2008 Buick Enclave: Hot Date

To my eye, the trio is not sexy. In person, they look bloated at the nose, as if the designers didn't know what to do. Its as if they taffy-pulled a sedan's front end over an SUV skeleton. An RX-350 still fills my definition of a "classy" SUV.
 
However, they do look better than say...Micheal Jackson or Joan Rivers.
 
By the way, Redliner...are Luxurios a high end type of Cheerios? Maybe they double the reduction of cholesterol?
I apologize, I couldn't resist giggling at that.
 
It's interesting to note that, being a college student, I see a lot of LeSabres and Park Avenues and Centuries in the parking lots. The apparently make excellent college cars.

Who are you people? My co-worker just got a used Rendezvous and is in love with it. It suits here needs just fine and coming from a BOF Suv, she loves the smoother ride. She actually speaks about the plentiful convenience features as opposed to trying to pry dashboard panels apart. Wow, can you believe that? Also, used LeSabres and Park Avenues are popular cars for young people here in Philadelphia and the Northeast in general. They are frequently customized with large wheels, port holes, tinted windows, etc. These attempts at humor are sad at best. Since Honda and Toyota have such ridiculous resale values, you can get a bigger smoother riding LeSabre with less mileage for the same price as a 4 banger Accord. Rant complete.
  
Here's an idea- why don't you editors do something constructive like a photo comparison of the 3rd row room in the Enclave, CX-9 and Veracruz? Display the knee room of each while someone is seated comfortably in the 2nd row. Also, show the amount of luggage space with the 3rd row erect so perspective buyers can see what they'll have to work with. After visiting the autoshow, I realized that Lambdas are a lot more spacious than the CX-9. Also, I didn't notice any third row A/C registors in the CX-9 while the Enclave has roof mounted vents for both the 2nd & 3rd rows. At 6', I was able to place the 2nd row at a comfortable position and sit behind it without my knees touching its seatback. This could not be done in the CX-9. The CX-9's third row was more of a penalty box with a thin seat back and lower cushion height. If you want sporty, get a CX-9 but if you want space, luxurious ambiance and utility, get the Enclave.

"Its as if they taffy-pulled a sedan's front end over an SUV skeleton. An RX-350 still fills my definition of a "classy" SUV. "
 
The RX is hardly classy in my book. Nothing about the exterior desing says "luxury" nor is there any originality in its design. The Enclave in person looks GREAT and the interior is far nicer than the CX-9. I can say that for sure after sitting in one yesterday.
 
"Three years ago, Buick's lineup – the Century, LaCrosse, LeSabre, Park Avenue, Rainier, Rendezvous and Terraza – was a collection of all-star rejects."
 
If you ask me what looks better the Lacrosse or the Accord I would say Lacrosse. With 17" or 18" wheels its an attractive car, even if it's a Buick. BTW, the lacrosse replaced the century and regal in 2004.

1487 -- To my knowledge, the RX started this whole luxury crossover segment back in the late 90's. I would say it's styling is totally original and other manufacturers are trying to copy it (Hyundai Veracruz).
 
The same loss of "luxury" can be said for Rolex watches since there are so many knock-offs that look just as good.

"1487 -- To my knowledge, the RX started this whole luxury crossover segment back in the late 90's. I would say it's styling is totally original and other manufacturers are trying to copy it (Hyundai Veracruz). "
 
I am saying the current RX is stale. In 1999 the original was somewhat original, although I would never call it attractive. Lexus isnt known for breaking any new ground with styling and the RX is one more example of that. since this is 2008 I would take the Enclave.
 
The ML really started this segment, not the RX. The ML wasnt unibody but it was the first midsize luxury SUV of this type.

The Veracruz is almost a spot on replica of the RX350-330 from behind. I've heard of benchmarking cars, but Hyundai went nuts.
 
