2020 Buick Encore GX
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
And here is Motorweek starring John Davis 42 years ago:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-x7EmXT-Sf4
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-x7EmXT-Sf4
Thanks.
Yep, makes me wonder if John is ever going to take his well-earned retirement...he just goes on and on like the Energizer Bunny.In that video, when John did that review of the Citation, it was not fully-known, at that point, just how poorly-built the car was, and how unreliable it was going to be (ask me how I know LOL)
. In fact, GM later admitted that it loaned specially-built/specially-honed X-Body compacts to the auto-press, for testing, that were not comparable with regular production models. Car and Driver magazine published an article where they rescinded some of the former accolades they had given the car, and apologized to their readers. After record sales of almost a million the first year (can you just imagine that today?), the X-body cars were history a scant five years later.
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Toyota did not decrease their ICE sizes..new Corolla actually gained in displacement and horsepower...the excellent 2.0I4 in the Corolla is all-new (and I think class-leading)...and the RAV4 stayed the same displacement while gaining a whopping 45 more HP....I don't think any other manufacture offers a I4 with 200+ horsepower without a turbo....TOYOTA does.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Oct 10, 2020 at 09:10 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 221
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Toyota did not decrease their ICE sizes..new Corolla actually gained in displacement and horsepower...the excellent 2.0I4 in the Corolla is all-new (and I think class-leading)...and the RAV4 stayed the same displacement while gaining a whopping 45 more HP....I don't think any other manufacture offers a I4 with 200+ horsepower without a turbo....TOYOTA does.
My point is that eights are becoming sixes/turbo-sixes, sixes are becoming fours/turbo fours, and fours are becoming turbo-threes. That is not just me talking....it is a distinct pattern. Not one I necessarily want to see, either, but, thanks to a number of different factors, we are generally stuck with it.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 310
From: ON/NY
My point is that eights are becoming sixes/turbo-sixes, sixes are becoming fours/turbo fours, and fours are becoming turbo-threes. That is not just me talking....it is a distinct pattern. Not one I necessarily want to see, either, but, thanks to a number of different factors, we are generally stuck with it.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
They have done so for some Lexus products. And you can bet the monthly rent that it's coming for some Toyota products, too.
Last edited by mmarshall; Oct 11, 2020 at 11:48 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Back to topic, this is not a very good review, and was just posted on You-Tube yesterday (I've seen better narrators). But it's the only one I've seen on video that is done in the Burnished-Bronze-Metallic color I ordered, except that mine has the two-tone white/ivory interior...this one is monotone.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
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From: Virginia
Motor Trend was not impressed with the Encore GX.
The Encore GX and platform-sharing Chevrolet Trailblazer mark the debut of GM's all-new Vehicle Strategy Set (VSS) for small, front-drive-based SUVs, a global parts-sharing, cost-saving architecture. The North American models of both will be built in South Korea.
The Trailblazer and Encore GX come with two new turbocharged inline-three engines that displace 1.2 and 1.3 liters, respectively. Encore GX entry-level pricing starts at $25,095 for a front-drive model powered by a 137-hp 1.2-liter turbo and a CVT that GM developed in-house (for 1.2- and 1.3-liter front-drive models). All-wheel drive is only available with the 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged I-3 and nine-speed automatic transmission. The latter is how our test vehicle came equipped, along with the $650 Sport Touring (ST) package, which adds more aggressive styling cues, including body-colored bumpers and spoiler, red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Physically, the GX offers more Encore to love; it's 3.0 inches longer, 1.3 wider, and 1.1 shorter than its older, smaller brother Encore, and it's size-competitive with crossovers such as the Jeep Compass. The additional room allows for neat tricks, including a fold-flat front seat that creates space for objects up to eight feet long. Buick has positioned the Encore GX to be tech-forward, so options include an 8.0-inch color infotainment screen, wireless charging, and, of course, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
Sounds pretty compelling on paper—until you read some of the notes submitted by our judges.
"After getting inside the Encore GX, I still couldn't tell you what it stands for," Buyer's Guide director Zach Gale said. "I love the monochrome treatment and red details of the ST, but the three-cylinder engine kills it for me. At idle and through the pedal itself you hear and feel the engine. At least it gets 30 mpg—oh wait, nope."
GM's three-cylinder powertrain strategy, which Buick seems to be hiding in its PR and marketing literature (just try to find the cylinder count), bore the brunt of our editors' ire—as the fuel efficiency for performance trade-off didn't seem worth it. Ride quality was also an issue, especially against the value proposition presented by its Seoul brother.
"Buick has some nerve charging thousands of dollars more for this than the Chevrolet Trailblazer, especially when the Encore GX is louder inside, rides worse, and shares a bunch of the same interior parts," features editor Scott Evans said. "If anyone dares cross-shop this with the Chevy, they're not going to see any reason to pay more."
Features editor Christian Seabaugh found the Encore GX's offering similarly lacking against the competitive set. "It seems priced to take advantage of those who don't know any better," he said. "Take the $1,790 Advanced Technology package; it includes a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and navigation. The $29,300 Mazda CX-30 with the Premium package has all of that included. The end result of all this nickel and diming is a $36,620 SUV that feels like a $30,000 SUV inside and drives like a $20,000 one."
Although MotorTrend en Español managing editor Miguel Cortina found things to love about the interior design ("a step above") and infotainment system ("modern, fast, and super easy to use"), in the end, the Encore GX was simply not enough.
