🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Enclave

Year:

2008

Market:

North America (U.S. and Canada implied by 'Reporting safety defects(U.S.only)')

Platform:

GM Lambda

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle with premium features.

Key Competitors:

Ford Flex, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9

Platform Sharing:

Shares the GM Lambda platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, offering a unibody construction.

Seating Capacity:

Typically offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven or eight passengers depending on configuration.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasizes upscale styling, a quiet and refined interior, and comfortable ride quality, aligning with Buick's brand image.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety, and features

Specific Systems Mentioned:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Airfilter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories

Estimated Page Count:

Likely between 300-400 pages (typical for a full-size SUV owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Management:

Covers engine oil, battery, fuel information, and refill capacities, indicating coverage of basic powertrain operation and maintenance.

Chassis Systems:

Includes information on brakes (implied by driving and safety), steering, and suspension through general driving advice and maintenance sections.

Electrical Systems:

Details on lights, instrument cluster, and entertainment systems provide insight into electrical component operation and user interface.

Interior Features:

Extensive coverage of climate controls, locks and security, seating, and safety restraints highlights interior functionality.

Basic Maintenance:

Covers engine oil checks, battery maintenance, air filter replacement, and refill capacities, detailing routine service tasks.

Operation Guides:

Detailed sections on driver controls, entertainment systems, climate controls, and lights explain how to operate various vehicle features.

Safety Guidelines:

Includes information on seating and safety restraints, driving practices, and reporting safety defects, emphasizing occupant protection.

Troubleshooting:

While not explicitly stated as a troubleshooting guide, sections on instrument cluster warnings and general driving advice can assist in identifying minor issues.

Depth:

Focuses on user-level understanding and operation, including routine maintenance and feature usage. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Requires a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or similar.

Searchability:

PDF format generally allows for text searching, enhancing usability.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual; quality dependent on source scan and PDF conversion. Assumed to be legible for all text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.6L V6 DOHC VVT DI (Direct Injection)

Engine Code:

LLT (for DI versions, though early 2008 might have had LY7 without DI)

Horsepower:

Approx. 275 hp @ 6800 rpm (for LY7), Approx. 288 hp @ 6400 rpm (for LLT)

Torque:

Approx. 251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for LY7), Approx. 270 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for LLT)

Induction:

Naturally Aspirated

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (PFI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on specific engine variant for 2008.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 6T75

Drivetrain:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Shift Modes:

Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 202.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 78.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 68.3 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 118.9 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 154.1 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 23.2 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 61.2 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 116.2 cubic feet

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 4,614 lbs

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 4,845 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6,323 lbs (FWD) / 6,393 lbs (AWD)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,200 lbs (with trailering package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 Stars

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - often branded as StabiliTrak

Airbags Front:

Standard dual-stage frontal airbags for driver and front passenger

Airbags Side:

Standard front and rear side-curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat pretensioners

Child Seats:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

May feature a touch-screen display (e.g., DVD-based navigation system available on some trims).

Audio System:

Available Bose premium audio system, CD player, auxiliary audio input, MP3 capability.

Connectivity:

Available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.

Rearview Camera:

Available rearview camera system integrated with the infotainment display.

Parking Sensors:

Available rear parking assist sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000-45,000 miles, or sooner if driving in dusty conditions.

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific interval, often around 100,000 miles for 'lifetime' fluid, but checks and drain/fills may be recommended earlier based on usage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (GM recommends Dexos approved oil, though Dexos wasn't standard until later; refer to manual for specific GM specification like GM6094M or similar for 2008).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.0 - 5.5 quarts (with filter change)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346510 (or equivalent), typically a Dex-Cool orange long-life coolant.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (for 6T75 transmission)

Oil Filter Example:

ACDelco PF46 or equivalent (consult manual for exact part number for the specific engine and oil filter housing).

Timing Chain Tensioner:

Early 3.6L V6 engines (like the LY7) were known for potential timing chain tensioner issues, though the LLT with DI was improved. Check for rattling on startup.

Transmission Shifting:

Some owners have reported occasional rough shifting from the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Power Steering Pump:

Potential for power steering pump leaks or failure over time.

Evaporative Emission Control System Evap:

Can experience issues with the EVAP system, leading to check engine lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Buick has historically focused on providing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic but evolving to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

Introduction Year:

The Buick Enclave was introduced for the 2008 model year, marking Buick's entry into the growing crossover SUV segment.

First Generation:

The 2008 Enclave is the first generation of the model, built on the GM Lambda platform, replacing the Buick Rainier SUV.

Design Origin:

Based on the Buick Lucerne concept shown in 2005, it was designed to offer a more stylish and car-like alternative to traditional truck-based SUVs.

Manufacturing Location:

Lansing, Michigan, USA (General Motors Delta Township Assembly)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Buick Enclave received a 'Top Safety Pick' designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

While not a winner, it was a contender in the SUV of the Year awards in its debut year.