2008 GMC Acadia Consumer Reviews Page 5

Acadia looks Great but shifts poorly

Written by: roger baiers on 09/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

The Acadia was a Christmas gift for my wife. She fell in love with the looks so we never test drove prior to delivery. We are satisfied with the vehicle except for the 6 speed transmission. In moderately hilly driving the transmission changes gears from 3-4-5 constantly. The shifts happen after the vehicle slows down 5- 10 MPH and then the engine speeds up from 1800 RPM's to 3500 RPM's to bring the vehicle back to the speed desired. The shifts are herky jerky and to date the dealer and calls to GM Customer Care has brought about the same response, "That is the way they are". The software developers should drive the vehicles in various road conditions and go back to the drawing board.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks

Suggested Improvements

Fix the transmission.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Wife and I love it ,kids too

Written by: NC in Memphis on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Well we got it last Saturday 8/20/08. It's been great. We got a silver 8 seat SLT-1. The ride is awesome plenty of room. I have 3 girls and they love to too. This is our first brand new car in 15 years. We had a 97 mini van and moved into the Acadia. Wow what a difference. I read all the reviews on this site and they were very helpful in making our decision. We're getting about 23 mpg not bad.

Favorite Features

Leather, dual sunroofs, remote start 19'' wheels. The whole thing is great.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower but not much.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Solid and Reliable

Written by: HRC on 08/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We have owned our Acadia for about 13k miles. We selected it over the Acura MDX primarily due to its 3rd row space. Though we had some trepidation about the alleged poor reliability of American cars, I can say that for equivalent miles, the Acadia has been far more reliable than my 2005 Infiniti G35 or my VW Passat. I have had absolutely no reliability issues with the Acadia, while I can't say the same about the others. I was initially concerned about the fuel economy, and I have found the economy to be a mixed bag: city mileage is poor at about 11-14 mpg, but on the highway it is easy to achieve 24mpg by staying <70mph and using the cruise control. This is surprising for a big vehicle.

Favorite Features

In general, this car has many features to be happy about. However, the HUD, XM radio, flexible seating, backup camera (your really need one on the Acadia!), smooth engine, and great climate controls stand out.

Suggested Improvements

Some interior materials feel "low end" compared to the Enclave or foreign makes. Also, the basic ergonomics of the seats are not as good as Ford, Chrysler, or non-US makes (I have never found GM seats to be supremely comfortable). Both these prevent me from giving a "10" for interior and comfort.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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1 week and love it!

Written by: Jdadams21 on 08/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Just purchased and love it! Comfort for our family of 5. Beats the heck out of a minivan! Loaded with features. DVD controls and wireless headsets a huge benefit for parents! Ride is great. Does need some transmission fine tuning from GMC. Super quiet drive. Remote start is fantastic. Looks superb!

Favorite Features

Remote start, power liftgate, trailer package, wireless headsets/DVD. Split 2nd row, great interior

Suggested Improvements

Gotta make the transmission better. Not that ours is bad, just isn't as smooth as I would like.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Traded My Tahoe For This

Written by: Connie A on 08/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I was intially drawn to this vehicle by the great styling and looks. Loved my 2005 Tahoe, but was looking to save gas money by trading it off-not happening. Finally convinced my husband to take a test drive. Loved the seating, dual moon roofs, and great room. Made the purchase 6 months ago and it is very aggravating. When the warmer months come around, I roll down my back windows-you can't do this at all in this vehicle! The vibration is so awful it is like you are directly under a helicopter. Made a complaint to GMC, told it was a design issue. The transmission shifting is more than awful! Overall a nice vehicle if they change the transmission and noise issues, but miss my Tahoe.

Favorite Features

Stereo system is great, but wish xm was optional as I have no use for it but still have to mess with it when switching from cd to radio. Love the 2nd row captain chairs. Comfy seats for long rides. Nice hideaway compartment in back.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the transmission and noise issues! Smooth out top of doors so you can actually rest your arm while driving (very uncomfortable), less confusing dash, more cubbies (what does anyone use the two tiny cubbies for behind the shifter?), move outlet from behind cup holder,different buttons on stearing

6 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Good Choice

Written by: Bob S on 08/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We usually bury our vehicles, so after 14 yrs and 150k miles on our '94 Explorer we decided it was time. Looked at all the SUVs including Acadia's two siblings, the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave but picked the GMC. So far we love it! Great inside and out, and the ride is perfect. Two things stand out. We are only getting 19.8 mpg on the highway which is about 10% less than the 22 mpg advertised, whic is the same as my '94 Explorer was getting. Next, I find that on hills especially it hesitates getting into high gear and I have to push down hard on the gas pedal until it slips into high gear, this is very annoying.