"A good way to sum up the Buick Encore GX is to say 'it's not terrible and it's not wonderful; it just sort of is,' " said senior features editor Jonny Lieberman. "Although it certainly isn't a Buick."
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/buic...s-cons-review/
Pros
- Youthful ST exterior
- Snappy infotainment system
- Smartly designed interior space
Cons
- Gutless three-cylinder engine
- Jiggly ride quality
- Overall value proposition
The Encore GX and platform-sharing Chevrolet Trailblazer mark the debut of GM's all-new Vehicle Strategy Set (VSS) for small, front-drive-based SUVs, a global parts-sharing, cost-saving architecture. The North American models of both will be built in South Korea.
The Trailblazer and Encore GX come with two new turbocharged inline-three engines that displace 1.2 and 1.3 liters, respectively. Encore GX entry-level pricing starts at $25,095 for a front-drive model powered by a 137-hp 1.2-liter turbo and a CVT that GM developed in-house (for 1.2- and 1.3-liter front-drive models). All-wheel drive is only available with the 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged I-3 and nine-speed automatic transmission. The latter is how our test vehicle came equipped, along with the $650 Sport Touring (ST) package, which adds more aggressive styling cues, including body-colored bumpers and spoiler, red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Physically, the GX offers more Encore to love; it's 3.0 inches longer, 1.3 wider, and 1.1 shorter than its older, smaller brother Encore, and it's size-competitive with crossovers such as the Jeep Compass. The additional room allows for neat tricks, including a fold-flat front seat that creates space for objects up to eight feet long. Buick has positioned the Encore GX to be tech-forward, so options include an 8.0-inch color infotainment screen, wireless charging, and, of course, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
Sounds pretty compelling on paper—until you read some of the notes submitted by our judges.
"After getting inside the Encore GX, I still couldn't tell you what it stands for," Buyer's Guide director Zach Gale said. "I love the monochrome treatment and red details of the ST, but the three-cylinder engine kills it for me. At idle and through the pedal itself you hear and feel the engine. At least it gets 30 mpg—oh wait, nope."
GM's three-cylinder powertrain strategy, which Buick seems to be hiding in its PR and marketing literature (just try to find the cylinder count), bore the brunt of our editors' ire—as the fuel efficiency for performance trade-off didn't seem worth it. Ride quality was also an issue, especially against the value proposition presented by its Seoul brother.
"Buick has some nerve charging thousands of dollars more for this than the Chevrolet Trailblazer, especially when the Encore GX is louder inside, rides worse, and shares a bunch of the same interior parts," features editor Scott Evans said. "If anyone dares cross-shop this with the Chevy, they're not going to see any reason to pay more."
Features editor Christian Seabaugh found the Encore GX's offering similarly lacking against the competitive set. "It seems priced to take advantage of those who don't know any better," he said. "Take the $1,790 Advanced Technology package; it includes a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and navigation. The $29,300 Mazda CX-30 with the Premium package has all of that included. The end result of all this nickel and diming is a $36,620 SUV that feels like a $30,000 SUV inside and drives like a $20,000 one."
Although MotorTrend en Español managing editor Miguel Cortina found things to love about the interior design ("a step above") and infotainment system ("modern, fast, and super easy to use"), in the end, the Encore GX was simply not enough.
"A good way to sum up the Buick Encore GX is to say 'it's not terrible and it's not wonderful; it just sort of is,' " said senior features editor Jonny Lieberman. "Although it certainly isn't a Buick."
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 310
From: ON/NY
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 221
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The MT Encore GX review was more negative than most. Most of the reviews I've seen, both in print and on video, have been quite favorable (as my own impression was), short of the three-cylinder power plant. I agree, though, that the Encore is probably not as deserving as the Trailblazer, which has had a much greater impact on the small crossover industry, and is currently almost impossible to get from supply and demand. I personally, though, think the Encore is much better-looking inside and out than the Trailblazer, particularly in the front end.
^^^ Nope, my a**. This is nonsense on the judges' part....and where they blew it. I'd bet the monthly rent that, on the Interstates, I could easily get 30+ plus MPG, from either of the Encore GX's powerplants or transmissions, FWD or AWD. I can get 30 on the highway from my Lacrosse and its much larger V6 and 9-speed, driven moderately.
At least it gets 30 mpg—oh wait, nope."
Last edited by mmarshall; Oct 17, 2020 at 08:34 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 310
From: ON/NY
The MT Encore GX review was more negative than most. Most of the reviews I've seen, both in print and on video, have been quite favorable (as my own impression was) short of the three-cylinder power plant. I agree, though, that the Encore is probably not as deserving as the Trailblazer, which has had a much greater impact on the small crossover industry, and is currently almost impossible to get from supply and demand. I personally, though, think the Encore is much better-looking inside and out than the Trailblazer, particularly in the front end.
They pretty mean about the engine.
The problem with the Buick is the 3-cylinder. Toyota has a whopping 49 more horses for the naturally aspirated Rav4 and the Rav4 is far more fuel efficient.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 221
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Oh, no doubt. But, if the Pacifica had better reliability, it would also be more appealing....yet your wife still loves them. That just shows that no vehicle is perfect...you're always going to find something you don't like. Even with the big Buicks of decades ago I'm so fond of, I didn't care for their lousy paint-quality or lack of engine-instrumentation. I haven't seen a prefect vehicle yet....although the LS430 and the last LS460 probably came close.