Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave

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Comments

  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I believe the seats are low to allow a flat load floor when folded. I think most buyers will have kids so the rear seats will not be an issue.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Why are no GM brands on the cross shopping list??
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "And while GM is often criticized for having too many brands and those brands cannibalizing each other, not a single GM model ranks among the top 10 vehicles cross-shopped by potential Saturn buyers across its line in Edmunds.com's analysis."

    I think this means that the analysis was limited to the top ten brands cross-shopped and no GM models made that cut.

    You could go to Auto Observer and ask Michelle yourself if you like.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I sent a message to Michelle.
  • ppalonskyppalonsky Member Posts: 34
    Since I bought my Acadia one month ago I have received two follow up calls from GM (and one from the selling dealership). The first was from a person who said they worked on the manufacturing line where the car was built. She asked how I liked the car and if I had any questions on it's operation. The second call was from someone who said they worked with GM's engineering group and wanted to know if I had any problems with the vehicle. They asked if there were any problems with the car which bothered me and then went through a checklist of major items and asked specifically if I had any issues with each. I don't remember ever getting a follow up call other than from the dealership on past car purchases, let alone two. My feeling from the 2nd call was GM wanted to identify any issues customers were seeing early and fix them. Made me feel GM was really on top of quality with this new vehicle launch. In anycase I haven't had a single issue with my Acadia yet, but still it is nice to see GM so proactive.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    These follow up phone calls started about 5 years ago at GM with newly introduced vehicles.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,686
    Reminds me of a call last night out of the blue from the Roche company re a call about blood testing device problem the day before. Items sent FedEx next day delivery and that evening I get an assessment call about the phone person (like car salesman in our discussion here)-not equipment for blood sugar testing - and how everything was handled by the phone bank person. I was also told I may be getting a call from management to follow up on the checkup call???? to verify its validity, I assume. WOW.

    They also had a good set of questions that were right on topic--not like CSIs for salespeople where the F&I guy can cost you a good report.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • smarcsmarc Member Posts: 7
    I think you bring up a good point, however, anyone over 5' tall will be kissing their kneecaps when sitting in the second row. I think it is a shame and probably poor engineering not to make the "second" row adult comfortable.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    however, anyone over 5' tall will be kissing their kneecaps when sitting in the second row

    That is a bit much. I am 5'10 and I did not find it the most comfortable seating postition but it was surely NOT not comfortable.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,126
    Always a tradeoff - I'm 6'5" and my reaction was that it had great headroom.
  • rcegglrceggl Member Posts: 31
    How can one prefer things on the Enclave, when, in fact, the vehicle is not even available. I just don't understand you people.
  • tdiidmantdiidman Member Posts: 35
    What's with you, rceggl? The features the Enclave will have have been widely distributed and people are just comparing and contrasting the features of the different vehicles that have influenced their buying decision or are likely to do so in the future. That is, after all, the purpose of this forum.
  • lakerunner4hlakerunner4h Member Posts: 37
    Thanks for the note. I obviously didn't explain my comments well. At the Chicago Auto Show, I sat in the back seat of 2 GMC Acadias and a Saturn Outlook. Since the Enclave has the same internal dimensions as the Acadia & Outlook, I extrapolated my take on the rear seat room & comfort from the two vehicles in which we could sit to the Enclave, which was a static model only. I did sit in another SRX there to confirm that the rear seat is higher and does provide more legroom. In terms of overall features and front seat comfort, the Enclave comes out slightly ahead in my book. Again, that said, my wife may indeed prefer the SRX due to styling differences and other things -- such as the power adjustable pedals that she really likes in her Ranier -- that my tip the decision to the SRX.
  • smarcsmarc Member Posts: 7
    My wife and I both spent extended time sitting in the second row of both the Outlook and the Acadia when we visited the auto show. Seeing these vehicles was one of my priorities in visiting the auto show. I liked everything about the vehicles except when I sat in the second row. Both of us felt that the back seat was extremely low and very uncomfortable. Now, of course I was exagerating when I said that "anyone over 5' will be kissing their kneecaps", but I do think it is a poor design and will cost GM some sales. I was just very surprised that the SRX, a much smaller vehicle and older design had a much more comfortable second row.
  • cwaynecwayne Member Posts: 81
    I sat for a short time in gmc's acadia. I would need the rear camera as you really can't see out of the back window.
  • music287music287 Member Posts: 116
    At the Cleveland Auto Show we saw that the Outlook and Acadia 2nd row bench seat had a fold down arm rest/cup holder. The Enclave people weren't sure if their version also had that feature rather than just being a bench.