Favorite Features

Love the power lift gate and second row captains chairs. The XM radio is also neat since all the stations come in crystal clear regardless of where you travel. Signed on for another year of XM

Suggested Improvements

Rear backup camera a must and it should come standard. Improve gas mileage. Flip up window on the lift gate should also come standatd. Had it on my Explorer and loved the convenience. The only SUVs that we looked that have it are Toyota Highlander (flip up) and Toyota 4Runner (roll down read window)

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Fun Ride

Written by: Marcella on 08/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I reviewed and searched for the perfect crossover and I found it in the GMC Acadia. I had an Acura MDX and it was giving me mechanical problems. I said I would never purchase an American car. GMC has changed our minds! We have always purchased foreign and the GMC line has really turned us around. Thanks GMC for a wonderful ride that turns heads as well as makes us smile. My daughter loves lookingt through the 2nd row sun roof especially at night and watching her long awaited DVD player. My in-laws love that we can have them along since it seats 6 comforably and 7 with a small child on the third row. Only will trade for a new one. It's everything I thought it would be and more. Thanks GMC!

Favorite Features

The passanger sunroof as well as the fact that my children can listen to their own radio while my husband I listen to something else. I like the comfortable cabin and silence it provides. I really enjoy that It isn't as bulky as the larger SUV. My father has always had a Suburban and that's too big.

Suggested Improvements

I don't think it needs any improvements. I have compared it with the 2008 MDX and the price was cheaper; I've friends who have traded their Tahoes in for the Acadia. They didn't like the bulkiness. I have since had three of our neighbors purchase thier new Acadias!! I really promote the Acadia!!!!!

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Transmission Flash Does Wonders

Written by: Mike D on 08/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

To everyone mentioning the transmission, the 5/8/08 transmission flash is a must. You actually feel the 275hp of the engine and don't have to push the pedal down much. It's the way it should have been from the factory. Tons of room inside. I got the 2nd row captain's chairs. Where can you get those outside of minivan? 3rd row better than most vehicles and has 60/40 which is great. Power liftgate and rear backing sensors are excellent. Stereo system (with XM) very nice. OnStar provides nice security. Stylish exterior and underrated style inside. Large tires and off-road capability. All-wheel drive is passive but there if needed. Dual sunroofs. The total package, IMHO.

Favorite Features

2nd row captain's chairs, 3rd row better than most vehicles and has 60/40, Power liftgate, rear backing sensors, dual sunroofs.

Suggested Improvements

Mileage, but still better than mid-to-large SUVs.

23 out 23 people found this review helpful

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Acadia not for dirt roads

Written by: Myrt on 07/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We traded off my 2000 Durango for this '08 Acadia and I am disappointed in that the Acadia leaks in a lot of dirt on our rural roads, mostly around the liftgate. A lot of dirt collects between the two rows of weatherstripping around the 2nd-row doors, also, so much that you sure don't want to lean against that area with clean clothes on. I also do not care for the constant shifting of the transmission. My Durango had a 4.7 and I really miss it.

Favorite Features

The air conditioning is very good on even the hottest of days, and the 2nd row passengers have more than enough legroom. Our old Durango was short in these areas.

Suggested Improvements

Put an engine in future models. I have had my last 6-cylinder engine. Also, make OnStar & XM radio an option; we have no use whatsoever for it. The climate control and radio controls are complicated and distracting. Cell phones can't take all the blame for distracting drivers!

5 out 13 people found this review helpful

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A Bit Disappointed

Written by: Joydan on 07/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We traded in a Honda Pilot for the features offered by the Acadia, the primary one being the dual climate control. The particular model we purchased has basically everything, so we are very pleased with that. However, the engine performance is less than desirable and the constant shifting of the transmission, based on changes in the road, etc., especially with the cruise control on, is very annoying. It's as if the transmission and/or engine can't decide how to power the vehicle down the road. Pushing the accelerator slowly doesn't get you much. The gas mileage is high teens, averaging around 18 - not the greatest. Certainly has all the bells and whistles. A very stylish vehicle.

Favorite Features

Dual climate control, the navigation system, backup camera and sensor system, the heads up display and the airplane like cockpit setting of the driver's area, all make this vehicle exciting to drive. Also like the automatic opening/closing rear tailgate and the remote engine start.

Suggested Improvements

The transmission and engine power issue along with the seemingly erratic shifting problems - need work. Not sure if this is a vehicle defect or just the way it's engineered. Haven't brought this to the dealer's attention yet. I see from other reviews mine is not the only one that acts this way.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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