Looking back on last year I realized that the first car that we got through the ambassador program was a GMC Acadia, a sister vehicle to the Buick Enclave that we got this time. While we loved the Acadia, it was certainly out of our price range. The Enclave was no different, with a sticker price just north of $46,000. This particular model didn't have a sunroof or the entertainment system (DVD player for the kids). It did have heated/cooled front seats, a power liftgate, a remote start, and lots of other standard features. The only two options were the navigation system and the towing package.

    While Tara & I had been leaning towards purchasing a Chevrolet Cruze for our next vehicle, another weekend with a Traverse/Acadia/Enclave class vehicle may have changed our minds. Fuel economy is the big draw for the Cruze, but based on our mileage this weekend in the Enclave we wouldn't be losing too much - when I turned the Enclave in the trip computer read 19.9mpg, and we currently average around 22mpg in the van. A difference of 2mpg isn't ideal, but it won't break the budget like moving up to a Chevrolet Suburban would. We did much worse with the Denali, but that was an AWD model, so I am 100% certain that I would choose a FWD model if given the choice. When push comes to shove, we just aren't sure that we are ready to give up having a "family car" - buying a Cruze would force us to drive the truck any time that all six of us go someplace as a family.

    Overall we were quite pleased with the car. The kids had no problem getting in and out of it, including into the third row of seating. We took it to Traverse City for a weekend, and we had no problem getting all of our stuff inside - including Drew's hockey equipment bag. While his bag took up a lot of our room in the back end and forced us to put some stuff between the seats and on the floor, this likely wouldn't be a typical situation for us. I, however, could do without the wood in the dash and on the steering wheel... that is definitely not my favorite look - it makes me feel old, and I am old enough already!

2012 Buick Enclave
	A look through the steering wheel at the dashboard.
	A close-up look at the instrument panel.
	The center stack, including the navigation system.
	The shifter, cup holders, and storage areas are located in the center console as well.
	The second row of seats. This model had bucket seats. Some have seating for 8, which puts a bench here.
	The third row of seating.
	A look at the outside of the Enclave.
	The side view.
	A look at the rear 3/4 view.
	The back of the Enclave
	The Buick logo on the rear hatch.
	The Buick had turn signals in the mirrors, portholes on the hood, and HID headlights that turned with the vehicle.
	The front of the Enclave.
	A look at the rear storage area.