2013 and 2014 Buick Encore Review and Road Test with IntelliLink Infotainment Review

[@pioneer7777777]

Thanks! I actually have become fond of Buick's after inheriting a 1997 Regal that is still going strong. It has over 200,000 miles, still runs great and dominates winter weather. That 16 year old V6 still gets 25-26 MPG combined so it's not the worst in the world, and it has power everything, sunroof, leather, aftermarket premium audio etc. Not bad for a car that's valued under $3,000.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks for the feedback! It's good to hear that we're on the right track!

[@billdefalco7015]

After 50,000 Totally Enjoyable and Trouble-Free Driving, I am absolutely thrilled with my AWD 2014 Encore and I'm getting over 30.5 average mpg, which is exceptional for an AWD car. I love the big SUV look and feel behind the wheel, along with the nimble handling and the smooth quiet ride. I love driving it! - It's Best Car I've Ever owned!

[@billdefalco9380]

My 2014 AWD Buick Encore has the stunning Silver Cocoa Metallic exterior finish as seen in this video. It has got to be one of the best and most fun to drive cars I've ever owned. With 250 pounds of tools neatly stowed in the rear storage area, and with Prolong Engine Treatment in the Engine and Prolong Transmission Treatment in the Transmission - I have been averaging a Very Impressive 30.9 Miles Per Gallon! Incredible for an All Wheel Drive Vehicle! The Prolong has also made the Transmission shift so much more smoothly, and it has given the engine a very noticeable power boost that make it accelerate up to speed much faster, and also greatly improved the passing power. The handling is excellent and the car is Very Quiet - such a Pleasure to drive! I love the Blind Spot Alerts built in to both of the outside Rear View Mirrors and the Cross-Traffic Alert for the Rear Vision Camera System for backing up - an advanced Side-Scanning Radar system that warns you of traffic that's coming at you before it comes into the view of the Rear Vision Camera image. The warning comes in the form of a Blinking and Beeping Red Triangle that appears on the side of the video display from where the traffic is coming at you. Though this Cross Traffic Alert feature was formerly introduced on the 2015 models - I was so excited to find that it was included on the end of the 2014 model year vehicle, which I got a great deal on as a brand new vehicle in my dealer's show room. The turning radius is incredible and the overall driving experience is WOW ! - Remarkable! Do I sound excited ? You Bet I Am - about my 2014 AWD Buick Encore!

[@coolguy6233]

I have a 2015 Buick Encore and it is my first car. I love driving it and I especially love the brown interior, which my Encore also has as well. I especially like how comfortable the steering wheel is and how the steering wheel has a dark brown color, like the Exterior of my Encore, which is ALSO dark brown.

[@rickhamilton620]

Great review, as always! About that Tonneau cover, on the Encore (and related Sonic) you can store it behind the rear seat, it slides down behind it once detached.

[@socalguy97]

They're selling like crazy in SoCal. I'm seeing them quite a bit. I don't think videos and pictures are doing it justice. It seemed much nicer to me in person. I recently took my car in for an oil change (I have a Buick Regal) and I jumped into an Encore and thought it looked fantastic inside and out....just doesn't seem to photograph or video as well. So I'd say if you like what you see here, then you might want to see one in person. I'd consider one next time I'm buying.

[@wendyheit1]

I loved your review, except for the dissing of the Buick brand! I bought my 02' Buick Rendezvous brand new (at the cool age of 41 ;) & I still LOVE IT My Rendezvous is the bomb- with its heads up display, backup sensors & onboard air compressor! My 20 yr old niece loved it so much she got one too! My Dad was a lifetime GM employee & lover of ALL Cars. He drove ALL makes & models. I am so glad I was never taught to look down on Buicks--or I would've missed out on some real quality vehicles.

[@Gordio283]

This video review is significantly better than any written review I could find for this car! Good job.

[@socalguy97]

I'm 34 and I love my Buick. And, honest to God, I traded from a 325i to a brand new Regal. Love it! Totally my kind of car and I'm glad the brand is making positive changes.

[@baronvonjo1929]

How has it been going 9 year laters?

