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Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave

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  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    By the way, my source for the 4-way power front passenger seat is Standard and optional features for the Enclave are given in the press release

    Read something current!

    link title

    CX- Driver, 6 way power w/manual lumbar. Passenger, 2 way power w/manual lumbar.

    CXL - Driver, 8 way power with power recline and 4 way lumbar. Passenger, 4 way power w/4 way lumbar.

    That help you with your seat phobia?
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    4 way power passenger seat, just like I said.
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    You picked out he features the Enclave is lacking but didn't mention the fact that it's much bigger, will be cheaper and has features not found on the RX350. Are we to assume the RX isnt a true luxury crossover because it doesn't have every feature found on the Enclave? Besides, most of the stuff you mentioned can be found on the SRX if one really needs to match the RX feature for feature.
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    BTW, most mid range luxury vehicles do not have 8 way passenger seats. The Enclave has power fore/aft and power recline. Isn't that what most vehicles in this class offer for the passenger? Do you really need height adjustments on that side?
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    Not to belabor the point, but even a Trailblazer offers an 8 way power passenger seat.
  • dtd07dtd07 Member Posts: 19
    I'm in the Pacific NW, but just go to http://www.costcoauto.com/
    and type in zip.
    There are certin dealers that work with Costco members.
    Try it out no obligation. You know how Costco are.
    ;)
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    The press release only points out a few of the options. I am sure there will be options and option packages.

    But it does have rear view camera linked to screen navigation. It also has Onstar. It also has the new turn by turn navigation which beats the old style in car screen navigation. And it has those fancy HID headlamps that turn with the steering wheel with some kind of blue thingy. And it has huge 19" wheels. And Power tilt and telescope steering wheel with memory. And who knows what else.

    Again, this is a lower cost vehicle than those listed. I am sure if buick wanted to they could add everything that every vehicle has and become on of the most expensive vehicles out there. That is not Buick's niche.

    Anyway, no matter. We still have 6 months before we know the pricing and truly know where it stacks up against any competition. Right now I would say the CX-9 is the closest due to people carrying capacity.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    By now, you guys should know well that Buick very well does want Enclave to compete with RX and MDX. ANd to compete with these players you have to play their game-well. Why not use the bat they hit a home run with? Price should be great as you will definitely be able to get a nicely equipped(I didn't say loaded) version for well under 40g's. Which is smart because no one really wants to pay much over 40 for a buick-for now.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    1. Will the six seat configuration be available on the V6 versions, V8 version only, both, or not available at
    all?
    2. Is there an option for second row heated seats?
    3. HUD? Rendezvous had it, Acadia has it.
    4. Heated steering wheel? Lucerne has it.
    5. A/C front seats? Lucerne has them.

    That's pretty much it, but if there are lot's of "No" answers then that will be sort of disappointing. I don't see how Buick could offer A/C front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a HUD on some of their models but not their most expensive vehicle. Doesn't quite make sense IMO. Then again, many may be available only on the V8 model that will be released later to establish it as a much more luxurious option worth the higher price tag.

    One last thing but most it's most likely just me, is the steering wheel wood different then the wood trim on the doors, dash, and center consoles?


    Any answers that you guys have or your opinions on the questions would be very helpful. Thanks.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    Well they call a Camry a full size car too, but a few years ago it was a compact even though it hasn't grown in length enough to be considered a mid-size 10 years ago. I take with a grain of salt what the manufacturers media people hipe. To me my Caddy STS is a luxury and the SRX Crossover would be GM's Lux Crossover.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Caddy SLS is luxury.
    Insane Caddy
    Now that's what I call a nice luxury sedan. Too bad GM doesn't feel that the US wants true luxury though. Apparently the Chinese are much more into that sort of thing. :)
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    If the Acadia can hit 44K the Enclave might run close to 50 when fully loaded. My guess is that people will be willing to pay over 40K for a vehicle with unique styling, tons of space, numerous luxury features, and quality materials, even if it is a Buick.

