2018 Buick Encore Review: Reasonably Reliable Small Luxury SUV With Average Running Costs

Aug 22, 2023

The 2018 Buick Encore lasts around 200,000 miles with some excessive brake wear and fuel economy issues reported. At $14,950 to $23,520, it’s a good value for a small SUV with a comfortable interior and some advanced tech features.

The Good

The standard stereo system is loaded with great features, there’s plenty of passenger room and the suspension is smooth.

The Bad

The engine is weak compared to other small SUVs, steering feels vague, and there’s less cargo space than some competitors.

Is the 2018 Buick Encore a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Buick Encore since it offers a nice cabin and improved reliability from earlier years. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, low fuel costs, along with the technology systems.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on longer drives, although cargo space is lower than rivals.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2018 Encore. Avoid models from 2013–2017 which have engine and transmission issues, while 2018–2022 are more dependable.
Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the small four cylinder engine, although it’s more focused on efficiency rather than power.
Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Encore is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while lane departure warning and forward collision warning systems are optional.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, giving 420 miles of range out of the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $23 cheaper than average at $167 per month.
Value 7/10 – The 2018 Buick Encore is cheaper than many other luxury SUVs on the market, although rapid depreciation lowers its overall value score.

Positive Owner Reviews

Cassie K

Basic luxury, driver friendly.

I really love the way the car drives, smooth and easy to handle. I like the in dash screens and the apple carplay feature. I do wish that I had a little more control on some of the dash and screen settings. The driver seat is a little uncomfortable because of the shape. I would prefer all leather opposed to the leather fabric combo that come standard. My model is the basic model but it still feels very luxury!

Shirley G

Black Buick encore, fully loaded with enhanced technology.

My vehicle is fully loaded. There are no problems with it so far. I can access so many things, my favorite is the voice command GPS system, and you get to talk to a live operator when you are traveling to new places. I truly adore my vehicle! The interior is easy to clean as well.

Jesse A

It is style and rear cam feature.

Solid performance and very comfortable. No problems with it. When it comes to long trips it is very smooth and not a lot worry with the use of gas as well. Another thing to add on is the interior of the Buick encore is nice and style to it. Last thing to note is the rear cam is a nice touch. Makes backing up a lot easier than before.

Cathy S

Excellent electronic dash system. Fun to drive around town or on the highway.

Really like this smaller SUV. Has cruise control, excellent backup camera that makes backing into parking spots so effortless. The dashboard is rich looking with an infotainment system with an 8-inch frameless screen. Looked at the Chevrolet trax but this interior is so much better. It has a cover for the hatchback trunk that I put my bread on when shopping so it does not get crushed. Folding back seats, just a fun car to drive.

char p

That it is a great vehicle for everyday use as well as taking short trips.

I like that it is an SUV. I like that it is a compact vehicle and that it is very comfortable as well as has many safety features.

Michele S

It is a we qualify and stylish car at a good price.

I like the look of it. It has a comfortable ride. I love the fold down seats. My only complaint is it is a little hard to get into for shorter people.

Carol C

Buick encore 2018 testimonial.

I love my Buick encore. It is my encore to own and the sporting package with the sunroof is great. The availability to have OnStar is a major plus. It is the perfect size for me and my small dog to take trips. For me it is the perfect height and size to drive comfortably.

Marjorie S

I was always a fan of the Buick line. My last Buick got me home before it tragically broke down, so I trust my current one to be just as dependable. The only part I don't like was that I never wanted a van or SUV, so the choice I ended up with, and ended falling for was surprising.

It has the ability to take USB flash drives so one can upload any music of their choosing, and pick it whenever they want.

Negative Owner Reviews

JW PARK

Junket car

NO IT IS JUNK GOT A 24000 AUTO GM SCREWED US GOOD SO DONT BUY A ONCORE!

Robert browell

Break failure 4 times 5800 kl

Ihave had the breaks lock up at 700 kl.rhen at 3200.then at 5620 kilometer.replaced break switch This evening they did it again at 5834.kl.breaks smoking fumes humberview dealer .fed up

Bianca B

Not the greatest vehicle I have leased thus far.

It has uncomfortable seating. It does not have enough space in the vehicle. Only one arm rest between driver and passenger. Slow on picking up speed(going up hills is troublesome). Not a great physical style. The volume/sound of the radio is not the best quality.

Suzanne B

Don't get an encore. Not a pleasant ride. Very uncomfortable.

