Overview & Reviews

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:

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  Terrible dependability - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By fastpastor - October 20 - 3:53 pm

  my family and i love the vehichle and the ride. however, the dependability is not existant. the vehicle currently has 87k miles and is the family event car. it is well maintained and we have owned it for 2 yrs and 20k miles. the following has broken while we have owned the vehicle: a/c compressor, brake caliper, cam cover seals, power steering pump, timing cover seals, breather valve, valve cover seals, a/c line, hood lift mech, front axle, speed sensor, all 4 brake rotors, front suspension, control arm, both taillights seals, headlight seals, power mirror control, power window control, door trim, etc. only owned vehicle this long due to warranty. we are selling. !

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  Waste of money - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By sherry0306 - September 17 - 7:08 am

  WE purchased this 07 model with 17k miles with in the 2 years of owning it. the timing chain, alternator, all 4 rotars, head lamps, and NOW transmission . it only has 47k miles and is my dream car being a mom of three children. it is every thing we were looking for with the third row, black leather and rear dvd. but is 100% unsafe I have broke down way to many times to mention. and GMC is giving me a hard time Cause it is more then 5 years old .. Im discussed and starned. BUY forign,

• 

  A GMC LEMON - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mrseppy - August 29 - 3:22 pm

  I bought my 2008 GMC Acadia with 25,000 miles on it. Loved the quiet ride and the space...then the bottom fell out. Water pump at 42000 miles at $564 (later paid for by GMC...amazing). 47000 new master cylinder - $670 68000 new transmission - $3400 Now my serivce manager says the thing to watch for now is the heating and A/C. None of this was under warranty because it says it was a 2008 but came off the line in 2007 so no warranty. After reading all of the following post....When is GMC going to step up? Is there any leverage we have? No more GMC for me.

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  2009 GMC Acadia FIRE - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By njustman - August 24 - 7:28 am

  One month ago I took my 2009 GMC Acadia to the dealer because I noticed a smell and steam coming from it. They did some minor repairs and wanted me to bring it back in a few days for more work as they spotted a small oil leak but couldnt figure out where it was coming from. The next day after driving the vehicle 20 miles when I put it into park there was smoke coming through the vents. It quickly went from what appeared to be overheating, although no warning lights ever came on, to a full fire! I was able to get my children and sister out of the vehicle. I called 911 and fire responders put the fire out. Thankfully no one was injured.

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  light housing melts - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By unhappy_acadia - July 29 - 1:34 pm

  Until recently, I would say that I am the proud owner of a 2008 GMC Acadia. Until we went into have the daytime running light replaced. We have replaced several in the 5 years we have owned the car. What has made us very upset is that the last time we went into replace a burnt out bulb, we were informed that this would not be a $100 repair, but instead a $1000 repair. We were told that the plastic housing that reflects the light out is a $1000 item. The housing has literally melted around the light. We were also informed that the other side was doing the same thing. So in the end, it will cost us $2,000. This is a flaw, not normal wear and tear and should be covered by GMC, but no!

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  Very Unreliable - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By nothappywithgm - July 26 - 9:27 am

  I bought this car in 2010 with 24,000 miles and loved the way it looked and drove. It was my dream car. NOW, I do not like it. Has been in the shop multiple times--timing chain snapped around 60,000 miles, water-pump went out, front headlamps went. After getting that fixed, at 80,000 miles the transmission went out (took 2 months for a replacement due to National backorder). The day after getting it home, the front struts are going, the battery is dead. It seems to be one thing after another. I cant feel comfortable driving anymore because I worried about whats coming next. GM will not help because it is out of 5year warranty, but less than 100,000 miles.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By tsteinhilber - July 21 - 7:41 pm

  I spent months searching out a car that would accommodate our family, loved every aspect of the Acadia. I purchased mine used and I am the second owner of this vehicle. I have owned it for almost 3 years. My Acadia has been into the dealership 7 times since December 2011. As I read through page after page of the same complaints, I dont know if I should feel good about not being the only one or more infuriated because GMC is doing nothing to compensate their customers. The problems are repeated such as air bag, air conditioner, engine oil leak, master cylinder leak, transmission (just rebuilt this past week) and other issues related to technician errors.

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  Worst "Denali" ever - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By drakers - June 28 - 2:47 pm

  I have purchased more than my share of vehicles from GMC, Pontiac, Jaguar, BMW, and Cadillac. I have determined that there are two automobiles that I have purchased new and wish I never did. One was a 2007 Jaguar XK (it was a new model of their high performance car) and the other is this Acadia “Denali”The first thing to break on the Acadia was the cheap or improper installation of the rubber pad on the foot actuated emergency brake. Then the Roof leaked due to improper installation...little things either break off or were improperly installed. Terrible QC at factory. Sluggish motor that cuts out frequently.

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  We love our 2013 Acadia Denali! - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By neohiomom - June 27 - 10:12 am

  We bought our AWD Acadia Denali in February, cashing in our GM rewards and trading in our 2010 Acura MDX. In 2010, we decided to trade our 2003 Acura MDX. We looked at our recent MDX and the Acadia, which we loved the looks of. Unfortunately, the cheap plastic interior was a deal breaker for us. We loved both MDXs, but the 3rd row was a joke and it didnt have enough cargo room for our family trips. We were thrilled to see the Acadia Denali redesigned for 2013! The interior is now on par with the MDX and while its not quite as nimble or quick, its still a lot of fun to drive. My husband and I both love this vehicle and so do the kids! Its a real eye catcher in the White Diamond, too!

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  Great SUV - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By beezer34 - June 25 - 10:46 am

  Loved the Acadia. Plenty of room for all. Smooth driving. Leased it and had no issues to report. Recommend to all