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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2008 GMC Acadia

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 GMC Acadia

Overview

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2008 GMC Acadia Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

As the first crossover SUV sold by GMC, the 2008 GMC Acadia shares its structure and many of its features with the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave. The Acadia successfully combines the appearance and capabilities of an SUV with an added measure of practicality and efficiency. It seats up to eight people, has ample room for luggage or cargo and offers good fuel economy. Considering that most SUVs never leave paved roads, GMC expects the Acadia's street-focused ride, handling and available all-wheel drive to make up for its lack of off-road capability. The Acadia's competitors include the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need lots of room to haul people and cargo but hate the look of a minivan, you'll like the 2008 GMC Acadia. It combines a large, usable interior and good gas mileage with attractive SUV-like exterior styling.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are one of the few drivers who travel off-road in your SUV, the 2008 GMC Acadia may not be for you. Its available all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction during on-road driving, not during off-highway adventures. A maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds may also be a deterrent.

What's New for 2008

New features include an available rear backup camera, standard XM Satellite Radio, second-row seating console and enhanced traction control. Panic Brake Assist, which quickens brake response during panic stopping situation, is also new.

Driving the Acadia

Driving Impressions Thanks to unit-body construction and street-focused suspension, the 2008 GMC Acadia drives more like a car than an SUV. Handling is good with precise steering response, controlled body lean and...

plenty of traction during cornering. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, with an optional 19-inch wheel and tire package available, which sharpens handling without sacrificing a comfortable ride. The GMC Acadia accelerates swiftly, but front-wheel-drive models suffer from noticeable torque steer under harder acceleration. Many drivers will appreciate the raised seating position, which gives a clear view of the road. However, a high beltline limits rearward visibility, making parking lot maneuvers more difficult.

Favorite Features

Third-Row Seats
The third-row seats in the Acadia are roomy and bolstering on the seat backs makes extended journeys comfortable. Access to the rear seats is extremely easy thanks to a clever mechanism that slides the second-row seats out of the way.

Dual Sunroofs
The optional dual sunroofs add a feeling of spaciousness to the interior. The fixed rear sunroof features a large opening and a power sunshade for when the sunshine gets too intense.

2008 GMC Acadia Details

Interior

Inside, the 2008 GMC Acadia is roomy, versatile and utilizes high-quality materials. An attractive two-tone look is used throughout the Acadia lineup, with an available "brick interior" adding striking red surfaces for those with adventurous tastes. The Acadia can accommodate up to eight people in three rows, with ample head- and legroom for all. Wide rear-door openings and second-row seats that slide forward make getting into and out of the third row easy. Behind the third-row seats is an impressive 19.7 cubic feet of cargo space and, with second and third-row seats folded flat, cargo room expands to 116.9 cubic feet. The interior's usability is enhanced with numerous cup holders, storage spaces and additional storage beneath the rear cargo area.

Exterior

With the Acadia, GMC smartly avoids the excessive body cladding that plagued some of General Motors' previous SUVs. The result is a handsome package that looks masculine and up-scale. Bulging fenders and standard 18-inch wheels give the Acadia a strong stance, with tasteful chrome accents and LED tail lamps adding a touch of class. A rear spoiler looks sporty and contributes to the Acadia's low aerodynamic drag. Other nice details include dual exhaust outlets with two chrome tips per side, chrome accents on the roof rails and beautifully-shaped headlamps.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2008 GMC Acadia is well-equipped and includes, as standard, GM's OnStar system with one year of complimentary service, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and MP3 capability, XM Satellite Radio, seven-passenger seating, dual exhaust with chrome tips, rear spoiler, sliding second-row seats, fog lamps and 18-inch wheels. Safety features include StabiliTrak with rollover mitigation, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags.

Optional Equipment

GMC offers a variety of convenience and luxury features for the Acadia. Dual sunroofs and a rear entertainment system make the drive more enjoyable and, unlike with some vehicles, can be ordered together. The interior can be outfitted with a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rearview camera system, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, premium audio with surround sound, a Head-Up Display, cargo area audio controls, rear park assist and eight-passenger seating. Exterior options include a power liftgate, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and an attractive 19-inch wheel package.

Under the Hood

The 2008 GMC Acadia's strong 3.6-liter V6 uses variable valve timing and an electronic throttle to enhance responsiveness, deliver good engine power and provide a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission maximizes engine performance and helps the Acadia achieve excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. However, the transmission can be slow to react to throttle inputs, resulting in delayed downshifts when trying to accelerate to pass other vehicles.

3.6-liter V6
275 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
251 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 (FWD), 16/22 (AWD)

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2008 GMC Acadia Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 351 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 GMC Acadia models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.2/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.8/10

Love it, perfect alternative to a mini van

By Ron (OH) on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "quiet, seats, ride, looks, and layout"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"previously owned a Toyota highlander, nissan pathfinder, and a Honda Oddysey this vehicle is better quality and less problems than those vehicles. I also enjoy the way it drives I have A 2008 SLT, love the comfortable leather seats, back up camera, two sun roofs, touch screen navigation system, all wheel drive, and mini van layout."

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2007 GMC ACADIA

By supermoms401 (CA) on Sunday, May 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "very spacious, sharp turning radius, smooth ride"

Cons: "service from dealerships, mechanical hiccups"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this vehicle brand new in 2007. My first mistake was buying the first generation model. I love this vehicle, however, I've had 4 recalls within the time that I have owned it and have made more visits to various dealerships than I have ever wanted. We are looking into trading this one in for a newer model. We do love our Acadia...our advice would be to just stay away from the older models if you are looking into buying a used Acadia."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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