Rides like a tin can. The electrical system works a random. Carplay rarely works. Not pleased a all. If I had purchased I would have sold in a month.

tommy dale

Missing Dipstick

No, GM went 'cheapo' and left off the transmission dipstick and filler tube, now the sales persons art extolling the virtues of a 'sealed transmission', that's baloney, especially having to pay $100 to have the dealer check the transmission fluid level!

Yolanda Lucas

Safety

Bought this car 10-19-2019. It broke down less than a week. It took over a month to get car back. I has broken down 5 times since. I have had it. It stops accelerating. It’s very scary I don not feel safe in car.

Stay away

No, I would not recommend. I had nothing but issues. The motor would stop in the middle of driving 65 miles on the highway. The emergency lights did not work when I turned them on the first time. The display fell out - this all when I bought it new in the first 4 weeks. It hadn't gotten better, display flickers. Unexplained battery drainage and the Dealership keeps repairing away and then acting like nothing was wrong. I reached out to GM, but like always they just connect you from one person to the next. Never again GM or Buick.

Nita

Major Electrical Problem

Car has only 50,000 miles on it and the turbo had to be replaced. Now it is in shop for an electrical problem which they said would cost over $500 to run a test on the car to find the problem. Now they are telling me they are opening a tech case with GM to find out what they are supposed to do.The engine light is constantly coming on in this d**n car and now something is draining the battery so you have to jump it to get it going.

What Do Critics Say About the Buick Encore?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Buick Encore offers a great mix of luxury touches in a small footprint, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the Buick Encore at 4.4/5, enjoying the quiet cabin, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Encore a 4.3/5, praising the luxury and comfort, but owners don’t like the limited cargo space compared to some other SUVs.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Buick Encore Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Buick Encore include excessive brake wear, reduced fuel economy, along with the A/C system blowing warm air. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Encore ages.

Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Encore owners, showing up at roughly 30,000 miles. The brake pads tend to wear out quicker than on some other small SUVs, and they have to be replaced. Changing out the pads costs around $300, while a new set of rotors is an additional $550.

Reduced fuel economy is another problem mentioned by some Encore owners within the first 40,000 miles. Often simply using a fuel system cleaner can cause fuel economy to improve. There is also a chance that there are worn-out oxygen sensors on the exhaust which can lead to a worse air to fuel ratio. Changing out the sensors costs around $250.

The A/C system blowing warm air also shows up on some Encore models at around 45,000 miles. The first thing to check is the refrigerant levels in the A/C system and charge them as needed, which can cost under $100. If they are full then you may need a new A/C compressor, which costs around $850.

There are no recalls on the 2018 Buick Encore, which is better than many other small SUVs on the market. Having no recalls simply means that none of the issues have been widespread or affected the safety of the SUV.

How Long Will the 2018 Buick Encore Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Buick Encore can last around 200,000 miles, which is less than some other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $426 per year.

As a used 2018 Buick Encore reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the power seat switch for $140, automatic transmission shift cable costing $200, along with the exhaust manifold gasket which costs around $500.

Nancy H

I have not had any problems with my vehicle. I regularly maintain my car with regular oil changes. It is easy to take care of.

Ashley M

Our vehicle is very reliable. The only problem is that one of the tires loses air very quickly and we cannot figure out why it does this.

Melodie W

The car is very reliable. I have not had any problems. Good on gas. Drives easily. Good back up camera.

SeLena C

I have only used it for one month and I have only had problems with my tire. It is decent on gas. It is a little challenged in accelerating.

Melissa L

We have not had any issues with our Buick. It is the first Buick we have owned but would definitely purchase again.

Jaydisson A

This Buick encore premium is extremely reliable. I am always surprised at how sturdy and tough this car is.

Lindsay H

Yes it is. So far we have experienced no issues. It has been a wise purchase. I love everything about it

Kayla O

So far no problems. Mileage great, navigation system gets me where I need to go. Sirius radio is great.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great for a small SUV offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a premium Bose stereo system.

Standard safety technology is fairly basic, offering a rearview camera.

Optional driver assistance features include:

Blind spot monitoring
Forward collision alert
Front and rear parking sensors
Rear cross traffic alert
Lane departure warning
Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Is the 2018 Buick Encore a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Buick Encore is a decent value since it combines the practicality of a compact SUV with some more upscale interior materials than the competition. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $14,950 to $23,520, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $22,990 to $32,100. Depreciation is worse than some other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Buick Encore?

