Posted on 11/08/2007 2:07:40 PM PST by E. Pluribus Unum
So there I am driving to the Northwestern/Iowa football game last Saturday when my friend Bruce says, "Hey, what do you think of the Buick Enclave? I think it's pretty sharp." Well Bruce, you are not alone.
The latest stats from J.D. Power's Power Information Network shows the Buick Enclave was the fastest selling vehicle in the U.S. last month. Yes, #1. The Enclave sold so fast, it was in showrooms fewer days than the Toyota Fit which rounded out the top "hot selling cars" in October.
Why is this a big deal? Buick is hurting, and if the Enclave is generating buzz with little marketing it is significant. It shows a good looking model can be sell even if the badge on the front is gasping for air. It also shows GM's designers have hit the right chord with it's latest crossovers (the GMC Acadia was the only other American model in the top ten of fast selling models).
If you've read this blog for any amouint of time you know my thoughts on Buick. It's the forgotten brand at GM with an undefined niche, little marketing support, and until now, few models I found attractive. Heck sales are down 23% this year and it represents less than 5% of GM's total sales. All reasons why I've wondered why GM doesn't go ahead and give Buick the Oldsmobile treatment and kill it.
That may still happen. But for now, the Enclave is giving Buick executives and fans a reason to smile. As I told my friend Bruce, "The Enclave is very nice, give it a look"
What is a Toyota Fit? I have never heard of such a car.
Crossover = Station Wagon
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Niiiiiiiiice! !
I don’t like cross-overs because every one I see have a damn soccer ball on the back.
But that Enclave is nice. It is sharp. Way too luxurious for my muddy boots.
I just hope people don’t put those stick figures on the back glass that represent dad, mom, sisters, and puppy. I hate that almost as bad as the soccer balls.
Looks like a Lexus RX series. Same lines. Bet it costs less though.
I believe that’s the Roadmaster concept car, not the Enclave.
The GMC Arcadia.
Which IMHO is a far better looking vehicle.
I see those Buick crossovers all over the place, usually piloted by septuagenarians doing 35 on the highway. :)
This one doesn't.
Kinda looks like a Porche Ceyenne (I believe) to me.
Actually the Fit is by Honda...
I can do embedded links!!!!! : )
could someone tell this oldtimer the difference between a station wagon and a crossover?
I bought an 08 Acadia back in August, and am pleased with it. This is especially amazing to me, since I’ve not bought a domestic make in twenty years. Very roomy, as much interior space as a Tahoe, seats fold flat, nice styling inside and out, decent power and mid-twenties mpg on the interstate.
One thing to watch out for, though, is that GM had some problems with the programming for the new, electronically controlled 6 speed auto transmission (so have a lot of other manufacturers, too). Anything built before midsummer, better check to make sure it’s been reflashed, or you might be annoyed by the way the transmission shifts. There were a few other first year glitches on the 07 models, too, leaky door seals, odd behavior from the Stabilitrak, etcetera. That’s why I waited for 08.
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