Used 2018 GMC Terrain Consumer Reviews
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Keeps Going with Regular Maintenance
Markoos 517, 06/01/2024
2018 GMC Terrain SLE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Being a small displacement, direct-injection, turbo engine with a 9-speed GM auto; I was hesitant about this car for my Sister. However, after 45K miles of her ownership (vehicle at 85K miles), I am pleasantly surprised! I encouraged her to run oil changes every 3k miles, and idle for 1 to 2 minutes after driving to cool off the turbo. I also encouraged her to run premium fuel - she followed these suggestions and has had no performance, turbo, or economy related issues. Oil changes are done by myself, and she is never low. Driving with the 9-speed transmission was very weird at first - we both kept wanting to run the engine up to 3/4k RPM upon acceleration. Eventually we realized how much low-end torque this tiny motor makes, and while it is a bit slow driving modestly, the 9-speed really provides the proper ratio's to leverage the car up to speed without over-revving (will cause oil burning from internal pressures), straining the engine, and wasting gas. The direct-injection system really helps low engine speed torque, and often we don't have to rev beyond 2,600 RPM to get up to 45/55 MPH. The shifts are very crisp and accurate once it learns your driving behavior, and almost feels like a manual - I really enjoy this transmission, it has grown on me. I also appreciate the turbo can spool to 90% at 1,600RPM, so even if it's in overdrive is has plenty of pep to get up and go from 35MPH to 55MPH without shifting gears (more shifts mean more heat, resulting in wear and degradation of fluid). I can understand why people don't like this car's driving characteristics; you can rev the engine up but it really doesn't produce more power with the 9-speed, each gear is very balance regarding leverage potential so it can feel very numb in the cushions. Further, it doesn't drive as if it was designed to rev up past 3k RPM every time you accelerate; for optimal fuel economy, it really does prefer to use low engine speed for torque, and the full set of gears to get you up to speed. That being said, it will absolutely punch it to 70MPH if you need it to, but at the cost of fuel and engine heat! My sister drives very modestly and this vehicle still performs like new with regular maintenance. The interior has held up well, and she detailed everything herself without any issues or weird stains. My sister is a woman of larger stature, and the seats have held up brilliantly for her! Further, she maintains an average of 35mpg with mixed highway and city driving, and I'll often maintain 40mpg easily with mixed driving (out best was 48mpg on the highway). A great small SUV, with enough pep to get around but likely a better fit for more efficient-conscious drivers who don't mind bobbing around town easily. The AWD system is no Jeep 4x4, but it will get you thru snow without issues (given you know and have experience driving in snow). **Noticing at 85K miles that her valve cover gasket is beginning to seep by the high-pressure fuel pump. A bit of a daunting DIY repair, as the fuel rail has to be removed to get the cover off. Price estimates at a mechanic are fair, but not ideal. Regardless, not a terrible mileage point for that to fail (and has been my experience with previous older GM vehicles).
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Happy with purchase of my 2018 Terrain
Lady Di, 02/23/2020
2018 GMC Terrain SLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Terrain for about 16 months and have had absolutely no problems! I bought it brand new and have been pleased with its performance right from the start. My only small complaint would be that I think it has some road noise that I dont like.( But nothing in comparison to my 2013 Honda. ) it gets great gas mileage and overall is vehicle I enjoy driving.
2018 GMC Terrain for sale near you
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Losing my enthusiasm as a lifelong GM customer!!
Michael Porta, 08/12/2019
2018 GMC Terrain SLE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I loved the looks of this vehicle overall. I'm getting less than enthused as time goes on. I had less than a couple of weeks when I noticed the rear trim bumper panel had a gap showing, along with a RR door trim/ weatherstrip was falling off. My dealer fixed replaced both. After several weird instances when coming up to a stop the vehicle started lurching as though the stop start didn't know whether to stop or keep running! Of course the thing isn't going to do it at the dealer. The brake rotors on the right side had started getting deep grooves that made braking a little rough sounding. The leather steering wheel started to peel after 1 year. The dealer promptly replaced. The radio entertainment center has shut down or locked up and you can't do anything with the controls, so if the radio was on really loud you're stuck listening to it until it decides to work again!! I'm not happy with the black cloth seats that show every bit of lint and the driver seat is showing wear on the edge! Keep in mind I have less than 13,000 miles on this vehicle 1-1/2 yrs into a 2 yr lease. I agree with some of the other owners that the view is terrible especially without the lane detection system and the push button shifter is not natural....Too many buttons!!! Oh' the replaced weatherstrip on the RR door is coming off again and allowing dirt to begin early stages of rust along the welded fender seam. Was thinking of buying as a retirement vehicle but may be changing my mind as the lease comes to an end in March!!! Maybe looking for another brand if this is GM's best coming out of MEXICO!!!
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YOU FOOLED ME,GMC
buck c, 05/22/2020
updated 05/27/2022
2018 GMC Terrain SLT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
for the past four years we had a 2010 dodge journey, it was a nice little suv but it didnt feel strong, so we started looking for something different that we could afford, our number one choice was a 2017 terrain, it was nice ready to buy then i saw the 2018 terrain i did not know that GM had re did it like that it was love at first site, the dealer i went to had 4 of the 2018 in stock i checked them all, and we choose the SLT model , i am 62 and my wife is 60 married 40 years and this is the best ride we have ever had. i dont agree with the bad talk about the 1.5 turbo engine its fine to me no problems on the free way ride good in the city looks good nice ride for our income.level around 38 ,000 a year together , but having a dependable ride like the gmc terrain make you feel good
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Awesome Experience
Karen Pomeroy, 03/09/2018
2018 GMC Terrain SLE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The GMC Terrain that we purchased with the help of Ryan Shippey is an awesome vehicle. We had a smaller car and have a pickup which we use to pull a 31 ft RV. With the Terrain (it has a factory installed tow package) we can eliminate both the other vehicles. Thanks, Ryan, for your assistance.
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