    Can anyone confirm that the Enclave 2nd row bench seat will have a fold down arm rest? BTW, the 2nd row bench, which preserves the easy entry to the third row is a credit option, meaning it costs $409 (invoice) less than the buckets!

    Jay
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    If the outlook and Acadia have the armrest the Enclave will to. Same tooling.
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    Saturn says it is now addressing a problem with transmission hesitation in its new Outlook SUV. "We found in our test Outlook that there was a slow reaction when the accelerator was depressed, and that raised safety concerns. " :P
    Three months running and a recall for sensors in the air bag, a possible recall for faulty motor mounts and now engine lag problems. Before anyone asks this silly question "Is this REALLY GM's fault?". :sick:

    WELLLL I guess maybe we could blame Ford or Chrysler but frankly I think they have enough problems of there own. So I guess the only logical answer would be YES. :shades:
  • bobfishbobfish Member Posts: 48
    I think its funny, if a company doesn`t do something about problems it finds with its product people complain and if they address the problems people still complain???? :confuse:
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    Excellent point ;)
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    The rule of thumb is never purchase a 1st year vehicle. Unfortunately timing and likabilility always comes into play and people end up doing it. There will always be inherent problems with first model year vehicles. I sure will never purchase a first year vehicle again. I got burnt on the 2002 rendezvous (what a piece of work). If people are interested in this vehicle great, but it is always best to wait a year or so until all the bugs are worked out and that goes for any new vehicle GM, Mazda, honda, toyota..etc.

    ;)
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    I had the same exact experience with my 2002 RDV :sick:
  • hortahorta Member Posts: 11
    OK here is information I have on the Enclave Second row seats and second row center console. These are some exurbs of emails I received from the Buick Product manager. I hope this help.

    The second row console may not be added after assembly as there are different floor brackets, wiring (it has an auxiliary power outlet), carpet and acoustic treatments. In fact when the vehicle is built with a console the Captains Chairs in the second row do not have armrests as the console is the armrest (occupies the same space). Vehicles without the 2nd row console get different 2nd row Captains Chairs with inside armrest (some folks really want the ability of walk through the center even though we have Smartslide seats).

    There are no plans as of now to offer the console after production due to all the changes.

    It is looking like late summer before the console will be ready.

    In the console there are two large storage areas one in the top and one in the bottom for storage that can hold way more than the rear DVD headphones and remote - and as you mention it flips in half toward the front to become part of the load floor. The pictures you have seen are first off parts and we still have to sweat out the details on the execution but it looks really good and will be very functional.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    go over to the Toyota Camry site where they have had this problem with all 07's, some Lexus, etc. and Toyota claims this is the way it is supposed to operate. At least GM is steping up to the plate. Better than the [non-permissible content removed] that everyone thinks is so great and can do no wrong. :P
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    Both the transmission and airbag issues are simple software problems that can be fixed in minutes by the dealer with a simple computer flash update. Big freakin' deal.
  • jsantangelojsantangelo Member Posts: 13
    B/c some people aren't happy unless they are complaining.

    A previous poster was correct..comapnies do nothing to fix an issue, customers comaplain.

    They fess up to an issue and fix it and people complain.

    Personally, I love the Acadia. And unlike most people who post here, I own one.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Who was the buick product manager?
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    By acknowledging the problem, Consumer Reports can hit them up for 3 problems per vehicle. This might be enough to give an unsatisfactory rating.

    By stonewalling, you have a perfect car!!!!!!!!!!
  • music287music287 Member Posts: 116
    It's a minor point but, I can't access this forum through the regular Forum->Buick route. Since as of March 1 one can order an Enclave (I know, because I did!) can we make it easier to get to this forum?
    Also, how does one become a "member" of a forum?
    Thanks! :)

    Jay
  • hortahorta Member Posts: 11
    Timothy E. Okenka
    Buick Product Mgr
  • steve38steve38 Member Posts: 11
    Picked up a brand new AWD loaded loaded OUTLOOK. It has everything except NAV and auto rear door opener. No need for it. I ordered White with the Beige Interior to go with my wifes 07 FX35 same colour.

