GMC Acadia Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.09/5 Average
729 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

Building tough trucks for tough work has been the focus of GMC for years, but even GMC couldn't avoid the onslaught of the crossover SUV revolution. That's where the GMC Acadia comes in.

The Acadia is a large crossover SUV. Mechanically, it's very similar to its platform-mates -- the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and now-discontinued Saturn Outlook. Thanks to its spacious interior, strong V6 engine and competitive price, the Acadia is one of the better crossover SUV choices. Although there were styling updates and a few other minor changes made for 2013, shoppers should know that Acadias from any year share most of the same pros and cons.

Current GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a large crossover SUV that's offered in five trims: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali. Each comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. Although even the base SLE-1 is fairly well-equipped, moving up through the trims brings luxuries such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, smartphone app integration and a panoramic sunroof.

The GMC Acadia is one of the roomiest crossover utility vehicles in its class, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats are captain's chairs, but a 60/40-split-folding bench is available as an option. Those second-row seats also slide 4 inches fore and aft and easily flip up and out of the way for access to the third-row seats. There's room for adults in the back two rows, though leg support is a bit lacking. With both the second and third rows folded down, the Acadia's substantial cargo space is topped only by minivans and extra-large SUVs like the Chevy Suburban.

In our road tests we've found the Acadia's handling respectable, especially considering the vehicle's large size, and its buttoned-down and quiet ride is particularly impressive. The V6 won't blow you away with its power, but it moves the Acadia out with decent authority. Overall, our editors feel that the GMC Acadia represents a compelling combination of functionality, luxury and value.

Used GMC Acadia Models
The GMC Acadia debuted for the 2007 model year. Its 3.6-liter V6 lacked direct injection until 2009, and hence was rated at a slightly lower 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque for its first two years of production. The transmission was reprogrammed for 2010 to address previous complaints of sluggish downshift response. That year also saw new features like Bluetooth connectivity, real-time traffic updates for the navigation system, and available heated and ventilated seats. The plush Denali trim debuted the following year.

For 2013, GMC heavily updated the Acadia. Changes included refreshed front and rear styling, improved interior materials and a new front-center airbag as well as larger, easier-to-use controls for the audio, climate and navigation systems. This year also brought GM's IntelliLink system, with its smartphone integration capability, as well as a slight shuffling of equipment and trim levels.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 729.00
  • Buyers Remorse - 2012 GMC Acadia
    By -

    When it was time to trade in our minivan, I began looking at crossovers. It appeared that the Acadia could not be beat for features, styling, and gas mileage. It did not take long for me to have buyers remorse. It has not come close to meeting the advertised mpg. I do the majority of my driving in the city and only get between 12-14 mpg! I have never gotten above 17.5 mpg on a highway roadtrip. This car has much less cargo space than my minivan and no storage room in the front other than the passenger seat for a purse, book, etc. The nav system has been unreliable. It looks pretty but does not meet the needs of our family. It has less than 10,000 miles and Im ready to trade it in.

  • ONCE A DREAM CAR, NOW A NIGHTMARE!!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
    By -

    I always wanted this car and finally bought it and now absolutely hate it!!! The service air bag light stays on and there was a recall and still not fixed:( we got a DVD player installed and it will only play 2 movies due to the wiring, it has stalled on us because it was on a tilt and it had about a 1/4 tank gas and so it wouldnt start, plus it already needed a computer upgrade, the same time the back hatch sensor was broken so we couldnt open the hatch, the plastic falls off of the doors, the back seat, even on the outside of the roof its slipping off. We baby this car and it still has tons of issues. It doesnt get up and go when pushing on the gas, and if you go fast it shakes everything.

  • Satisfied Customer - 2008 GMC Acadia
    By -

    I am 31 years old and this is the 3rd straight GM vehicle that I have owned. Bout my first one at 17. The Acadia is known for issues with its transmission, roof leaks, etc. I have to say that I have been 100% satisfied with mine. The only recommendation that I can think of would be to improve the mpg. I currently average about 18 mpg and that is a good combination of highway and city mileage. So that is more like what to expect. BUT! The Acadia is a very spacious family vehicle. So what exactly is everyone on here expecting?? 32mpg? For that, youre in the wrong market of vehicles anyways.

  • So Far So Good - 2012 GMC Acadia
    By -

    I just bought this crossover. I looked at all crossovers - foreign and domestic - price, and mpg - and found Acadia a bit larger than I would have initially prefered, however I was impressed. I drive mainly in a small town, and I get 17 mph, with an average speed of 22mph from block to block. Ive owned Chevy trucks, a Tahoe, and an ML 350 Benz which I traded in for the Acadia. The interior is amazing, roomier than Toyota Rav4 (which was really narrow). Acceleration on Interstate was fine - I am not a dynamic quick driver rabbit start driver, so this vehicle suites my driving style nicely. Great to have the camera - in color - in the rear view mirror.

  • Interesting SUV - 2011 GMC Acadia
    By -

    The car has a nice comfortable feature to it, the seats are great and the mirrors are just right.

  • Constant Problems - 2007 GMC Acadia
    By -

    Our 2007 GMC Acadia has given us constant problems. We fell for the sleek design and interior comfort. At 6 months the transmission quit reversing in our driveway, It was replaced. Soon after we had constant electrical problems. The radio shorted out. The turn signals stopped. The headlamps shorted. Three of my four windows do not work (to expensive to fix). The airbags are deactivated. The stabilitrak has been a constant and ongoing issue with sensor issues. To date the engine has been dropped out of my car for repair 3 times. Today I am calling again today for a stabilitrak/check engine/ low engine performace signal, and it will probably be dropped another fourth and very costly time.

  • NEVER buy another car that was made in America - 2007 GMC Acadia
    By -

    I will NEVER buy another car that was made in America. My husband and I gave a change to 2007 GMC Acadia. Wow....repair, repair, repair. This car has only 4 years old and already so many problems. Roof leaking, seat is not working, tail gate broke, windshield stoped.....

  • GMC Acadia Junkmobile - 2008 GMC Acadia
    By -

    Struts replaced X2 , tranny X2, brakes and rotors replaced X2, rear seat adjustment is horrible, original tires garbage. GMC engineers trying to figure out why airbag/seatbelt lights stay on all the time...cant assure me that the airbags will work correctly. Worst vehicle ever owned...in fact, Ive had $100 cars when I was a kid that were better quality and more dependable that this pile of scrap metal. Have 5 months left on my "Stupid Buy" and am certainly returning this vehicle (since GMC wont do anything to buy me out. They spent more money on transmission and struts that they would have to buy me out! Wouldnt buy another even if offered for the $100...like my cars of 30 years ago!

  • Very Disappointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
    By -

    I have had numerous problems with this car. Water pump, brakes, stabilitrak system, computer, gasket problems. I use to get 17 MPG in the city, now it has dropped to 13 MPG. Thankfully all of these are covered under the warranty. Love the style and design, but the reliability is pathetic.

  • Totally dissapointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
    By -

    Should have known better. Why did I but an american car. Traded my wifes 2002 Mitsubishi with 110k miles the never gave a single problem for a 2008 Acadia. What was I thinking the car has been in the repair shop more time then I can remember. Problems with brakes, rear gate, brakes, electrical short, had replace radiotar and latest the transmission. Its sad to say but from the get go I had my doubts about this car and because I didnt fell comfortable buying american, I had to spend another 2 grand on a extended warranty. I only purchase the car because wife fell in love the style and color of car. All I can tell you is that IIl never buy an american car again.

GMC Acadia Reviews By Year:
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