There are six main models of the Buick Encore offered, from the entry-level 1SV to the more luxurious Premium. The Encore comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

1SV and Preferred are very similar offering:

18-inch alloy wheels
Automatic headlights and LED running lights
Keyless ignition and entry
Heated mirrors, roof rails, rear privacy glass
Air-conditioning, cruise control
Power driver seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats
OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot
Rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, two USB ports
8-inch touchscreen with Buick’s IntelliLink
Cargo cover (Preferred only)

Sport Touring is a step up, adding:

Includes 1SV features plus:
Fog Lights
Rear spoiler
Remote start
Optional seven-speaker Bose sound system
Optional blind-spot monitoring system

Preferred II has more features such as:

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
120-volt household-style power outlet
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems

Essence offers more items including:

LED headlights
Leather upholstery
Six-way power passenger seat (manual recline and power lumbar)
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Driver-seat memory settings

Premium is the flagship model which has:

Front and rear parking sensors
Forward collision warning system
Lane departure warning system
Automatic wipers
Seven-speaker Bose sound system

Additional Options (Preferred II, Essence, Premium)

Experience Buick package available (18-inch chromed alloy wheels, sunroof, navigation system)
Sunroof and navigation system available separately on all but base model

Base

138 HP 28-30 MPG

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Preferred

138 HP 27-28 MPG

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Sport Touring

138-153 HP 27-28 MPG

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Preferred II

138-153 HP 27-28 MPG

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Essence

138-153 HP 27-28 MPG

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Premium

138-153 HP 27-28 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Buick Encore?

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine (Base Model): This engine produces 138 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission at up to 30 MPG. The 0-60 mph time for this engine is estimated at around 9.3 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and daily driving performance.
1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine with Start-Stop (Available on Sport Touring and above trims): A more powerful version of the 1.4L engine, this option delivers 153 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. It also features a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes with start-stop technology. The 0-60 mph acceleration for this engine option is slightly quicker, at around 8.4 seconds.

What Colors Does the Buick Encore Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Buick Encore?

The 2018 Buick Encore is recognized for its comfort and upscale interior, providing a pleasant ride for both drivers and passengers. The front seats offer available heating and power adjustments to enhance comfort on long journeys. The Encore’s suspension is tuned for a smooth and refined ride, absorbing road imperfections and providing a relaxed driving experience.

Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, which further contributes to overall comfort. Though the rear seats might be a bit tight for taller passengers, they are still suitable for most riders. The interior also boasts soft-touch materials and ergonomic design features, making the 2018 Buick Encore a comfortable choice for those seeking a luxurious compact SUV experience.

How Much Storage Space Does the Buick Encore Have?

The 2018 Buick Encore offers versatile storage space that caters to various needs. In the trunk, there is a total of 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This is ample room to store daily necessities such as grocery bags, suitcases, or a set of golf clubs.

If more space is required, the rear seats folded down expands the cargo area to an impressive 48.4 cubic feet. This extended space allows for the transportation of larger items such as bicycles, small furniture, or even a flat-screen TV. The 2018 Encore’s compact design doesn’t compromise on space, providing practical storage solutions that adapt to various needs and lifestyles.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The first generation of the Buick Encore was launched for the 2013 model year.

2015: OnStar and 4G LTE connectivity added as standard across all models.

2016: Sport Touring model launched with a stronger 1.4L engine.

2017: Minor exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay added, easier to use controls, and improved interior materials.

2018: No changes from earlier years.

2019: Optional, stronger engine offered on some models.

2020: More powerful engine choice discontinued, small changes to the Sport Touring trim level.

2021: Some trim levels removed from the lineup, more driver aids added.

How Does the Buick Encore Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Buick Encore is a decent compact SUV, offering a nice mix of entertainment technology and an upscale interior for the cost.

The Ford Escape is another small SUV which can be found used in the same price range. Performance is better in the Ford Escape with its stronger engines, while the Buick Encore offers a more luxurious cabin. We recommend the Buick Encore since there are fewer mechanical problems reported from owners.

The Chevy Trax is a competitor which is available for around $2,000 less. Both the Chevy Trax and Buick Encore are built on the same base platform, while the Encore has more technology and luxury. We recommend the Buick Encore since it is worth the extra money for the upgraded cabin.

Ranks #15 Compact SUV by Owners

2018 Kia Niro

4.71

Tie

2018 Subaru Forester

4.69

2018 Buick Encore

4.39

Do Owners Recommend the Buick Encore?