    Then again, brand snobbery always will at least somewhat affect a car's sales. Perfect example: VW Phaeton provided more features than any of it's competitors for the price (even exceeding the Lexus LS for value) but nobody was willing to pay 70K for a Volkswagen.

    Time will tell.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    If Acadia has HUD Enclave probably will too unless the IP design would be messed up by it.

    I was incorrect before, the steering wheel is not the same wood as the IP. The IP is a burl and the way real wood steering wheels are made a burl is not possible. The real wood for the wheel is made of of thin plys so they can be bent around a form. There is no real grain to the wheel wood. The RX looks the same way.

    Doubt if it will have heated 2nd row seats. Heated steering wheel and A/C front seats are possible.

    Guys, this Enclave is being portrayed here as some $50k+ lux vehicle. It is not. Its bones start under $30K. Most all lux vehicles even close to this vehicle type start over $40k.

    IF the Enclave gets a V8 you can see a bunch more content and features but Buick still has to be careful not to over feature and therefore overprice it. I am sorry but a $55k Buick is not going to sell enough volume to make it profitable.

    Remember this vehicle is still months away from production. If some items may not make start of Production they probably will not list them as available. Also many of the parts in the show car will be hand modified prodcution parts. Things like graining and wood color may not be fully complete yet.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    I think that Enclave should have a power folding third row seat. Ford charges $495 extra for this option in an Explorer. Surely there would be as much interest out there for this option as there is for 19 inch wheels and tires (offered as an $895 option on the Outlook).
  • nxs138nxs138 Member Posts: 481
    You hit the nail on brand snobbery: an Acadia in the mid 40s is into well equipped MDX/Q7 territory, and if you get near the 50s mark, well you're getting yourself into a nice X5/Mercedes SUV. Doesn't matter if the Enclave is bigger or not, people that pay close to $50k for a SUV tend to be a bit older and do not need all the room that the Lambdas offer.

    I think the Acadia will still do well even if it reaches the mid 40s, since these buyers are looking for room and lots of features, i.e. people who would have bought standard SUVs. The Enclave, however, does not have that same "utitilitarian" feel, i.e. it's going after the near-luxury/luxury market, and if it's priced to high, I predict low sale numbers.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I really doubt that. I surely have no need for a power rear folding seat. But I would buy the bigger wheels in a heartbeat. makes the vehicle look so much better. Folding the rear seat just takes a quick flip in the Outlook.

    I would much rather have the power liftgate though! I do not have one but could use it all the time.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Who needs this? It's not that hard to push third row down. But the wheels would be better as 20"s. No one is really going to pay close to 50 for Enclave. that is too much. For fifty, i will get a benz GL or something else in higher class like Denali(If i'm paying 50, than I can afford the gas.) ANy buick is on shaky groung at over 45. you guys say the acadia is at luxury price in the 40's. So is a ford explorer, or a 4runner. All midsize SUV's run at this price, but no one's going to have to pay over 40. They will get a good sale price. i won't spend that much because this is not my primaty vehichle, and in a few years i will spend that kind of money on My new car (you guys know ypoure with me on that!).
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    I would pay close to 50K for the Enclave if it offered the right features and quality. For fifty, you can't even get a bare bones GL450. Starting price is 56K, and it tops out around 76K. You could buy two mid optioned Enclaves for that price. And even at 76K it doesn't offer 4 zone climate control or cooled front seats! If you're paying over 75K for a car it better have cooled front seats AND 4 zone climate control. Escalade has cooled front seats and is more than 10K cheaper. Stop comparing the Enclave to a vehicle that's 25K more!
  • nxs138nxs138 Member Posts: 481
    I wasn't super-impressed with the interior quality of the Acadia: hard plastics everywhere, especially in the dash, and there's something funky going on with the rear-heater controls, where you have to reach down under this flimsy-looking funny sort of lip that extends from the armrest. Other than that, parts looked well assembled. Hoping that the Enclave uses higher quality plastic...especially if it's going to get into the $50k range.
  • slopoke1slopoke1 Member Posts: 5
    In which city did you find them at dealer? I am in Washington DC area and cannot find either the Outlook or GMC Acadia. I want to buy before year end as these vehicles have Gross Weight over 6,000 pounds and still provide a nice tax break for businesses.
  • brutus22brutus22 Member Posts: 122
    If they are at dealers where are all the test drives, have seen nothing out there, this is needed.