    Some comments thus far. I am a 42 yr old male with two kids and a Golden Retriever. We drive 6 hrs to our cottage 15 times per year.
    I bought it for the size and the fact that after 6 SUV's in a row (Explorer, Expedition, Escalade, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, FX35) I wanted something more refined AND the Porsche was too small as was the new MDX and BMW. I got a two year lease.

    Price was what I consider good as I received GM Employee Discount from a family member. The last GM car I bought was an Escalade from 2001. Last SUV to this was 04 Durango Ltd with HEMI and I loved that truck better than ANYTHING I have owed. I also own an AWD TT (just so you know what kind of person I am). I like a sporty ride. I think this looks WAY better than the Acadia and I did NOT want the Buick as it is just an Infiniti FX35 want-to-be.

    My findings.

    This is very 'mini-van like. I have a 4000 pound boat so this barely will be able to tow it. I bought it for the size. I LOVE the look and the size.

    - I bought the best radio available. It sucks like you will NOT believe. I am replacing speakers and putting in amp next week. TERRIBLE. Brutal. Those are compliments. BTW: When I bought my Durango with the Infinity Sound System I drove it for 2 days before spending $2K on speakers and AMPS. It was terrible too. HOWEVER, I listed to the Acadia stereo which offers BOSE and it was WAY WAY better than the OUTLOOK. Why doesn't Saturn not offer BOSE?
    - looks amazing and fit/fish is perfect. Love the ceiling lights as they do not bother driver at night.
    - got captains chairs in 2nd row. Kids love them.
    - The left/right blinker stalk has a hard sharp plastic end on the end. Feel it. It is terible quality feel. All are like this. I checked.
    Some buttons like the fan could be bigger too. Hard to press the correct button some times. If you had big fat-butt fingers...good luck.
    - Drives like a mini-van...and YES the engine it hesitates.
    - Again...if you think this will drive like a truck...WRONG. It drives like a mini van.
    - No Bluetooth in this truck?????????? What??? Why not??? That is dumb.
    - The lumbar (which moves up and down) is not really very 'puffy' when fully inflated. I am only 160 pounds, so maybe that is why.
    - My wife just noticed that her passenger seat does not go up and down??????? What?? I need to confirm. That is dumb. We bought the high end seat package. Also, my Durango passenger didn't go up and down either. Stupid North American mfrs again. On her brand new 07 FX35, the seats do everything on both front seats. She also had an 04 FX35 and it did too. Hmmmm. Stupid.
    - I love the way the third row head rests drop when you fold the seats down.
    - I find it confsuing how the 2nd row folds. Maybe colour co-ordinated inbstrucions on the side of seat would be nice.
    - I did not spend the $900 or so on the autoopening rear door. Why? I am 42 and will own this for 24 months. That would cost me $ 100 every time I actually DID need it. That being said - MAN o MAN that tail gate is heavy to shut. If you are buying this for your wife, try it at the dealership with a bag on your arm. (not your old-lady either - HAHA - I had to say that. Sorry to all the ladies...)
    - Engine. They had better fix mine. I am concerned about LAG. That said, I did try using the shifter up and down. It works GREAT. Shifts manually very nice. However, the position of the shift again makes it feel like a mini van. I think it is the height of the shifter itself. Very tall. I would like it more sporty like the FX35.
    - Quiet. Shhh. It is very quiet.
    - I've noticed it tracks very nice in wind. Straight. Should be great on highway. I will let you know.
    - My wife's girl friends are telling me that I am compensating for something with the size onthe huge truck. Little do they know...but honestly it is BIG. It is perfect. (and I will call it a truck...as I HATE mini-vans)

    My 48 conclusion is this. I think I will love this after I ditch the crappy speakers and put in 300 watts or so. However, honestly, I already know that I bought the 2 year lease simply becuase I will then be months away from an all new 7 passenger Porsche - and with this very wimpy motor and somewhat mini-van feel...I know I will be very ready to get out of it in 2009.

    We will see. I DID loved the Durango. I kept it for 3 years which is long for me. I LOVED IT. However I only got $18K Canadain $$ for the thing when I traded it in and it cost me $ 55. My wife's 2004 FX35 which we bought the same day was worth $40K on trade in and cost her $ 60K. Foreign cars hold their value.

