2013 Buick Encore Review

[AutoGuide.com]

Buick takes liberties with the compact premium crossover
by Luke Vandezande

Buick is faithfully searching for the fountain of youth with its new products as it tries to shed the “old man” image.

But losing that might be more difficult than shedding the spare tire stomachs so many of its customers carry to their bridge games. Meet the 2013 Encore: Its latest stab at attracting a new demographic buyers looking for something other than boat-like cars.

A compact crossover without a specific segment to call it’s own, the Encore is similar to a hermit crab in more than its stubby shape. GM says the car doesn’t have any direct competition, but compares it most closely to the MINI Countryman and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

That might be a problem, though, when factors like style, brand image and performance come into play – as they always do.

UNFORTUNATE EXTERIOR PROPORTIONS

Buick’s design language is anything but ugly. In fact, on cars like the Regal, Enclave and even Verano, it’s quite handsome. Little accents like the faux chrome hood vents and the imposing grille full of vertical bars add a touch of class to the General Motors portfolio that, while not particularly inspired, offers a degree of distinction.

Unfortunately, the Encore looks like an Enclave puppy that hasn’t grown into its paws, or in this case, headlights. That’s too bad, especially because Buick is right to recognize the burgeoning compact crossover market.

It’s not all bad, though. There are at least some things to love about little utility vehicle. For example, the base model comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

They aren’t as nice as the optional chrome rims, but they’re more than passable. Similarly, projector beam headlights are standard and the blue accents surrounding them distract your glance from the car’s body.

Read the complete 2013 Buick Encore Review at AutoGuide.com

[JayTheSnork]

when you open any English language dictionary to the words, "fugly," "slug," or "pretentious," this picture ought to be next to it.

[hu vw]

when you open any language dictionary to the words equivalent to, "fugly," "slug," or "pretentious," this picture ought to be next to it.

^^^^ftfy

[TheColoradoRed]

I want to throw things at it. I don't know why.

Buick’s design language is anything but ugly.

Go home AutoGuide. You're drunk.

[JayTheSnork]

what amazes me is GM hasn't learned their lesson (in certain brands) that consumers don't want these fugly POSs, and that they keep turning out fecal matter like this.

[TheColoradoRed]

I would like to meet the design team that looked at the sketches, the prototypes, and the production model and though: "Perfect, this is exactly what we envisioned."


Someone, somewhere, is proud of this car. I want to meet that poor soul.

[Bdubskii]

This is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen.

[NEWMAN'SOWN]

Hi, I'm 12 and what is this?