    B.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    That is a good question! I believe the date for media release is around Dec 15. Seems like they are a bit ahead of schedule at the plant.

    These two vehicles did not have window stickers so they could not be sold yet.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    Hundreds of them sitting on the lot at the factory waiting to ship out by rail and truck. Friday was a ice day so I wouldn't besurprised it was to dangerous to load them.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Starting price or GL is 54, and that's close enough. If you are going to pay 45-50g, then 5g is no object. Here is a better example-Audi Q7. For 46g you can get one nicely equipped, and for 48, you can get V8. Then you have name brand. (And we all know we kinda want a Lexus over a Hyundai-for example). In 2-3 years, things will be different. Buick will be established as a luxury brand. Then Gm's gotta focus on seperating tham from Caddilac- and the Enclave is nicer than the SRX,for much better price.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    SRX is a different kind of vehicle than the Enclave. It is a glorified station wagon while the Enclave does the duty of a SUV(w/no off-road capability)

    Cadillac has gone the sporty/handling route while Buick is going the plusher/comfort route.

    I look at Buick as having Lexus type comfort attributes while Buick is more Infiniti/MB sporting pretensions.

    Buicks niche long term is not top of the segment prices. They need to remain in their place as an upper mid brand. Enclaves over $50k will/should be very rare. ATP will probably be around $40K in the first year (Average Transaction Price which includes dealer negotiations and incentives)) and lower to $35k in the later years.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    two at the dealer on Telegraph near Detroit

    Saturn Of Southfield
    29929 Telegraph Rd.
    Southfield, MI 48034
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    I don't care at all what the symbol on the front and rear of my car looks like. Right now, I drive a Lexus LS430 with the Ultra-Luxury package. However, I would much rather own a VW Phaeton, but they stopped making them and I couldn't find a nice one used. Since the Phaeton has more features, space, and better looks than the 430, moving from "Lexus" to "Volkswagen" wouldn't bother me at all. I only care about the product.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Good point-that was nice I'll admit, but VW knows they priced it way too much. I'm sure you looked at the Audi A8-in fact, almost positive. When I was looking at a 5 series, i payed no attention to the old GS because it was not a real comparison, and if you've got the money, why not go all out? Don't skimp. My oppinion. Why buy a Toyota Camry when you can have Lexus Es for same price???

    On another point, Srx is too in the same class as Enclave (or close). Enclave is considered performance luxury-not die hard SUV. And SRX is considered performance luxury crossover-not diehard station wagon. But SRX is in trouble. This is where name brand doesn't win.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Srx is too in the same class as Enclave (or close). Enclave is considered performance luxury-not die hard SUV. And SRX is considered performance luxury crossover-not diehard station wagon

    I do not know who would consider these two vehicles as similar. The SRX really can only hold 4 passengers comfortably while the Lamdas can hold 6 comfortably and 7/8 in very reasonable comfort. SRX is a station wagon with a little added height. It is a CTS interior (first/2nd rows) on a stretched/widened CTS architecture (STS size). Lamdas are minivans/trucks w/o a frame. They can do anything an SUV can except haul a huge trailer or go off road. Sure they are both luxury but so is an STS.