[@socalguy97]

@@baronvonjo1929 Totally went fine. I had a Regal Turbo at the time I wrote comment. I traded it two years ago for a Lexus as Buick no longer makes sedans. I had no issues at all with the Buick. Totally fine after 274,000 miles, but I serviced regularly at the dealer during all scheduled intervals, so I’m sure that lended itself ti the reliability.

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@socalguy97 Sweet.

[@worldtakes]

I've watched many car reviews over the years and I just wanted to say that you do a very good job at it. I watched about 95% of your review just skipping over some of the details about the cars computer details. I like how you include your opinion on the actual comfort of the seats in the vehicle because I feel that many new cars sometimes have too rigid or stiff seats, in my opinion. Also I like how you do a brief comparison to other vehicles in the same class/price range, with your opinion.

[@koreysylver9276]

I’m so glad that my very first car, at 16, was a Buick Skylark. And I drove myself and my high school friends to school and events daily with no “old man car” talk. Makes me fully comfortable with the brand, regardless of outside views

[@karianaruiz9546]

I love the encore. I bought this and im just 19. I ve been told its more for the older class but i love it. Its a good size for my little family .

[@danicanyon4201]

Kariana Ruiz what year model? are you still happy with it? which engine did u get? does it still get up and go??

[@thaolynguyen2833]

How do you enjoy it so far? I'm planing on getting one as well but not so many good reviews out there and it's kinda hesitate me a bit.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The style isn't everyone's cup of tea, and the 1.4L engine isn't very quick, but you can fit four adults inside with ease, the fuel economy is above average as is the build quality. My only beefs were the silly ventiports on the hood and my inability to computer the phrase "desirable Buick." Buick's longer warranty should be kept in mind as well on the plus side.

[@pioneer7777777]

Thanks for the reply! I'm actually trying to push her towards a more fuel efficient vehicle since she plans on doing some road trips in her retirement so a smaller vehicle like the Encore would seem to fit the bill. She wants to hook up a bike rack and be able to fit golf clubs into the back. I'd like to see her in a Focus Hatchback or C-Max but she is gung-ho about a crossover and buying American. I think I'd like to push the Encore as the best choice if she must have an SUV. We'll see!

[@kelleredison]

I feel that Buick is coming out with some very interesting products! I to had some hesitation around considering a Buick sitting in my garage, but with the advent of the Verano & the Buick Regal GS I just might put that GM product in the garage after all...Thank you for your review of the Buick Encore, and always, nicely done!

[@NickHsieh]

Great and thorough review. I actually just decided to subscribe after watching both your 2013 & 2016 Buick Encore reviews. I wanted to note, though, that in this review the written notes say the engine is 140-hp, has overboost (also mentioned in the video), and uses direct injection. It does not. The engine is indeed the same one as used in the Sonic & Cruze, however, the Family0 LUJ/LUV is port injected, makes 138-hp, and from what I can find searching online, it doesn't have overboost. I'd love to be proven wrong about the overboost feature, though. Any documentation on that? Thanks for a great review!

[@jacobreed47]

Good review, just wondering why you would not ever buy a Buick? Im a young person,32 yo. and I own 2. a 201 enclave CXL and a 2012 Regal GS Turbo AWD. Honestly these are first GM vehicles because I am a Mazda guy. But I am enjoying these Buick very much. They are great so far. Thanks again.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I just can't think of Buick without remembering my parent's old Buicks when I was growing up. It's not the car, it's my mental image of a Buick owner.

[@tc1uscg65]

+Acuravigor47 Not only that, do they not know that some people may not want a car that is 97% built in and by parts from Korea (and China)? 3% American/Canadian parts is not my idea of buying an "American" car, regardless what badges they stick on it. I've been poking around and now wonder if I should have visited the local KIA dealer for a sportage.