Nancy H

Yes. It drives well and has enough room for me. It gets good gas mileage and is easy to maintain. The back up camera is very helpful.

Ashley M

Yes. It drives very well and currently has enough room for the amount of people in our family at the moment. The service that also comes along with the vehicle is very good as well.

Melodie W

Yes, good on gas, very comfortable. Easy to handle. And the ride is pretty quiet. Roomy good trunk space. Great radio system.

SeLena C

Yes it is good for a single college student that works part time. It has a easy to use screen and backup camera. The seats are comfortable.

Melissa L

Yes I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a small SUV with great features and gas mileage.

Jaydisson A

It is very good. Drives well. The vehicle has many perks that I wasn't able to find with other cars on the market.

Mandy K

Absolutely! I love everything about this vehicle. It is attractive and reliable. It is a joy to drive.

Samantha R

Great, love driving it. Has many safety devices installed: Rear view camera, forward distance sensor, lane change warning,

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Patty H on June 25, 2021

The Buick encore is easy to handle and park it is a fun affordable ride!

I have had no problems with my vehicle. I have 30,000 miles on it. Recently it stated that the battery in the key fob needed replacing. The “my Buick” updates you on the health of the vehicle and any problems that need to be addressed. It is a comfortable vehicle, but a little smaller than my previous vehicle. It handles well and is easy to park.

Kristi R on June 23, 2021

I love my Buick, it is the very best vehicle that I have ever owned.

My buick’s performance is great. The dashboard has many features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connection, smart features. It drives easy and comfortably seats five. The sensors let me know how much air is in tires, how many miles until next oil and filter change, how many miles I have left based on how much gasoline I have. The seats are automatic, power windows, security system, rear window wipers automatic headlights and many other wonderful features that I enjoy.

Andrea M on June 22, 2021

Buick encore, reliable with great features small compact SUV.

Drives well. Handles very sharply. Have a lot of highway miles but no mechanical issues after 2 years. A little snug if your looking for something with lots of room. Affordable with great features. Starts every time. Correct storage space but back seats find down for more room. Great speakers.

Erica B on June 20, 2021

Quick overview of 2018 Buick encore.

There is overall great performance, however the 2018 Buick encore does not retain value as well. Nitpicky things bother me such as loud ac. Regarding gas mileage, I expected it to be better due to the size of the vehicle (definitely on the smaller size). Great car for young adults/teenagers as a beginner car. Simple to use and relatively safe.

Patricia C on June 20, 2021

A small but cozy crossover.

The trunk is to small, can hardly fit luggage in there. It has very little pick up and has several blind spots. I do like that it not bad on gas and I love that I sit high up and can see ahead. As you can tell I am mixed about this vehicle and I do not think that I would get another one. The seats are comfortable but the seat belt hits me in the neck area. Not a good thing.

Maria G on June 16, 2021

Small but with great features.

I do not like that I do not have a center console for storage. I love the backup camera and the Bluetooth radio. I also really like the push to start feature and how it beeps when my keys are left in the car. It also makes it easy for me that the unlock buttons are on the door handles.

Raygan H on June 14, 2021

My new Buick encore is pretty amazing!

It's a compact SUV so if you want more space then it is not the way to go it is bigger than a car but not much bigger. It is perfect for me just the size I wanted. It is comfortable and high off the ground which is helpful for me on a dirt road. It gets up to speed pretty fast great gas mileage and the apple carplay is so handy it is my favorite car so far.

Haley S on June 9, 2021

There is no room, get a bigger vehicle if you have kids.

There is not a lot of negative things about this vehicle. It runs great. The only complaint I have is that there is not a lot of room. It feels like you are on top of the person next to you. Also, the trunk space is basically non existent. If you have kids or need a lot of room, it is not for you.

Edward W on June 8, 2021

Not enough room for car seats.

It's a great car. Runs great, looks great, drives smooth. I just hate how there is such little room for car seats. I am 6 foot tall so when I drive my chair is against the car seat leaving no legroom for my daughter. It's not big enough for car seats and that's my only problem with it.

Jeanne S on June 4, 2021

Great compact family SUV, fantastic intel system!

We have had zero problems and very much enjoy our encore. It is a very small SUV though so not a lot of storage space. The back seat is good for two kids but would not fit more than that comfortably. The car rides smoothly and the intel system is very helpful. We love the apple car play and use it every time we drive the car.

