ride, in so many regards, so hopefully you can get it for the trip.
On another note...GM actually offers seat heaters as an add-on accessory, for cloth seated models after the fact. Check out GMAccessoriesZone.com and select the Enclave...and there you go. I haven't seen anyone yet get them, as far as where the controls go, but from GM they should be very much like those standard on the leather-lined CXL models.
And yes, you should even be more than fine with the FWD, traction control, AND fantastic Stabilitrak. Truth be told, even looking at what's been ordered and sold the most, FWD has been edging out AWD on the Enclave.
jr1m90 says:
01:53 PM, 12/ 4/07
There are a couple of cars with heated cloth (I think the Outback/Legacy had it, or at least they used to).
Based on past experiences, Buicks are great for mindlessly slogging down the highway. When I was visiting colleges this summer, I took my now sold 2000 Century. Quiet, powerful enough, comfy seats, pretty good upgraded stereo, and I even got 35 mpg going from Pittsburgh to the Lehigh Valley. Sweeping turns got just a tad bit more interesting than I liked because of body roll though!
jriz says:
02:21 PM, 12/ 4/07
Our Mini has heated seats and cloth.
estreka says:
03:54 PM, 12/ 4/07
If you mail your Xmas gifts and drive a more fuel efficient vehicle (ie, the Fit), you'll actually save money and you won't be so concerned about someone breaking into your car.
If we take 1,000 miles (LA to Portland) and calculate the fuel cost of each at $3.50/gallon, the Fit saves you $42 (34mpg vs. 24mpg). As long as shipping is less than that, you're good to go. I haven't even taken into account the cost of the presents' weight.
lime679 says:
07:59 PM, 12/ 4/07
Volkswagen still offers heated cloth seats. They get pretty toasty too.
And the front of the Enclave just doesn't do it for me.
actualsize says:
08:29 AM, 12/ 5/07
Light Snot Metallic indeed. I've gotta ask Santa for a new camera - or a filter or phototshop lessons, or something.
skierx420 says:
09:39 AM, 12/ 5/07
A ton of MOPAR products offer heated cloth seats. As far back as the Lowly '05 Dodge Dakota!
dragonflight says:
10:22 AM, 12/ 5/07
First, isn't it possible to get a lockable bed cover for the Tundra or Silverado? Of course, that still leaves you riding in a truck for an uncomfortable distance...
Second, this is the bread and butter of a minivan's duties. Plenty of space for passengers, good highway ride, and even a third row *and* trunk space. Shouldn't have given up that Kia Sedona so soon, eh?
actualsize says:
10:18 PM, 12/ 5/07
Exactly. The third row is part of the reason why this one is on my Oregon trip short list and the Ford Edge isn't. Once we get up there, we need a pair of seats for the Ole Buzzard and Grandma.
This is, after all, what GM is selling now instead of minivans (although the minivans have quietly remained on the 2008 menu even after they were killed). Will the Buick Enclave fill the bill? I intend to find out.
roar02ram says:
12:01 PM, 12/ 6/07
Let's see...among new SUVs/vans, we know that a 2008 Mopar is coming, but the other one is a mystery vehicle...I'm putting my money on a Sequoia or a Land Cruiser, although a CX-9 or Mercedes GL is a possibility. Given the "perfect" statement, I'm gonna go with the ginormous, 4WD Sequoia.