[@MasterJim2020]

Acuravigor47 I have a 2015 Buick Encore and I’m almost 21 years old. The Encore is actually my 1st GM vehicle, because obviously since I’m 20, it’s my first car. My car also has the same Saddle and Mocha Brown Combination Interior that this one in the video has and I prefer this interior color, a lot more than the other 2 interior color choices the car has. There are some things that I also like about the Chevrolet Trax (the Encore’s GM Twin from Chevy), as well. But there are 2 things that I like better inside of the Encore than in the Trax. One of those things being the interior in the Encore itself, especially with the attention to detail in the Brown Interior (like Alex was just mentioning), and the other thing being the gauge cluster inside of the Encore. I mean, I get that both the Encore and the Trax are based on the Chevrolet Sonic, but what I really don’t understand is why can’t GM just use the same simple gauge cluster that is in the Encore for the Trax. The Trax is Chevy’s rebadged version of the Encore anyways; so I don’t think it would hurt just to have the Encore’s same gauge cluster in the Trax too, especially because the cluster in the Encore gives you more information about the car and not to mention, it doesn’t look stupid like the Trax’s gauge cluster does. 😅

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'm almost embarrassed to say how much I liked the Encore, it's a very well built CUV with a low price and excellent feature set, if you are looking for something small that is. The Escape is great but gets expensive quickly. If she is looking for something larger, check out the GMC Terrain and Google for info on the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The style is polarizing but the car looks to have a good blend of tech, fuel economy and, knowing Chrysler, pricing.

[@thorazine5447]

I'm liking what Buick is doing lately.

[@wendyheit1]

To each his own---I couldn't disagree with you more! I have never seen the elusive Encore in person yet so I really appreciated his in depth look at the whole interior! The interior is super important to me & he gave an amazingly thorough review for someone like me who is in the market for one of these.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

I'm 45 and maybe it's just me, but it doesn't bother me that Buick used to be known as the "old person's" car. It's 2015. Car companies are constantly redefining themselves with their vehicles. It never entered my mind to eliminate a Buick based on the idea that they only make cars for people older than me. With that said, a questionable reliability history is more what concerns me.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I think that for people of a certain age buying a Buick means you're getting old. It has nothing to do with Buick's latest offerings (I really likes the Encore), it is Buick's past and image. If they keep making cars like they have been, that image will shift.

[@grizzlydan8]

I don't understand the references by commenters implying poor buick quality. Buick has had better quality than most american and european cars for ever, especially in the Buick LaSabre. Look at the price of the unreliable BMW's then tell me the price of the Encore is too high. I don't own one yet, but it will be high on my list when it is time to go car shopping. I do think that Alex has The best auto reviews on the internet.

[@screenplayhouse4932]

dan andy I agree that Alex rules. This video sold me on my new Ruby Red 2015 Buick Encore. Regarding the perception of poor Buick quality, I've been a child of Consumer Reports since the 80s. My memory may be strained at this point, but generally speaking few American car companies top the overall quality list. Honda and Toyota simply ruled the world for some time, rending American cars as less reliable and more expensive: a really BAD combination. Just this year or last, Buick bumped over Honda. That was eye opening for me. At that point I couldn't have cared less if Buick was a 'granny' brand. The exterior is slick and efficient 'Japanese' design. Only when you get inside this car does it dawn on you it's American. Buick's biggest problem here is the brand name. In China it's considered a 'Cadillac' brand and is selling like dumplings, but in America it's an 'old' brand doing a quarter of that business. I'm so smitten with my Encore I'd tell Buick to do something kind of funny. To create a 'Scion' like spin off brand within GM. Perhaps sold on Chevy lots. I'd call it ENCORE. The entire brand. And what it would do is sell a handful of small cars like Scion. The trim level would be between the Chevy and the Buick. Instead of the six trim levels that exist now, there would only be three: Trax trim, 'Encore' trim, Buick trim. My reasoning here is that Chevy isn't the greatest brand either. Encore trim/brand would allow biased buyers to proclaim it ain't a 'cheesy' Chevy or a 'granny' Buick. Hell, it could even simply be Opel or Vauxhall if need be. Simple rebranding wouldn't be enough, however. I believe a mid-tier 'Encore' brand would need to DEFINITELY be different and undeniably skew young. Ever see the interior of a Fiat? That's what my Encore brand would look like. Instead of fake wood plastics, bold red or yellow or white fiberglassy plastic. The car would intentionally scare off older folks who weren't hip and mid-American family types. Seeya. If this idea sounds wacky -- remember the Trax/Encore was born of this idea in the first place. The concept Trax was part of three cars clearly copying Scion's initial line up. www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/chevrolet-trax-beat-and-groove-concepts#16