    There are no reviews out yet but you will find that the Lamdas are tuned for comfort and reasonable handling while the SRX is tuned for handling and more european like.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I agree that the SRX and Enclave are not in the same category. The 3rd row of the SRX has 24" of legroom, 35" headroom, 43" shoulder room, as compared to the lambda's 33", 38", and 57" (cars.com) and 8.4 CuFt behind the 3rd row for the SRX as compared to 19 on the lambda.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Still, if you are considering something like a MDX and unbiased (not diehard Honda fan) then you might also look at SRX. And when you see it and ssay this is crap compared to competitors, then you might also look at Enclave. They will probably be marketed in about same class, except Srx more performance bound. And most buyers in this category (lexus RX-you get point) aren't really looking for space or third row. They're looking for luxury and maybe some performance.Gm wants anyone else to look at Outloook/Acadia.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Are you trying to say that the SRX is crap?

    Just so you know we have one on order right now. Unfortunately the 20" wheels were on hold but we need it ASAP.

    I cannot wait to see the new interior with real leather IP and door trim.
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    The SRX is smaller and more performance oriented than the Enclave and its also going to be more expensive. I think people here are overestimating the price difference between the Enclave and the Acadia. Just look at other Buicks for examples of how much of a premum will be required to get the Buick. The Lacrosse isnt much more than the Impala or Grand Prix although it does offer much less power for the money. All three cars can hit $32k or more fully loaded with the Buick being the highest. Expect a $3k price gap between the Acadia and Enclave which means the Enclave wouldnt hit $50k. Like I said before, it's hard to criticize the Enclave for being too expensive when you check the prices on the Tahoe/Yukon.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    CTS interior? Maybe the old one. Three words for you regarding the new SRX interior: Cut and Sew.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Like I said before, it's hard to criticize the Enclave for being too expensive when you check the prices on the Tahoe/Yukon.

    Which is why it's not hard to see why GM is going out of business selling their cars at those prices!
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    I cannot wait to see the new interior with real leather IP and door trim.

    You do know about the new SRX interior. I have yet to experience its awesomeness first hand either, but I bet it looks great. In my opinion, if Cadillac brings their new "cut and sew" technique to every car throughout their lineup (which they plan to) and brings the SLS to America they will have successfully refined their brand image. Real wood, metal, and leather covering everything is a great way to prove that you're not all about cost-cutting anymore.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Tahoes and Yukons have $15000 slashed off them at the end of every model year since they overproduce them and can't move them off the dealer lots.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I meant that the SRX is based on the CTS but a bit bigger. Actually it more like a STS with a CTS interior. You know, something like a station wagon.
  • cajun_mikecajun_mike Member Posts: 37
    Girlfriend, soon to be fiancee' has been lusting after the Infiniti FX35 for a few years.... she's ready to buy but we want to make sure that is indeed the right choice in the mid-sized car based SUV market.... Well, yesterday we go to the infiniti dealership, drive it, it's nice... we've driven it before. Connected to the INfiniti dealer is an Acura dealer. We had looked at the 2007 MDX stuff online and just didnt like the look of the front of the vehicle...... went over and looked at it and it blew us away. That front end takes some getting used too but everything else about the vehicle blows away the Infiniti. We'll look at the new Lincoln MKX when it arrives on showrooms in a few weeks, sorta curious about the GMC Acadia...as the Buick Enclave won't be out until June....... but the MDX is the shiznit. The technology, the interior, the engine... the drive. Loved it..... bad thing is that they are not budging off sticker... which is 44 and change for the one she wants.

    I like the Acadia, but girlfriend is a getting a bit full of herself (I guess I spoil her too much) and she doesnt like that GMC badge on the front or rear end. haha

    I love the Enclave and wouldnt mind trading in my 2004 Lincoln Aviator on that baby.

    Anyone know why Buick is taking six months to release the Enclave while the Outlook and Acadia are about to arrive? I've read as much material as I can get my hands on and I have not found anything that cites the reason(s) why.

    I want her to give the Acadia more of a chance but I think it's going to come down between the MDX and the Mazda CX-9.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Anyone know why Buick is taking six months to release the Enclave while the Outlook and Acadia are about to arrive? I've read as much material as I can get my hands on and I have not found anything that cites the reason(s) why.

