2013 Buick Encore nets strong IIHS, NHTSA safety scores
#16
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
the engine may work hard if someone wants to accelerate fast, but for people in florida on flat roads driving quietly and comfortably to the mall, a movie, or the supermarket, it hardly matters.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#17
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
OK, it's obvious that we are just going to disagree on whether it is a properly-done Buick or not........so no sense in continuing that point any longer.
One thing, though, DOES make some sense.....and I may (?) have overlooked it in previous posts. Many people, today, are safety-oriented, especially mothers with their kids. The Encore's good NHTSA/DOT/IIHS safety-ratings may be helping to attract some buyers.
One thing, though, DOES make some sense.....and I may (?) have overlooked it in previous posts. Many people, today, are safety-oriented, especially mothers with their kids. The Encore's good NHTSA/DOT/IIHS safety-ratings may be helping to attract some buyers.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-07-13 at 07:35 PM.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
One thing, though, DOES make some sense.....and I may (?) have overlooked it in previous posts. Many people, today, are safety-oriented, especially mothers with their kids. The Encore's good NHTSA/DOT/IIHS safety-ratings may be helping to attract some buyers.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
#19
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm not necessarily just picking on the Encore's engine, BTW. Though I have not formally test-driven one, I think I'm probably going to have the same opinion of Ford's new (to the U.S.) three-cylinder Turbo Ecoboost.....but I'll wait for a formal test-drive to be sure.
and isn't the Encore basically a tall Verano?
I have done a full-review on an Encore, BTW. I gave it respect (and credit) where I thought it was due, but I still don't think that it is as well-done as several other new excellent GM offerings.
I'd bet the average buyer age is WAY beyond mom's with kids.
i just think the encore is a very well-targeted retiree car that doesn't care about going fast, but likes a tall ride with easy space for the golf bags and groceries.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-07-13 at 09:53 PM.
#20
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
I gave it respect (and credit) where I thought it was due, but I still don't think that it is as well-done as several other new excellent GM offerings.
You might have a point there. But Grandpa and Grandma, at their age, are probably just as concerned about their own personal safety (and the Encore's high safety-ratings) as they are about their grandchildren's.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
and it goes without saying that everyone is concerned about safety.
#21
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
At GM, Buick in particular has done a good job of platform sharing. Cruze/Verano, LaCrosse/Impala,/XTS, Encore/Daewoo etc.
Not sure if they've shaken off the old persons image or not, but their sales are good.
Not sure if they've shaken off the old persons image or not, but their sales are good.
#22
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Encore shares its platform with GM's subcompact cars, including the Chevy Sonic (Aveo) and Spark (which, you are correct, are GMDAT -- Daewoo -- engineered platforms). GM South Korea (Daewoo) is putting its mark on many GM compact (Cruze) and sub-compact (Aveo/Sonic, Spark) cars. I seem to remember that Daewoo had input on the LaCrosse also.
#23
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sorry if it was unclear. I was refering to not having test-driven a Ford three-cylinder Ecoboost turbo.
I was being facetious. I myself am retired, and have been single all my life (though not always by choice).
Unless you're Major Hassan, who apparantly can't wait to get to get his lethal.
you would know that just because someone's retired, doesn't mean they're grandpa or grandma, right?
and it goes without saying that everyone is concerned about safety.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#24
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Same, BTW, for the Buick Regal, which comes mostly from the Opel Insignia.
Not sure if they've shaken off the old persons image or not, but their sales are good.
(In fact, I myself owned two used 60s-vintage Buicks, in college, before I was 20 years old...and a Plymouth Barracuda)
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-08-13 at 10:32 AM.
#25
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No. This is an often-repeated but incorrect comparison. The Cruze was developed mostly from a Daewoo platform. The Verano, except for its Buick drivetrain and Quiet-Tuning sound insulation, comes mostly from the Opel Astra. The interiors, especially, are almost identical except for some very minor trim/logo differences and dash-lighting.
Same, BTW, for the Buick Regal, which comes mostly from the Opel Insignia.
Though they were obviously popular with seniors, Buicks never were quite as much of a gray-hair-exclusive brand as auto magazines and journalists would have made you think. That was an incorrect stereotype.
Same, BTW, for the Buick Regal, which comes mostly from the Opel Insignia.
Though they were obviously popular with seniors, Buicks never were quite as much of a gray-hair-exclusive brand as auto magazines and journalists would have made you think. That was an incorrect stereotype.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Most seniors don't read the automotive press enough to be influenced by them.
#27
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
They jumped on that image, though, like a kid playing hopscotch, and usually didn't miss an opportunity to toss a Grandpa/Grandma barb at Buicks whenever they had a chance. I know what those guys said......I've been reading their mags for more than 40 years.
True. They buy what they want....and can afford. Most seniors usually place ride-comfort/quietness, crash-safety, and visibility first.
True. They buy what they want....and can afford. Most seniors usually place ride-comfort/quietness, crash-safety, and visibility first.
#28
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
However (ironically), the trend in most new cars towards stiff rides, low-profile tires, and sportiness has been so strong that even some journalists are now complaining that it has gotten out of hand, and that a little of that old Buick comfort would not be a bad idea.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't think one could expect this vehicle to sell like the 3-series, which has been a sport-sedan icon for decades. Still, given its (IMO) design-deficiencies (which I've covered in previous posts), it's selling decently.