Used 2013 GMC Acadia SUV Consumer Reviews
Refresh Done Well
We previously drove a Buick Enclave for 5 years, so we knew what to expect with the Lambda platform which is shared between the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. The refresh has given this CUV what we consider a more truck like presence which appeals to both the male and female driver in our family. Fit and finish is what one would expect from GM with improvements made to the transmission in the Acadia (no more searching for gears up hills), less flashy wheel offerings and, better integrated telematics (bluetooth, nav, DVD). Overall one of the best values for the content and quality that GM now offers in this segment.
33000K miles and happy
Consumer Reports noted that this year and model could have climate control problems. In the three summers we have had the car, we did have to have the rear compressor replaced. It was covered undr warranty, so we were happy. Otherwise, we have really enjoyed having such a sturdy and safe car for our family to ride in. It is a blast driving the AWD in the snow!
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Excellent all around SUV
Surprisingly good gas mileage for an awd vehicle this size. Tons of cargo space. Tows well. Very nice ride.
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We love our 2013 Acadia Denali!
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 MDX's, but the 3rd row was a joke and it didn't 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 it's not quite as nimble or quick, it's still a lot of fun to drive. My husband and I both love this vehicle and so do the kids! It's a real eye catcher in the White Diamond, too!
Sunroof leaks
Only had our Acadia for 3 months rained all day one day while at work, on the way home water was leaking through one of the lights over the third row seats. It has been in the shop for a week now and STILL not fixed, spoke with the service manager today, and he is not sure when it will be ready. I read reviews from past model years that had some leaking problems, and apparently GMC has not fixed them yet.
Love My Acadia!!
Bought in 2013. Love the seating configuration and space inside. Love inside and out. Thinking it might be time for a new one. The only major con I have is the seatbelts. We have a GMC truck and the seat belts are great. This one the latch hitch is extremely hard and bulky. Reminds me of an older model. The part that is secured to the seat will not move hardly at all. It is so stiff that it can cause major damage when accidently sitting on it or trying to crawl through the back. Several gashes on the knees. The head rest curls forward to much. Wish that was a little more adjustable but understand it may be for safety purposes. Overall a great choice!
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Great for towing!
I drove the car for 54,000 miles with only 2 minor problems. No complaints.
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Steering and rear tail door
Turn the wheel all the way to either side and it clunks, they say it's normal. It scared the heck out of me first time. This is not normal. I'm sure there'll be a recall in the future, there should be. Beware til they fix this problem, if they fix it. Metal to metal coming from rear hatch area when I go over bumps. Four days they've been trying to figure that one out, they still have it. I wouldn't recommend it at this time. I should have stuck with my Yukon. 2013 has not been a good year for the Acadia, looks good but looks ain't everything.
Not worthy of the Denali name
Downsizing from driving Yukon XL Denalis since 2003, I was excited to see the Denali trim in the medium sized Acadia. I tossed between the Benz 350, Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti XJ and the Acadia. My Yukons never let me down, so I was a little bias'd toward the GMC line. The Acadia is a very nice looking cross-over, but as they say beauty is only skin deep. I have driven it 1000 miles and all I can say is shame on you GMC. It looks Denali worthy coming up very short when you look past the exterior shine. I would give the car high marks if it were not in the Denali line.
Do NOT buy this vehicle
Had issues with a noise from the front end. Didn't pay attention until it affected the shifting. Found out it's a transmission issue, $4400 issue btw. By the time I took it in I was 5000 miles past powertrain warranty. GMC's response? Have a nice day, you're screwed, don't expect us to help, have a nice day.
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Worst "Denali" ever
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. I was asked for an update. We no longer own the vehicle and traded (at a loss) on a GMC Yukon which we love.
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Glove compartment light
Is it even possible that in 2013 a vehicle can come with no light in the glove compartment. Could this be a factory omission or cost-cutting. I need a flashlight at night or I must to exercise my sense of touch!
Nice appearance but ownership cost disaster
Expect to have a high cost repair while owning this vehicle. There is a reason other car manufacturers have better warranties, they are confident in their cars performance. GMC is confident in their cars having issues soon after the warranty expires. Update: I recently sold this car as I was disappointed in the rising cost associated with repairs. Purchased a QX60 Infiniti to replace vehicle.
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Nice vehicle, so so reliability
We bought a 2013 acadia SLT1 at the end of 2014 with 16k miles, the car was certified, which was a good thing, at around 30 k miles the steering booster pump had to be replaced, GM recall, maybe a year later, don't remember the mileage the engine module failed, but since the car was under warranty it got replaced for free, a 1200 to 1500 repair according with the dealer, about a year later, like on 2017, 1 of the day running lights went out, " THEY DONT BURN" according with the dealer, but they do, it was also replaced under warranty, the car has 65k miles today, October 2019, and there's a noticeable noise coming from the front end....I replaced all 4 struts and links, but the noise still there, I need to chase that noise a little more. Now the bright side! very comfortable, plenty of room for our family of 4, with room to spare when needed, comfortable ride, adequate power, good looking. I have to say that after all those repairs we haven't had more issues, I'm always on top as far as basic maintenance, since I do most of it, oil changes, transmission fluid changes, air filters brakes etc.
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Great car
I've had my 2013 Acadia for about 4 weeks. Great car. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Intell-link easy to use with very short learning curve. Gas milage is slightly better than advertised. Much better looking than the previous Acadia. I would recommend this car to anyone!