[@coolguy6233]

I drive a 2015 Buick Encore, and it’s actually my first vehicle. And the Encore is actually a great first car, in my opinion. It’s very practical and stylish. And my Dad and I were able to put the rear seats down and put a mid-size TV inside of the car and it at the same time, close the hatch trunk door. So that obviously shows how much space you get, when you fold the rear seats down. And the Bose Sound System is great too, in my opinion. Because Bose makes really great audio systems.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Brand problems for this reviewer - he even admits it at the end. We bought a Buick at the beginning of its improvement, a 2010 Buick Enclave with both of us in our 30s and we still don't regret it. Great in deep snow in New England, nice fit and finish, and the ability to tow a BMW X5 out of the snow when it got stuck on our mountain road. I just had to get over the Buick reputation, which was not too difficult.

[@luck02]

My mother in law just bought a 2017 Encore with the GPS / premium infotainment section. Do you happen to know if it's changed in the most recent version? Do you have a newer review if not? Thanks!

[@13jrvernon]

He does

[@FoodyTunes]

Haha you still have that tongue twister with "Ford MyTouch" instead of "MyFord Touch". I always do that too!

[@Trades46]

A rare car in Toronto here. A nice car that blends urban values with some desirable traits like high ride height & AWD from SUVs with a premium feel, luxury amenities and great MPG numbers. A complaint after a test drive is the engine. The 1.4T works in a Cruze or Sonic, but rather underpowered in the Encore. Another dermit is the near $40k price tag for a loaded Premium model; that's dangerously close to BMW X1 & Audi Q3 territory.

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

I would say this vehicle would be great for the young, more so than the 30 to 40 crowd. My 21 year old has her eye on this CUV and she normally likes sporty cars. She is thinking safety and cuteness in a vehicle and this has a 5 star safety rating.

[@markwilliams6378]

+USFanLovesMinHo The Mazda CX 5 is the way to go

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

+mark williams The CX5 is good looking, but the back visibility is the worst I've ever seen. She just bought the 2015 Encore in ruby red and couldn't be happier.

[@jchasp]

The 1.4L turbo engine does not have direct injection. It has sequential multi-point fuel injection.

[@DucatiPaso750]

My understanding is that it doesn't have direct injection. It has port injection.

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

Excellent review Alex.

[@ZteveW]

Tell me about those glasses you're wearing. What brand?

[@socalguy97]

Well like it or not the car is selling like crazy in Southern California. I'm seeing the Encore everywhere. Ironically, last week I saw three in one day, and I never expected that. I mean I'd have expected to see three Rav4s in the same day (if not more), but not Encores--yet I did and was surprised.

[@kyguy105]

The trunk shelf can actually be stored behind the back seat.

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

Buick wasn't always for seniors. They had the Buick Grand National in the 80's? I see some on the roads owned by the original owner or I'm assuming a car collector. My inlaws are in their 80's and they drive a Chev Malibu.

[@karlpiepenburg3157]

USFanLovesMinHo Going way back, Buicks used to be considered "doctor's cars." Powerful, understated luxury. They were also used as police cars due to their solidity and power (see Highway Patrol reruns on KZbin).The "Ventiports" on current Buicks are a throwback to the 1940s and 1950s Buicks. Unfortunately somewhere along the way Buicks became dull. Maybe it's partly because I'm older now, but I could see owning one of these, or a Verano or a Regal. On the other hand, why spend $30,000 for the Buick when you can buy a Chevy Trax (basically the same car) with AWD for $8000 less? Are the Ventiports, leather seats and overdone chrome trim worth the extra $8 grand? I don't think so.

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

Karl Piepenburg I know what you mean. The Chev Trax is basically the same as the Encore, except the Encore has a more refined exterior and interior. My daughter that will turn 21 this October just bought her first New car this past Saturday and she bought the Encore. I told her she could save a lot of money with the Trax and that is the direction I would go, but she felt the Encore had a sportier look and she loved the interior much more, so she went that direction. She got the ruby red.

[@rainprancer2403]

At 9:10 you do have somewhere you can store that cargo cover & thats behind the rear seats, sliding it into an upright position vertical to the rear seats.

