On May 2007, Buick launched their new SUV model for 2008: the Buick Enclave. Buick is a division of General Motors. This new model is partly based on Buick Centieme and is a full-size luxury crossover SUV. Buick Enclave replaced other Buick SUV’s like the minivan-based Rendezvous, the truck-based Rainer, as well as the Terraza minivan. Similar to the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave also uses the new GM Lambda platform.

The Buick Enclave has a seating capacity of 7 passengers, and has an optional second row bench. This increases its seating capacity to eight. It has almost the same platform and mechanical underpinning with the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. Though, it comes with a standard front-wheel drive with an option of an all wheel drive.

The Enclave also shares power trains with its Lambda siblings. On its first year of production, the Enclave was powered by a 275 hp (205 kW) 3.6 L High Feature V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. And according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency this direct-injection engine is praised 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. While the 2009 model, have 3.6L V6 SIDI (direct injected) VVT with 286 hp (213 kW) and 255ft. lb (346 N.m) of torque standard.

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.

Enclave was considered the largest unibody vehicle because it is 1inch (25mm) longer than its Lambda sibling. Many people admired the Enclave because of its subsequently huge cargo space maintaining its dynamic nature of unibody construction. It is also considered as on of the quietest vehicle available in the United States. It is also often referred to as the best vehicle GM ever made. It is also being praised for its good looks.

But because of its 6-speed transmission, the Enclave was often criticized because of its uncertain downshift. On 2009, its power train was even more competent having more abundant torque. For its entire production, weighing nearly 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) with all-wheel-drive it has been regarded as too heavy.

Yes, you may have heard a lot of positive feedback about the 2004 Buick Rendezvous.However, we have to understand the fact that every vehicle will have its own pros and cons. If you are planning of getting the 2004 Rendezvous, take time to browse on what some owners have to say about the vehicle’s performance.

Browse on some of the downfalls and get a fair insight before finally making a decision whether or not to purchase one.

Owner No. 1 – Things were doing really great but after driving around 32k miles, the transmission started slipping. By the 34k mile, I started to hear weird noises – groaning noises which came from the differential. This happens every time I make a slow turn. By the 40k mile, the computer died. I could no longer get the car to start so the only option left was to have it towed and get a replacement of the computer. The only option I had was to have it replaced. The car maintenance is also expensive. For the differential’s fluid flush, I had to pay $185.

Owner 2 – All I can say is the 2004 Rendezvous have huge side mirrors. Now, I find it hard to check cars turning towards me. The brakes can also seem very awful at certain times.

Owner 3 – I think the cons about having the 2004 Rendezvous revolve around three things – the back hatch, the lights and the cargo area. First, the lights. I am truly happy that the light has its own auto feature. But then again, let’s admit the fact that there are times when we just want to drive with the lights off. Drivers only have two options – “on” and “auto” buttons. Had there been the “off” button, things would have been a lot easier. Second, the back hatch. There are times when I hear squeaking from the back hatch. The noise is even clearer when the radio is switched off and when you’re driving bumpy roads. Third, the cargo area. I think the seats fold down too much eating up all of my cargo space. The seats just do not seam to fold flat.

Owner 4 – The large side mirrors seem to be quite a problem to me. So far, the Buick’s mirrors are the largest that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I use the big mirrors when I back up. Backing up is a bit difficult since because of the car’s rear windows. Since I cannot fully see what’s behind me, I rely on the side mirrors instead.

All vehicles will always have its own pro’s and con’s. If you have been eyeing the 2004 Buick Rendezvous, make sure to check out online reviews about the model. The internet offers a wide range of fair reviews that eager buyers may consider before finally deciding to make a purchase.