The 2008 Buick Enclave is critically important to General Motors. GM’s financial problems are well known, and the best way out of it is to deliver products that surpass, or at least equal, the competition. The Enclave is the last of the Lambda-based crossovers to debut, and by far the most elegant and sophisticated, befitting its luxury status. Crossovers combine carlike ride and handing with the cargo and people hauling attributes of traditional truck-based SUVs. The segment was created ten years ago with the Lexus RX 300, and has since surpassed truck-based SUVs in popularity. GM is one of the last manufacturers to introduce a luxury crossover, and the Enclave’s mission is nothing less than competing against the excellent second-generation Acura MDX, the segment-leading Lexus RX 350 and others from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, etc.