Used 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
I Love It!!!
ewag41, Lisbon, NY, 12/30/2011
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Have always liked the Terrain look, ordered 2012 New in 2011, received on time, dealership very honest on pricing and reviewing options on vehicle before delivering. Courtesy Chevrolet -Kingsport, TN.
AWD- 4 cyl. Like sound of engine and the shifting.
Years ago you got this effect with a pure STICK.
Has a manual option, comes in handy on downgrades and when coming to a stop.
AWD handles … good on curvy roads.
On trip to N.Y. got 26.8, which is good. Used ECO all the time.
Steering is very good once you adapt to the electric format. Very steady on highway, does not wander.
Room:Well I am able to haul the same stuff I use to haul with my Trail Blazer, but with better MPG- way better::
Loved it at first
Mike, Grafton, WI, 03/03/2018
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Had great fuel mileage, AC ok at best, visibility on passenger side just Ok Around 75.000 started using some oil between changes, by 95.000 using several quarts between changes and mileage dropped off, buy 6 miles per gallon. Dealer told me the oil consumption was normal. Umm no its not. eventually a service bulletin issued and warranty extended to 120,000. Was at 121 and change so not … covered. Now at 133,000 timing chain issues, oil consumption issues and blew rear main seal do to PVC system freezing shut. All are VERY well known problems. Oil changes per meter or sooner, 90 % highway miles. Now what to do with it. New engine? Donate it to not for profit? Junk it? Nobody will give me anything for it on trade I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO BUY A USED ONE!!!!!
Very Nice Vehicle - No Complaints
Alan D., Russellville, AL, 05/21/2016
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
We have a 2012 STL-1 and couldn't be happier. It has more than 119,000 miles on it and not one serious mechanical issue. We had one check engine light issue. It was a minor repair costing less than $100.00. We've never had to add oil between changes. As far as fuel mileage, we average 26.6 overall, 22 in town and 29.8 on the highway at 68 MPH, our normal highway speed. In town, we don't … make jack-rabbit starts and approach stop signs slowly. Also, dealers, no matter the company, are required to use the EPA fuel mileage estimates. They test these cars with no passengers, no wind resistance, no A/C with no stops and starts. Chances of getting the published fuel mileage is very unlikely. The dealership isn't lying, in most cases. They just report the EPA findings.
The car is comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Everything has worked as it should from day one. A far as those folks who complain about the turning radius, "mushy" brakes and relatively slow acceleration ... did you not drive the vehicle first? If so, you should have noticed these things before your purchase. If you didn't test drive it, then you have no one to blame but yourself. Our dealer let us test drive for about 15 miles, part in town, part on the highway. Of course, you would have had no idea about the oil consumption issues several folks have mentioned. That would not be your fault.
We are very pleased with our Terrain. And no, I am not in anyway connected to General Motors. This is the first General Motors product I have owned since a 1960 Chevy station wagon I bought in 1974. Here's wishing everyone the best of luck with their GMC Terrain.
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It's been about a year since I did the initial survey (above). The only thing different from what we said back then is we did have to have a right-rear wheel bearing replaced. But, that's not unusual at 126,600 miles. We have spent less than $500.00 in repairs since we bought it. Still very, very happy with it!
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Update: At 141,00 miles, we had to have the engine rebuilt, which was close to $3000.00. But the car runs great afterwards. The 4-cylinder engine is known to have timing chain issues around 85,000 - 1000,000. That was the beginning of the need for a rebuild ... but not necessarily the only reason. Nonetheless, we now have a rebuilt engine with fewer than 500 miles on it and we're still happy with the car. The only real issue we have with it is how quickly the resale value drops. Other than that ... no real complaints.
Don't buy a 2012-2014 Terrain
rondavis1, Ormond Beach, FL, 05/10/2014
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
My 2012 Terrain has 38,000 miles on the odometer and uses 1 qt of oil every 2000 miles. The Dealer that falls within GM's specs????? No wonder they had to be bailed out.
I get 21.5 mpg overall
with the 4 cyl/auto and that is below the EPA city rating.
The navigation had to be replaced plus the transmission needed replacement at 32,000 miles.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Quiet and attractive cabin
- Pro:sophisticated ride
- Pro:strong crash test scores
- Pro:roomy backseat
- Pro:plenty of standard and optional features
- Pro:good fuel economy.
- Con:Cargo space could be more generous
- Con:compromised visibility
- Con:numb steering.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 GMC Terrain SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 GMC Terrain in Pennsylvania is:
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