    Engineering, development and tooling equalization. GM has cut it's manpower and capabilities in downsizeing. They cannot do everything at once. So projects are timed so that there are no huge peaks in workload. Also it is awful difficult to introduce a whole new platform in a whole new plant. Lots of bugs to work out. I am surprized they released the Saturn and GMC at the same time. The plants do want to have 6 months between major projects. Even a new powertrain can be delayed. An example is the 4 cylinder in the G6 which came out about 6 months after the G6 was introduced with the V6.

    Have her take a look at the Saturn. Has she been in a Acadia or Outlook? We would be interested in how much the one whe would buy would go for compared to the 44K MDX she picked out.
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    Not sure that GM is going out of business. Also the Tahoe, Yukon are selling without big rebates. On top of that the GM utes are no more expensive than the inferior competiton from Toyota and Honda. All full size suvs are expensive, not just GM's. At least GM makes the best in class.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Other than huge size, what does the Tahoe or Yukon have over what's offered by Honda or Toyota...especially that makes them worth $40-50K?

    Interesting reviews of the Outlook. From the photos, it looks like the 3rd row seat is pretty close to the floor. The headroom looks good but from the photo it looks like someone sitting there will have their knees up. Too bad they don't have photo with adults sitting back there.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    3rd row seat (Lamda) is very comfortable. Just as good as 2nd row (for two people). The only complaint I had was that the outboard armrest were part of the side trim and had cupholders and storage compartments where I would put my arm. Therefore you basically kept your arm in your lap.

    If I recall the floor is basically flat from front to rear where your feet are and seat height was the same. But I could be wrong about that. Would have to take another look.

    I do not know why the Hondas and Toyotas that are offered do not sell as well as the Tahoe or Yukon. Must be something wrong with them.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    GMC Acadia to recieve V8 and Denali treatment. Go to autoblog.com for more details.
  • cajun_mikecajun_mike Member Posts: 37
    GMC Acadia will get Denali treatment plus V8

    tyrsmkrr tyrsmkrr
    Posts: 76 | Joined: 8/31/2006
    Posted On: Today 01:34 PM

    After a day behind the wheel of the new GMC Acadia crossover SUV, the folks at Popular Mechanics report some new information that snuck out in a conversation with a particularly chatty GM staffer.

    He revealed that the Acadia will get the Denali treatment and, along with the usual trim level upgrades, a V8. The more interesting news is that the V8 under the hood of the Acadia Denali, and most assuredly the Buick Enclave as well, will be from an entirely new engine family being developed for transverse applications.

    He stopped short of giving up specs, but the 3.6-liter V6 as tuned for use in the new crossovers makes 275 horsepower, so figure 300+ for sure. Hey General, how about 400?

    Thanks to Ben at Popular Mechanics for the heads-up!
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Other than huge size, what does the Tahoe or Yukon have over what's offered by Honda
    Shall I go down the list?
    Towing power, a real SUV (toyota has Sequoia, but doesn't tow more than trailblazer), power, I'm gonna stop there.
    Vette- i'm am certainly not dissin' SRX- I liked it from the start. It just pales in comparison to similarly priced competitors like X5 and ML. They stretched it too many diff. ways like station wagon and crossover
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Oh I agree. It is a sporty station wagon with a bunch of luxury. It is not a truck and barely a crossover. Mostly car like.
  • brutus22brutus22 Member Posts: 122
    Hey Guys,

    Finally got what I was looking for the Autoweek review of the Outlook came in the mail yesterday, called "Full Metal Jacket"...anyone ever seen that movie good stuff..."What do we get for ten dollars?"..."Every t'ing you wan'."....
    "Everything?"..."Every t'ing."....hee hee.

    I can give some excerpts if needed of the Autoweek article. One was this "Speaking of driving-the Outlook is impressive on the road."

    This was a good review from a car friendly magazine, so I am now truly excited about this vehicle.

    B.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    Brutus,

    Did the Autoweek article have any mention of an acceleration lag as mentioned in the cars.com article (See link in message 1059). Just wondering if this is something that's going to get recurring mention - or, if it's just something the cars.com guy is particularly sensitive to.
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