The Buick Enclave‘s been turning heads since day one, but not all years are victorious. Ready to find your ideal match?
Buckle up for the ultimate guide to the best and worst Enclave years.
We’ve done the laborious lifting, analyzing each model year inside and out. From reliability to safety ratings, we’re giving you the inside scoop on what makes some years shine and others… not so much.
Ready for a journey through Enclave history? We’ll spotlight the stars and the duds, whether you’re shopping or just curious.
Let’s hit the road and make you an Enclave expert!
Table of ContentsShow
Buick Enclave Generations
The Buick Enclave has been turning heads and ferrying families in style since 2008. But like a fine wine, it’s gotten better with age – mostly.
Let’s break down the Enclave’s genealogical tree:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation | 2008-2017 |
| 2nd Generation | 2018-Present |
Why bother with generations? Simple. Each generation brings its own flavor to the table. We’re talking major upgrades in tech, design tweaks that’ll make your neighbors jealous, and performance boosts that’ll have you grinning behind the wheel. For many buyers, these generational leaps can be deal-makers or breakers.
Buick Enclave Best, Neutral and Worst Years
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. How did we separate the wheat from the chaff? Our rating system is more meticulous than a drill sergeant’s inspection. We’ve analyzed numbers from:
- Owner surveys (because who knows a car better than the people driving it?)
- Annual maintenance costs (your wallet will thank us later)
- Safety ratings (because precious cargo deserves the best)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (they don’t mess around)
- NHTSA recalls and complaints (the government’s got your back)
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com (we left no stone unturned)
Ready for a visual feast? Check out this graph showing how each model year stacks up:
Based on our detective work, here’s how the Enclave years shake out:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | 2009 2010 2017 | 2008 2013 2015 | 2011 2012 2014 2016 |
| 2nd Generation | 2018 2022 2023 | 2019 2020 | 2021 |
What’s the deal with “Neutral” years? Think of them as the Goldilocks of Enclaves – not too hot, not too cold. They won’t knock your socks off, but they won’t leave you stranded either.
And those NHTSA recalls? They’re like demerits on a report card. The more recalls and complaints, the lower the reliability score. It’s just math, folks.
Now, let’s zoom in on the particulars of each generation. Buckle up!
Best & Worst Years for Buick Enclave 1st Generation (2008-2017)
The first-gen Enclave burst onto the scene in 2008, turning the mid-size luxury SUV world on its head. But like any premiere, it had its share of standing ovations and rotten tomatoes. Let’s break it down:
The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2017
2009 and 2010 were like the Enclave’s sophomore album – all the kinks ironed out. That finicky 6-speed transmission? Smoother than butter. The interior? Cozier than your favorite armchair. And safety features? It was like driving around in a cushy tank.
2017, the swan song of the first gen, went out with a bang. A beefed-up V6 engine and a suspension silkier than jazz made for one delightful ride. Plus, it came loaded with enough tech to make a Silicon Valley startup jealous.
The Neutral Years: 2008, 2013, 2015
The 2008 model was like a promising novice – lots of potential, but still learning the ropes. By 2013, the Enclave had settled into a comfortable groove, neither wowing nor disappointing. 2015 kept the status quo – reliable, but not exactly breaking new ground.
The Worst Years: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016
Ah, the troublemakers. 2011 and 2012 were like that friend who’s always got car trouble. Steering issues, airbag hiccups, engine gremlins – you name it, they had it. 2014 decided to join the party with electrical system quirks, while 2016 brought transmission woes to the table.
Want the nitty-gritty on these problem children?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016 models. It’s like a prime compilation of “What Not to Do in Automobile Manufacturing.”
Best & Worst Years for Buick Enclave 2nd Generation (2018-Present)
2018 marked the Enclave’s glow-up. Fresh appearance, new attitude, same luxury vibe. But even in this polished new era, some years sparkled brighter than others.
The Best Years: 2018, 2022, 2023
2018 came in scorching with a complete makeover. More muscle under the hood, better gas mileage, and a transmission smoother than a con artist. Tech-wise, it was like stepping into the future – smartphone integration, driver assists galore, the works.
2022 hit the reliability jackpot, scoring top marks from Consumer Reports. It was like the 2018 model, but with an extra shot of awesome sauce.
2023? Still fresh off the lot, but all indications point to “buy me now.”
The Neutral Years: 2019, 2020
These years were like a good cover band – they did the job, but didn’t exactly break new ground. 2020 had a bit of transmission drama, but nothing to lose sleep over.
The Worst Year: 2021
Oh, 2021. The black sheep of the family. Brakes that sounded like a metal concert and a general lack of enthusiasm landed this model year in the doghouse. Safe to drive? Sure. Exhilarating? Not so much.
Buick Enclave Average Resale Values
Money talks, right? Check out this graph showing how the Enclave holds its value over time:
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – the Buick Enclave’s greatest hits and major flops. Armed with this knowledge, you’re prepared to hunt down your ideal Enclave like a pro.
But hey, we’re not the only experts here. Got an Enclave story of your own? Love it? Hate it? Think we’re way off base?
Your experience could be the nugget of wisdom another buyer needs. So, what’s your take on the Enclave saga?
Drop a comment below and let’s get the discussion rolling.