As a senior in high school and former 2000 Buick Century owner (courtesy of my Grandparents), I have to say that although they're perfectly fine first cars from a parents perspective (decent gas mileage, dirt cheap insurance, pretty safe, reliable, nice stereo, good in the snow, and not apt to tempt you into sporty driving...not that I didn't try), the uncool stigma is definitely there. That, and the fact that I wanted to sleep when driving it was the reason I bought a Mazda3 last year.
 
Not to provoke flames, but Buicks of the early 2000 era were almost all rubbish, with their sole saving grace being that they were cheap on the used market. The Enclave represents a massive step forward and legitimately brings the brand into mainstream competition.
 
"Suddenly, borrowing your parents' Buick for a hot date doesn't seem like such a bad idea anymore."
 
It's still a CUV, hardly the epitome of cool in my opinion. Then again, I consider my friends white 5spd Volvo 850 wagon to be cooler than almost any crossover, so perhaps I'm not the best source...

1487 -- <<The RX is stale . . . Since this is 2008 I would take the Enclave.>>
 
Fair enough.
 
Not to cause further contention, but as a curiosity, where do you see Jeep's Grand Cherokee? It's a unibodied SUV that was luxurious for its time. I'm not saying it was the progenator for the Lexus or the MB, but could it be considered the first luxury cross-over/SUV?
 
Or was it just a competitor for the Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer?

Last I checked the RX is in its final years of production and the Enclave is still on its first year. It's very classy of whoever that's trying to compare the two as apple to apple...
 
By the way, if I am in high school I still wouldn't want to pick up a date with the Enclave.

Here's a tip: If your high school date only wants you for your ride, it'd be best to leave her at the curb. There's always another guy at school who'll clown you with a nicer car.

Sorry, 1487, but I have to agree with Altimadude on this one. The M-Class (remember it was supposed to be M320, etc, until BMW got mad) tried refining the Grand Cherokee Limited/Explorer Limited concept with an independent suspension, whereas the RX started the luxury crossover segment by using car mechanicals. Proof of that lies in the cars' off-road credentials: Mercedes noted that the ML retained "full" off-road capabilities with superior on-road characteristics, while Lexus made no off-road claims whatsoever.

altimadude00
  
Actauly, they are velvet covered cheerios.

"Last I checked the RX is in its final years of production and the Enclave is still on its first year. It's very classy of whoever that's trying to compare the two as apple to apple..."
 
what does that have to do with anything? lexus designs are derivative and dull regardless of when they are introduced. I wasnt saying the RX is stale because it's 4 years old, I was saying that because it's a typical Lexus design that isnt ugly but isnt noteworthy either. Dont be so sensitive just because you perceive a GM product is getting some positive comments. Dont worry, we all know Lexus is a superior brand to Buick. Don't get all riled up for no reason. Lexus does a lot of things well but only a die hard Toyota fan would tell you they are leaders in design. There isnt one distinctive design in their entire stable.
 
Considering you live in LA I would assume pulling up to pick up a HS date in anything domestic would get you laughed at big time. You probably wouldnt pick up a date in an XLR out there for fear of ridicule. Better get something cool like a Mini, Fit or Prius.
 
roarram,
 
I dont care about the ML's offroad credentials. We all know ML's werent making offroad. The ML and RX were direct competitors in the entry level luxury SUV market and came out within a year of one another.They were similar in size, power and price.

"Not to cause further contention, but as a curiosity, where do you see Jeep's Grand Cherokee? It's a unibodied SUV that was luxurious for its time. I'm not saying it was the progenator for the Lexus or the MB, but could it be considered the first luxury cross-over/SUV? "
 
I would say the Grand Cherokee Limited models were the first luxury SUVs. The Grand Cherokee is NOT a crossover though, nor should it be considered in the same segment as a crossover like the RX or Enclave. Despite being a unibody, the Grand Cherokee is truck based, and it has offroad capabilities that far surpass crossover vehicles like the RX, which after all, is pretty much a Camry with better ground clearance and a Lexus interior.
 
So I would consider the Lexus RX a luxury crossover. The Grand Cherokee Limited a luxury mid-size SUV. Cadillac Escalade a luxury full size SUV.