    So - my take it...lease this thing. It will loose a fortune.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    thanks, he is the one and only!
  • cwaynecwayne Member Posts: 81
    I have had many general motors autos over 50 years and have had little trouble with any of them. I bought a new 2004 lexus rx330 and liked it enough to buy a 2006 rx300. The 2004 had 3 factory recalls. tail light, some problem with brakes, and radiator replacement, the 06 has been perfect thru 8000 miles. both lexus cars transmission has a lag when stopping at a stop sigh and taking off right away. The american car makers are not perfect and nether are the the imports. I will be in the market for one of the 3 vehicals in this forum in about 2 years.
  • jsantangelojsantangelo Member Posts: 13
    Can I ask a dumb question....

    Did u test drive or even take an extendedlook at this vehicle before you leased??

    Sounds like you dislike a lot of things about it and are counting the months until you are out.

    If you wanted a step up in materials , layout and radio you should have gone with the Acadia.

    Personally, think it looks muchbetter than the Outlook and that horrid front grill. Ifthey broke it up a little more it would look nicer and possibly btter than the Acadia.
  • nxs138nxs138 Member Posts: 481
    Toyota has had a known lag issue on their cars for quite a while now, and has done nothing to fix it. The new Passat had a similar lag issue, which was fixed (or nearly fixed) with a software patch less than 4 months after owners started to complain.

    So Toyota/Lexus has done nothing to address the issue, which I suspect wasn't fixed because owners didn't yell loud enough. I would think GM owners will yell loud enough to get this problem fixed, and I believe GM is actually aware of the problem and is taking steps to fix it. That's one better than Toyota...
  • steve38steve38 Member Posts: 11
    I took a very short test drive. Had I taken a much longer ride, I actually still think I would have bought it...as I am SICK of driving SUV's and have driven the new Tahoe as well as the Commander and both were so so.

    If the Tahoe has a 4-wheel drive Hybrid coming (it will be only 2-wheel) I would have waited to get it. I waited for the new MDX and BMW so see if they would be big enough, but they were not. Again I drive 6 hours to cottage 20 times + per year and I need loads of room. I like mini vans for SIZE and mileage but NOT for looks or safetly.

    I think the Outlook will have great safety and becuase of that, I am willing to get over the 24 months very well. Again, the stereo SPEAKERS blow chunks. Complete crap. Cannot say ANYTHING good about these speakers. Pure junk junk junk. And no there is nothing wrong with them. Take a CD with you and turn it up. CRAP. Take it to the BOSE in the Acadia. It sounds good.

    So, for $ 1000, I will solve the problem. New amp and speakers. DONE.
  • hortahorta Member Posts: 11
    Jay

    So you say you ordered one? I ask because I have had a deposit with my local dealer since Feb 5th but they say they can not place a order to GM yet? At the same time Steve Shannon from GM said Dealers can place orders? I am about to take my deposit money back from this dealer if they are not looking out for me. AT the same time though i don't wish to screw myself since they are the closest Buick Dealer and where I will be taking it in for service.

    please let me know. You can email me directly at:
    Jerry.Horta@motorola.com
  • music287music287 Member Posts: 116
    Jerry,

    By dumb luck, we walked into the local dealer (who happens to be an internet "Free quote" dealer...) on March 3, going directly from the local auto show. Our contract doesn't have prices on it yet. The price column is marked W/A whatever that means. Nevertheless, the dealer stated that we got one of the two Enclaves he's apparently been allotted, at $-- over invoice. Since we cancelled our CX-9 order we're holding our breath until we have the firm printed contract in hand. (The dealer has our $1K down payment...)

    I'd say it's time to contact your dealer although I don't know if GM has released their prices yet. Let me/us know if you get 'em. I'll do the same! :)

    Jay
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    AT the same time though i don't wish to screw myself since they are the closest Buick Dealer and where I will be taking it in for service

    The Service Department is where the Dealer makes his money. Not in the sale of the CUV. So I don't think that will happen :shades:
  • hortahorta Member Posts: 11
    Jay

    Ok so it sounds you have the same thing I do, a "Deposit" for an Enclave. Not a true order with the factory with an order number and all. That makes since now.

    Now the allocation part does come as a surprise because my dealer has not told me at all about allocation they are getting.