Maddie M on May 30, 2021

My favorite detail is my sound system in my car.

It is a very nice and safe car. I absolutely love my car. If you looking for a safe car, I suggest this one. I haven't had very many problems with it. The Buick encore fits me very well because I am very short. Also the environment of the Buick encore is very comforting.

Melin M on May 29, 2021

Buick encore is awesome but needs some updates, talking about the base model.

My car is awesome but I feel it is outdated, very small. For the price I could've gotten a small car with a lot more features. It is drives very well though but definitely think it could be upgraded with maybe a arm rest for the passenger or even some air vents in the back. With little SUVs it is important to have air flowing.

JW PARK on May 21, 2021

Junket car

NO IT IS JUNK GOT A 24000 AUTO GM SCREWED US GOOD SO DONT BUY A ONCORE!

Ashlie H on May 17, 2021

Comfort and luxury in a everyday vehicle.

I have had not had any major problems with the car. I like the size and comfort of the inside. All the details are up to date and work seamlessly. They do have a carplay option when you plug in your smart device. I would like to be able to that wirelessly.

Lane S on May 13, 2021

Excellent car lacking performance.

The door design is nice. Excellent air conditioning overall. I enjoy the smooth seat design for everyday relaxation. Although very comforting and reliable, I think an additional performance is something my car could have had. Overall it is a fantastic car from a handsome brand.

Jamie L on May 9, 2021

It runs well, good on gas, a few minor changes would make it perfect.

Car runs great, all features work well. For a small SUV, it has a lot of space. Not much room in the trunk area, so it would help if the back seats could be removed so you could lay the back of the seat all the way down if you are transporting something larger. The USB ports should be placed somewhere other than the front compartment. It is difficult to use them, especially due to the vertical angle.

Jesse A on May 5, 2021

It is style and rear cam feature.

Froehle F on April 21, 2021

2019 Toyota Camry consumer review.

The 2019 is the fifth Camry I have leased. The previous four were all reliable and great performers. I love the new styling of the 2019 Camry. The ride is also awesome. The problem with the car is very sluggish and delayed acceleration. My other four Camry's were very responsive and had quick acceleration, so much better than the 2019. I cannot believe that the folks at Toyota are not aware of this. I am very disappointed with the car's performance. Too bad, because it really is a nice car. Will not get a sixth one unless they fix this. Hoping for a software update or a recall to fix this very noticeable acceleration problem.

Jerald P on April 13, 2021

My car is interesting because it is invisible.

I love this car because it really gets the job done. It gets me to and from work and is safe for the kids. I do not have many worries in this car because it just feels safe. One day I will let my kids learn to drive on this car because I trust it so much in reliability. It has four wheel drive and goes smoothly in bad weather. In the winter I just put on snow tires and we are ready to go.

Daniela D on April 8, 2021

My favorite part is heating seats.

Everything is amazing. Very smooth user friendly car. Safe for adults and children. Lots of storage space. Ac is amazingly strong with warming seats. Automatic car turn on from very far away. Leather seats stay pretty clean since wipeable. Seats are easy to put down for extra trunk space.

Mercedes M on April 8, 2021

Buick encore-cute and stylish.

I like my vehicle but would love more horsepower and a bird's eye view camera. I like the interior, back up camera and touch screen. I would like more trunk space, cup holders and tinted windows for front seats. I enjoy satellite radio and the sound system.

Monica M on April 3, 2021

White, clean, nice, average SUV size.

The 2018 Buick encore that I drive is good, overall. It rides smoothly. It is nice in the inside. It is good on gas and mileage. The color is white and stays clean. Detailing and trimming on the interior is nice. Compared to a Land Rover, the Buick encore does not feel as sturdy. It does feel a little cheap.

Cierra L on April 2, 2021

Big luxury’s with a small price tag.

I love the comfort and features that the car came with especially for the price point. The tint and helps keep the car cooler. I like the rear view camera, sensors, and blind spot monitors that it came with as safety features. I appreciate the luxuries it came standard with and the overall size of the vehicle.

Vicky B on March 31, 2021

Great to drive a building encore.

I love the way it drives. It is so easy to drive and back up, especially the rearview camera, this is the first one I have had. Since I am short I do not like the front seat headrests. The passenger side front seat is in my site of vision when I turn to look out the back side door window. I like that the back seat headrests slide down over the backseat so they are out of the way of my vision when I look back. I really like the Bluetooth hook up for my phone, especially the handsfree when talking or receiving calls. The on star is really nice.

