On May 2007, the division of General Motors launched its new SUV model for 2008, the Buick Enclave. Buick Enclave is a full-size luxury crossover SUV. It is partially based on the Buick Centieme shown at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. It has the same feature as the new GM Lambda platform, just like GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook. The Enclave replaced Buick’s SUVs such as the minivan-based Rendezvous, the truck-based Rainer, as well as the Terraza minivan.

The Enclave can accommodate at least 7 passengers; instead of a standard chair it has an optional second row bench that can add extra seating. It almost has the same platform and mechanical underpinning with Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. But this also comes with a standard front -wheel drive with an option of an all wheel drive.

For its first year of production, Enclave was powered by a 275 hp (205 kW) 3.6 L High Feature V6 engine matted to a six-speed automatic transmission. Enclave also shares power trains with its Lambda siblings. The 2009 model, a 3.6L V6 SIDI (direct injected) VVT with 286 hp (213 kW) and 255ft. lbf (346 N.m) of torque standard (the same standard with other 2009 Lambdas). According to United States Environmental Protection Agency the latter direct-injection engine is commended for offering a broader torque curve, bringing fuel economy to 17 mpg-us (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp)/24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) for FWD models and 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg-imp)/22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) for AWD models

The production of the Enclave started on 11 April 2007, with their first vehicle reaching certain dealers by the end of the month. It has a starting price of $32,790. But with this model, GM has also stepped up their warranty. Instead of 4-years/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper basic warranty, they increased it to 5-year/100,000-mile power train coverage. Lambda vehicles are built at GM’s new Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing Michigan.

About 1 inch (25mm) longer that it’s Lambda siblings, enclave was considered the largest uni-body vehicle. Enclave was often praised because of its subsequently huge cargo space while maintaining the relatively dynamic nature of uni-body construction over the conventional body-on-frame. Enclave was also praised because it is considered as one of the quietest vehicles available in the United States, and also for the quality of its interior design. The Buick Enclave is also often referred to as the “best vehicle GM makes”. Lastly many admire this SUV because of its good looks.

Weighing almost 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) with all-wheel-drive it has been considered too heavy. And it is also often criticized for its 6-speed transmission, which results to its uncertain downshift. But on 2009 the power train was even more competent and with more abundant torque.

General Motors launched the Buick Rendezvous in the year 2002. Generally, a lot of sports utility vehicles have many disadvantages. They cannot be driven on any roads unless they are perfectly smooth, their seating capacity is very low and the seating height too is less. In an attempt to correct all these features, the Buick Rendezvous was launched.

It was designed in such a way that all the features of a wagon, a luxury automobile and a sports utility vehicle were incorporated in it. It had several innovative features such as, an independent rear suspension system, Versatrack- a four wheel driving system that provides for easy motion even in times of bad weather conditions and a seating capacity of five to seven depending on the need to name some. It was manufactured from the year 2002 to the year 2007.

The 2004 Buick Rendezvous came with a more powerful V6 engine. It was offered in five levels of CX, CX Plus, CXL, CXL Plus, and Ultra. It had a 3350 cc 3.6 L V6 engine delivering 185 horsepower with the option of front wheel drive or all wheel drive whereas the Ultra which was newly introduced had a 3.6L V6 engine delivering up to 254 hp with leather seating and a security system. At a height of 68.9 inches without the roof rack, it stood tall. The red light at the rear was reduced by two inches.

Depending on the model the price ranged from of $26,420 – $29,610.A satellite radio and a dvd system were provided for the purpose of entertainment. It had a fuel economy of 24-26 mpg on highways and 18-19 mpg on city roads.

It was in the year 2007 that Buick decided to stop manufacturing the Rendezvous line and as such the latest 2009 Buick Rendezvous available is the 2007 Buick Rendezvous version. CX and CXL trims became the only models of the line in 2007. Front wheel drive was made compulsory and a system to help in parking was made available.

The CXL version had mahogany wheels which was offered as an option in the CX model. The models were priced between the ranges of $25,190 – $28,765.The engine was a 3498 cc 3.5 L V6 offering 195 hp. It has a fuel economy of 19 mpg on city roads and 26 mpg on highways.

Though the production of this vehicle has stopped it still remains a favorite when it comes to the features of spacing ,comfort and a smooth ride.

The 2004 Buick Rendezvous has many improvements over the 2002 edition. The 2004 Buick Rendezvous has a good number of features and options that are available, and even if you were to choose most of the options, you would still be able to purchase the vehicle for less than $45,000.

Seating 7 adults comfortably is not an easy feat. However, this vehicle has no problem accommodating everyone. There is plenty of head room. Not only is it comfortable, it is quiet, effectively keeping road noise to a minimum. Due to the height, the vehicle gives you an advantage over cars on the road in terms of visibility. The mirrors are extra large, and if they are adjusted properly, it is possible to eliminate the majority of blind spots by making sure the seat is at the correct vertical level. The ride is comparable to a car and the level of luxury and comfort exceeds other vehicles in its class.

The vehicle’s design is both beautiful and functional. The lines are smooth, and there is certain elegance about it. As stylish as the design is, there was thought put into it. The doors are large, and open fully to allow for easy entry and exit. This feature also allows you to have easy access to the back seats if you need to put a large object in the vehicle. The Rendezvous is not only functional, but a work of art, that causes owners to be proud of their choice.

The cargo space is second to none, especially when the back seats are folded down. The designers have utilized every ounce of space for storage. There are plenty of storage compartments throughout the vehicle. In the front, there is a center console that locks. The console is large enough that you can place a laptop on the top of it easily.

In both rain and snow, the 2004 Buick Rendezvous handles beautifully. It drives like a car, but performs like an SUV when the weather is not favorable. Parking is not a problem with this vehicle due to its design. The road clearance allows you to see the road ahead as you are higher than other cars on the road. Once more, the blend of beauty and functionality gives the 2004 Rendezvous a clear advantage.

The options that are available are varied, and again, are a combination of safety and convenience. The stereo system is equipped with XM radio, and the factory sound system is excellent. You can also opt for a rear seat DVD system. On the side of safety, you can have the vehicle equipped with On Star, which is not only a convenience, but in an emergency can be critical. The dashboard is designed well, with gauges that are easy to read both night and day. You can also opt for the ultimate in safety, Heads Up Display. HUD projects information to the driver right on the windshield. The driver can still pay attention to the road, while monitoring speed and other important gauges.

The 2004 Buick Rendezvous is an affordable, luxury crossover. It has both functionality and style. The options that you can add make this vehicle truly a dream to drive. Resale values of the 2004 Buick Rendezvous can bring you up to $18,000, which for a six year old vehicle is excellent. It is not only a pleasure to drive, but a smart investment.