Alex on Autos: 2016 Buick Encore

[kevm14]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKf_ZMi5k4

Apparently this is an imported Opel. Really seems like a solid subcompact crossover choice. The Chevy Trax platform mate not so much but the Encore really makes a case for itself for the cost, ride/handling, styling and size.

[Bob]

Not sure what it is with you and this car...

[kevm14]

I dunno. I guess I'm surprised it is competitive or possibly even desirable in class.

[bill25]

Not sure what it is with you and this car...

Ever since that SRX... Good versions of crappy genres are all the rave. I can't wait for some GM minivan to get an award so we can all read about how awesome it is.

I guess all I am saying is that a company that has been making cars for over a hundred years should be able to make competitive, solid cars. When they do, it isn't really news.

[kevm14]

What you are saying would translate into "benefit of the doubt." I think there is a huge segment of the market that hasn't given GM that since...the 70s?

I like this vehicle because:
- It is an interesting alternative to a subcompact sedan. More rear seat room (width excluded). More upright driving position (some people like that).
- Emphasis on better materials.
- More premium styling
- More premium driving experience (ride/handling)
- Super quiet for the segment.
- Premium safety features (and a good crash test score across the board)
- Plus it appears on that JD Power list along with some well-regarded competition
- Every review praises it so I'm not reaching at all with this

And lastly, sales. It is near the top of its class in sales. What is its class? These (according to goodcarbadcar.net):

Buick Encore *
Chevrolet Trax *
Fiat 500X *
Honda HR-V *
Jeep Renegade
Mazda CX-3 *
Mini Countryman *
Mini Paceman *
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport *
Nissan Juke *
Subaru XV Crosstrek *

I will end with this: when I first heard of this vehicle I was like....great, a Buick shoe. That has got to be a POS. But the opposite is true.

[kevm14]

Ever since that SRX... Good versions of crappy genres are all the rave.

In a word, maybe. The first gen SRX didn't get enough love, imo. The magazines generally praised it, particularly after the 2007 update. In fact, GM felt compelled to change it to a FWD platform and totally de-emphasize the RWD-performance aspect of the previous platform. It rides pretty well and handles really well for the ride (I would prefer FE3). The seats are good. The luxury features are nice. I enjoy it far more than I would just about any FWD-based crossover that I can think of. Plus with the depreciation it made a great used car buy. Even better.

I can't wait for some GM minivan to get an award so we can all read about how awesome it is.

If GM got back into the minivan segment with a class leading vehicle, I can assure you that WOULD be worth praise. They never really made a good one.

[bill25]

I don't disagree with anything you are saying as I am also a GM fan, so I am glad from that perspective, that they are making good vehicles in those segments again. As a car and performance enthusiast, I still don't really care. I would care more if they were making more varieties of performance vehicles. Like: Hot hatch, small/mid/large sized sedan and coupe, They really only have the SS which is on a dated platform, and the Camaro. Maybe more RWD stuff. I am glad they make a competitive compact CUV, but I will never buy it so I don't care that much.

[Bob]

I think I need to take one for the team here and rent an Encore the next time I see one at National. I have seen them occasionally, but there's always something I would rather drive. The only thing in that class I have rented before was the Fiat 500X, and maybe the Juke if you count that.

[kevm14]

I'm not saying it will be the best thing you ever drive. But it seems to be pretty good overall.

[bill25]

But it seems to be pretty good overall.

Compared to those others in class, or in general? That is what I can't get past. If it is a nicer RAV4, but smaller, that sounds as useless as something can get. The RAV4 in my opinion is even too small to really do anything right. 2 people plus a car seat in the back barely fit, and the person in the middle has to sit on the seatbelt. The back trunk is small. So a good driving version of this with less utility? You mine as well just get a mid sized sedan with fold down back seat.

Maybe I am just closed minded, but what is this type of vehicle for? Is it just because people want to sit higher up in a car? I guess if that is the case, go for it. I just see things in more basic terms. If you want utility, get a Tahoe, If you want a minivan, get a minivan. I can even understand something like an Edge, or Highlander, or Pilot if you don't want a Minivan, but those are really just minivans in disguise. They aren't SUV's, they are tall cars. Sure they have bigger wheels, and maybe are a little higher off the ground.

I think my problem is that these are the new wagon, except, you could be a car guy, and like wagons, because wagons handled and drove like cars. They weren't way heavier, they didn't give a crappy high center of gravity, you didn't need light truck tires. You were driving the car, but had a little more room for stuff.