Laura M on March 22, 2021

Too small, too slow, and too expensive.

The quality of this vehicle does not match the price. The engine is slow and loud. I have kept regular maintenance and at 2 yrs old it should be quieter. It is not a smooth ride and seems to require a lot of effort to pick up speed. The rugs were thin and cheap. The seats seem comfortable but after an hour trip your neck hurts. It was sold as an upgrade from Chevy but feels a little cheap.

Lindsey S on March 19, 2021

Great vehicle, with a few issues.

This vehicle has many features and is easy to drive. My favorite feature is that I can check the tire pressure with the flick of my wrist. I live in an area with terrible roads, and it's something I rely on every time I hit a pothole. The trunk storage space is not ideal for more than one person. My groceries each week barely fit, and a recent trip with my friend to Florida had us grateful we didn't have anyone else riding with us, because there would have been no room. The lift-gate is not automatic, and the option is not available on this model. At first I didn't think it mattered, but I've found myself wishing for it several times since purchasing one year ago. My main complaint, however, is the headrests on the seats. They are angled forward and I find riding for long distances exceptionally uncomfortable. I drive 3 hours a day for work, so by the end of the day my neck is so sore I can't stand the pain. Aside from those things, however, this is a wonderful vehicle, at a very reasonable price.

Nicholas W on March 18, 2021

This encore should be called "Buick little giant".

I like the vehicle very much. It looks like a small SUV, but I can get an 8 foot piece of lumber in side and still close the back door. I have only had it for 7 months. There are no problems, it is very dependable and very comfortable. The engine has plenty of get up and go. This a perfect vehicle for a retired person.

Leslie G on March 16, 2021

Beautiful color for a beautiful automobile.

My Buick encore is fun to drive, comfortable, has excellent gas mileage and I feel. Very safe driving it. The coppertina color is beautiful, the wheels are so shiny and really add the finishing touch to a very pretty automobile. It is easy to handle in all types of weather and I love opening the sunroof!

Samantha S on March 15, 2021

Beautiful little SUV crossover.

The car is amazing, when we bought it WR has a 5 and a 6 year old, now that they have gotten bigger the back isn't quite so roomy anymore for them. Drives super nice and has lots of features that I like, there is an option for in car internet which is super nice for long car rides.

Denise H on March 9, 2021

The 2018 Buick encore highlights.

This car is a very comfortable ride & pretty good on gas mileage. There are very minimal blinds spots. Sits higher than a regular car, which is nice. The driver seat has great lumbar support. The front & rear seats are roomy & comfortable. The rear space is very private & has sufficient roomy rear.

Jennifer I on March 8, 2021

Buick perfect crossover SUV.

It is very comfortable, only downfall is that the passenger front seat does not have an armrest. Definitely think it should. Reliability is amazing gets great gas mileage. Would definitely get another Buick. Does not disappoint! Small enough but also roomie enough.

Mike D on March 8, 2021

Buick encore - a quiet and reliable car.

The car is quiet and good on gas. It has a nice entertainment system. The car handles well and has been reliable. I have no issues with the car from a mechanical point of view. My wife likes the color of the car. The trunk is a little on the small side for an SUV.

Shirley G on March 7, 2021

Black Buick encore, fully loaded with enhanced technology.

Donna R on March 6, 2021

Nice looking vehicle, great visibility!

I love the size of the vehicle: high enough to have great visibility, but not high enough to need a step stool! Very smooth ride, instrument panel intuitive and easy to navigate. I love the back up camera! And the side 'warnings' when changing lanes.

Kelsye H on March 5, 2021

The leather seats are amazing.

It runs smoothly. It also has a good amount of get-up and go. I love the interior. I love the leather seats which are also black. I cannot imagine not having my Buick. It is also good on gas as well which is comforting since I travel a lot. Other than the gas it can also hold my small family of three which is amazing for my family.

Christina T on March 4, 2021

Nice, powerful, smooth ride

The Encore has a nice ride and a lot of power. The gas mileage is awesome. The back up camera is such a nice feature. There aren't a lot of blind spots I don't think there are any. I never thought I would live a Buick, but car exceeded all my expectations.

Diane S on March 4, 2021

It is easy to drive. I can see out of the car easily, and maneuver easily.