[@billdefalco9380]

Excellent Review!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Telling comment at the start, "honestly, I am not sure I would ever buy a Buick, but honestly I am kind of enjoying the way this Buick looks." it almost sounds like he would never consider the car in the first place. Not a ringing endorsement.

[@baronvonjo1929]

I did not realize the Encore was so old. I was like 12. Never paid attention to it.

[@BruceTheSillyGoose]

for those of us who live out in the sticks with cratered roads, it needs to ditch those ridiculous yuge wagon wheels and rubberband tires, and use 16" rims with high profile 70 series rubber but much improved bump impact absorption over broken pavement. the one i rode in felt like a paint shaker over our neglected potholed frostheaved roads.

[@senorkaboom]

Like the mid-size segment, the crossover SUV area is crammed with models and competition. Honda, Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Lexus, etc., etc. all build this car style. So, what one or two things makes the Encore a younger persons car that is different from the rest?

[@RoamingDeparted]

why would you not buy a Buick? just wondering

[@pioneer7777777]

My mom is currently looking for an American made SUV or crossover. Any suggestions that are leading the pack? We've already checked out the Escape and Encore.

[@307nightcrawler8]

I want this it's so cute!

[@MikeStoddart]

I wish GM would stop using so much chrome around the centre stack. I think the Encore needs a slightly larger engine to distance itself from the Trax and for a bit more power.

[@trviideoman]

in Canada we have the Chevy Trax it looks all right but wouldn't buy it would be nice if it came with more options

[@lloydjones108]

Can the 2013 SUV bruick encore last for over 200000 miles?

[@TikiShootah]

Being 6ft.3 why does the world hate me when looking for a nice and comfortable CUV. Hell honda and hyundai, nissan as entire brands are like clown cars for me.

[@theminajreviews7694]

This car would fit you well!

[@BruceTheSillyGoose]

almost impossible to find one without leather and sunroof which are deal breakers for me.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Telling comment at the start, "honestly, I am not sure if I would every buy a Bru

[@GrimDollLotus]

Haha so cute! I think he's gonna buy a Buick now :D

[@tempratt9792]

My wife and I bought new Buicks last year; I a 2014 enclave and her a 2013 encore. She loves her encore with the exception of the Intellilink and Ipod classic issue. The playlists on the ipod do not match whats on the system. While the ipod may show a katy perry playlist the stereo will show some other artist under that playlist. Annoying and stupid. The car drives well and gets better millage than my enclave and the tranny feels more like an automated manual with an actual clutch rather than a torque converter.

[@eddie054]

Don't bash Buicks because of the 80's and 90's.....think 1965 Gran Sport with a 401 nailhead.

[@kenpreston6146]

He doesn't know what he is talking about. The cover for the way back goes in a slot right behind the seat back.

[@thorazine5447]

Gm owns Opel. So what. I'm glad their rebadging Opels as Buicks. The last Saturns were Opels and were the only decent Saturns.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

Do you select the "IPod" icon to play music from a flash drive?

[@lexi4christ108]

My 2016 buick encore engine went out at 60,000

[@benjmiester]

He looks like a grown up Brick from The Middle.

[@glendaly6367]

Where is the passenger airbag?

[@kcirreb94]

ill be scared if i have to make a quick turn and that skinny thing rolls over

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

$30k forget it, that's why japanese vehicle selling like a pancake coz affordable!

[@xXxSeeebbixXx]

designed in Germany by Opel ;-) Buick just copied the Mokka

[@theminajreviews7694]

Buick OWNS the mokka-

[@Bellinghamster]

Too expensive, too small. I actually like the Encore but there are too many reasons not to buy it.

[@ShogMan]

The Buick brand was kept only because of the Chinese market. Check it out for yourselves. Otherwise Pontiac would still be here instead of Buick. At least Pontiac had cars that oozed emotion in a positive way. As far as what Buick could have done was assert themselves like they did back in the 70's with the GSX and such and the 80's with classy doctor performance cars like the Grand national.

[@TikiShootah]

that thing looks tiny.

[@tiberianexcalibur]

Trunk test fail lol jk

[@gabegoglia5432]

Great Review!

[@mthwsnd01]

Great Review!