    Other question for you is did you specifiy what options you want, or did you just want a CX or CXL or whatever they get? I am ordering a fully loaded CXL FWD (meaning rear DVD, NAV, Sunroof, plus every other option)

    Last question for you is do you want the center rear console? If yes then you and I will be waiting for a while.

    Jerry
  • selooseloo Member Posts: 606
    Please explain the advantage of putting down a deposit without an invoice and factory order number?

    Did you already negotiate a good price for the car?

    If not, I believe it puts the buyer at a serious disadvantage for price negotiations. Unless the buyer is willing to pay full MSRP?

    What are the terms of the deposit? Is it refundable and under what circumstances? How much is the deposit?

    Deposits are one of the oldest tricks used by a car salesman.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I think right now Enclaves can be had at MSRP only since they are not out yet and the Lamdas are all selling very well.
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    That would surprise me, but you never know. Acadia's can be had for invoice in many/most locations so I would be surprised if dealers could get MSRP for an Enclave in those same markets.
  • barryo2barryo2 Member Posts: 18
    Not True. Davesmithmotors.com is one of many online retailers, that offer all cars at $500 under invoice. They can take orders. I am sure there are many others. My local buick dealer was willing to go at invoice - $100, but I felt bad for him, as he did a nice job of trying to sell me an Arcadia, so I gave him invoice + $100 for my enclave, which I have on preorder. All I had to do was mention I had an internet site that was willing to go under invoice to get him to move.

    Not sure if this works everywhere, but dealers love pre-orders, as they do not have to carry any inventory charges, and they get special treatment if they make an early sale.
  • selooseloo Member Posts: 606
    Good post!

    Just for clarification, that price is invoice +$100 then minus all incentives, correct?

    With this pricing, why would someone purchase the Outlook at MSRP?

    I have never put down a deposit on a car, I just ask my local dealer to order the car with my specs.
  • music287music287 Member Posts: 116
    Jerry,

    I did specify what options I wanted and the dealer gave us a printout of the contract w/o prices. It states: "$-- over invoice." OTOH, I do feel a little nervous...hopefully I'll get a formal contract soon.

    We decided to get the bench seat since it retains the 40-20-40% folding seats for access to the third row and is actually a +$400 credit. (It also gives us a potential eighth seat.) Too, the center console for the 2nd row will NOT be available as an add-on. My understanding is that the carpeting and attachment points will be different. IOW, if you want a 2nd row center console you'll have to wait to order it from the factory!

    Jay
  • rossdmrossdm Member Posts: 56
    I'm starting to look around for a replacement for my '03 Pilot. The Acadia looks interesting (I haven't seen one in person yet), but I'm almost afraid that I will like it. I don't think I could pull the trigger on a GM product, let alone a first-year one. Been burned by American cars too many times in the past on reliability. Haven't had ONE problem with my Pilot in 4 1/2 years and 78K miles, despite buying a first-year model. Gonna look at the CX-9 too, but I'll bet I'll end up with another Pilot...

    Oh well...there's something to be said for boring but reliable...

    Dave
  • budibudi Member Posts: 41
    "Oh well...there's something to be said for boring but reliable..."

    There is something to be said for under-functional as well. :)
    The ingress and egress of the Pilot/MDX along with the joke of the third row seat scratched it off our shopping list.
    I currently own a GM car(CTS) and previously owned a 97 Pontiac.
    I have had good reliability and a low cost of ownership on both of the vehicles.
  • barryo2barryo2 Member Posts: 18
    There is no info on the incentives that will arrive when the Enclave comes out. The dealer is in the dark as much as the rest of us. The incentives would reduce my price. I did negotiate that thew would pay any advertising fee required at sale time, and not pass it to me.

    The deposit is just to get him to make sure he orders my options I want. Its 1K. I get 500 back if i decide to pull out at any time up until I take delivery, and I can apply the full 1K towards another car he has. Its on a GM card so this helps.

    I will check out the enclave at the Minneapolis auto show this week. Anyone want photos.
  • rossdmrossdm Member Posts: 56
    I don't find the ingress/egress nor the space in the third seat of my Pilot to be a problem. Of course, we don't use it that much, and when we do it's usually the kids back there. I've been back there for a couple of short trips (I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs) in town and it wasn't too bad. I wouldn't want to spend 8 hours back there, but for short trips it's fine.

    Dave
This discussion has been closed.