I like my Buick Encore for the most part. It is not a very luxurious car, though. The trunk area is small, and the passenger's seat doesn't recline. It does get good gas mileage and is very reliable.

Kathryn L on March 3, 2021

The best part honestly has been the weightlessness of the vehicle.

It is a great car, looks small on the outside but has a lot of storage space. The car is light and very easy to drive. It is a very compact car, so it fits easily into tighter spaces. The technology in the car is pristine, very high tech. The built in weathertech floor mats are great for the kids and easy to clean. The car gets great gas mileage, I drive a fair amount for work and yet I still find that I do not need to fill my tank as often as I would normally. The backup camera is very helpful, amazing help. However, I do wish two things: one, that the pedals were a bit less touchy and two, that the front passenger seat was able to move using buttons similar to the driver's seat.

Nicole B on March 2, 2021

When I hook up my phone to my car my phone screen goes onto my car screen.

Not a lot of space in the backseat of the car. I am about to have an infant car seat in there full time and it takes up a lot of the back seats. Vehicle does not have remote start like older years of this vehicle have. No light on side mirrors to warn of other vehicles in your blind spots.

Jace H on February 24, 2021

One of the best books out there. With an amazing council.

I really like the car, it has a great heat during the winter and really cools me off during the summer. It has great speakers and surround sound. I think it's one of the better cars out there. I would hit another one of these cars if I could. I really think you would like it.

Amanda V on February 18, 2021

Buick encore review: pros and cons of driving Buick.

I bought my Buick encore (2018) in 2019 and I absolutely fell in love with Buick. I love the luxury feel you get while driving. Some cons are that it is small so does not have very much space. I do not like that I cannot turn off the auto-stop option. It is a great vehicle, however, just has a few cons. I would definitely be happier in the enclave.

Ric J on February 16, 2021

2018 Buick enclave review - 5 stars.

No problems with this new Buick mini SUV! I drive it seven days a week around 40 miles per day doing postmates in my area. Gas mileage is great, at around 30 miles per gallon on low octane. It holds five people just fine and has a great road feel and drive.

Richard S on February 13, 2021

Great crossover model of car that anyone should enjoy!

Very spacious, accommodating for people with handicaps. Very good gas mileage at 35 mpg. The other thing I wish was included was a CD player since transferring everything to digital is a hassle. The rear seats fold down to allow for more storage in the rear of the vehicle.

Ann H on February 5, 2021

Buick encore- compact SUV with big features.

The Buick encore is comfortable to ride in and very smooth to drive. I am short but feel I can see well and manipulate the car easily. I like being able to put the seats down for easy storage and transport. The controls are clearly marked and easy to change.

Tonya L on February 3, 2021

Love this buick encore - not your grandma’s car.

Not much room for passengers. Smooth ride. Comfortable seats. Very reliable vehicle. Love the apple play integration. You can use bluetooth or directly plug your phone in. Had one issue that ended up being a sensor. It was replaced under warranty at no cost to me.

Jillian S on February 2, 2021

The car is fairly luxurious yet still financially modest.

So far I have had no troubles with this vehicle. It is easy to drive and the suspension is great, though it could be better. Sometimes the drive feelings rocky on certain freeways like the 91 going onto the 10. The weight of the car feels heavy enough which makes it more comfortable to drive as compared to a Prius. I take good care of this car so maintenance is not a problem. My mom uses the car to commute to work every day so the gas on the vehicle is fair. I have also taken this vehicle across state borders several times and it has proved to be a reliable car.

Caleigh M on January 31, 2021

Love my Buick encore - it is safe, comfortable, and reliable with decent pick-up.

The car is very comfortable with adjustable lumbar support on the driver's seat, adjustable headrests, etc. The back seats are spacious as well. Sometimes the blind spot detector on the driver's side goes off even when there is not anything there. Needed to replace the battery after only a year, most likely because the battery was a dud, but it was covered under warranty.

Christy M on January 29, 2021

I love my car- I love how it looks, and how it feels on the road.

Modern features- Apple Carplay, backup camera, USB port; the car is a small SUV, so it's not super spacious, but it has the perfect amount of space for what I need.

Bobbi S on January 26, 2021

The smooth ride, Its comfortable on long trips.

My car is slightly smaller than my previous vehicle a Chevrolet. I can fit all the things that used to fit in my previous car. My gas mileage is super, the comfort of the ride is great. I especially love the navigation panel and the ease of use.

B on January 26, 2021

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Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.