Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2

PsychoBueller · 01-05-2007, 08:45 AM

Again, sorry about the pic. it's from my phone...

I drove a LOADED GMC Acadia SLT2. This baby had every feature they could stuff it with and stickered at $45K.

The first thing you notice about the Acadia is that it is GORGEOUS! The exterior styling is so well exectuted. The big 19" rims look imposing and the projector beam lights are great. Just a classy and upscale look.

Inside it continues. The styling is spot-on. Almost every touch point is soft to the touch and the lines and creases look right. The controls all move fluidly. There is a deep recess in a hidden compartment on top of the dash. The instrument panel covering is NOT soft touch, which I found to be a disappointment. However, it is low-gloss and looks nice so most people will be fine with it. It would not keep me from buying this vehicle. The red LED-lit gauges are awesome.

The driving experience was very nice as well. The 3.6 liter V6 and 6-speed auto are well matched. The engine has ample power and the tranny is very smooth and willing to give quick downshifts, which is interesting because it was much more reluctant to downshift in the Ford Edge I drove (they share the same transmission). The Acadia is heavy, so don't expect to race down main street and win many drag races, but it moved along just fine. I think the V8 option would be welcome, as I could envision the V6 being overwhelmed by a full load of passengers/cargo in hilly terrain.

The handling of the Acadia was good. Very confident on the road and felt better than the Edge. The steering was good, but not was direct as the Ford Edge.

Overall, the Acadia is a winner. It is so good that it's hard to believe that it's a GM product. Honestly, you could recommend it to you import-loving friends and they'll come away impressed. If this is where GM is going then I have have no doubt they'll be just fine.

**Ghrankenstein** · 01-05-2007, 03:17 PM

Nice post. Ours is one of those very very early production vehicles that GMC whisked off, and after driving it I understand what the other press members are talking about in regards to the shifting.

It'll go from sixth to fifth in a heartbeat, quickly and smoothly, but further downshifts in this vehicle have a pause, and I think what the press is asking for is an earlier 6th-4th or 5th-3rd from the 6T70. The Denalis and Escalade with the 6L80 always seem to get the right gear; I think they'll work it out fairly quickly, at least I hope they do. I'm not that annoyed, but I'd really like for cross-shoppers to be wowed like they are with the Denali's shift quality.

GMC absolutely nailed that engine/exhaust note, didn't they?

Ghrank

Gm786 · 01-06-2007, 01:54 AM

That was a nice small review of the 07 GMC Acadia PsychoBuller.

I'm sure it will sell very well for GM along with GM's other Crossovers. It's a great looking Crossover inside and out. I'm sure you enjoyed you review very much. Although the picture you posted is low quality due to the fact that it's from your phone, it still looks very nice.

fp115 · 01-06-2007, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghrankenstein

Nice post. Ours is one of those very very early production vehicles that GMC whisked off, and after driving it I understand what the other press members are talking about in regards to the shifting.

It'll go from sixth to fifth in a heartbeat, quickly and smoothly, but further downshifts in this vehicle have a pause, and I think what the press is asking for is an earlier 6th-4th or 5th-3rd from the 6T70. The Denalis and Escalade with the 6L80 always seem to get the right gear; I think they'll work it out fairly quickly, at least I hope they do. I'm not that annoyed, but I'd really like for cross-shoppers to be wowed like they are with the Denali's shift quality.

GMC absolutely nailed that engine/exhaust note, didn't they?

Ghrank

GM has rebuilt the car's computer since the preproductions due to some issues. Ours did also seem to have a slow shift between more than one gear. Cruise control and a few other things are even smoother on the models being sold. So there is really no need to worry about it anymore, I am surprised at how fast they attested that issue, which was really nothing big to most people.

Have any of you tried the AWD yet and actually put it to the test? It is absolutly brilliant. Possiblty the best AWD system I have tried in a vehicle at the price I tested!

I'll post more pics later...

fp115 · 01-06-2007, 04:03 AM

Where are you looking up your prices? You are way off. Try 10-15k less. I don't see how you a stationwagon in it either =/ If she thinks the Acadia looks like a station wagon, I doubt she will like the Enclave. So does she think all Crossovers and SUVs look like station wagons too?

**Ghrankenstein** · 01-06-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Have any of you tried the AWD yet and actually put it to the test? It is absolutly brilliant. Possiblty the best AWD system I have tried in a vehicle at the price I tested!

On a dealer IDL broadcast, I asked one of the hosts about how the Active Intelligent AWD differed from Versatrak. Usually they have to fumble around and look stuff, but my response immediate and enthusiastic: a completely new system able to anticipate how power is to be distributed. Acura has done a very good job promoting a very good AWD system; let's hope GM does the same thing.

pkd87 · 01-06-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fp115

Where are you looking up your prices? You are way off. Try 10-15k less. I don't see how you a stationwagon in it either =/ If she thinks the Acadia looks like a station wagon, I doubt she will like the Enclave. So does she think all Crossovers and SUVs look like station wagons too?

That $45k is probably the price for a loaded up one. While the base is $29k, a loaded Acadia hits the $40k range.

fp115 · 01-06-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkd87

That $45k is probably the price for a loaded up one. While the base is $29k, a loaded Acadia hits the $40k range.

Okay, so adding options that aren't available on the Nox such as DVD, HID headlights, 1300$ wheels, slap on the 800$ paint job. That there is a total of almost 6000$ in options. Doubt those are options you would use to compare it accuratly. Go ahead, build your own on the GMC site. A comparable Acadia to the Nox comes up to about 38k with more features than the Nox.

Quote:

On a dealer IDL broadcast, I asked one of the hosts about how the Active Intelligent AWD differed from Versatrak. Usually they have to fumble around and look stuff, but my response immediate and enthusiastic: a completely new system able to anticipate how power is to be distributed. Acura has done a very good job promoting a very good AWD system; let's hope GM does the same thing.

Yeah I had forgotten this one road was under construction and it was raing for almost 8 hours straight. So there was a lot of mud, I honestly felt the power shift from one wheel to the other and at no time did I feel like I was going to get stuck. I was amazed at how well it went through it.

uboys · 01-07-2007, 03:59 AM

Awesome!
I love the picture you posted:

Quote:

Gills · 01-11-2007, 10:19 PM

Hey fp115, where are you in Ontario that you've got one of these puppies already?

I'm in Kitchener and the dealers here say mid-February for the first ones...

Terraza · 01-12-2007, 07:20 PM

Hey Guys.
Dealership in Grimsby, ON has one already.
Priced one out at my local dealership.
GM employee, option 1 which is order price, fully loaded.
$46,000.00 before taxes.
Waiting for price from a local Saturn dealership to compare costs.

Terraza · 01-15-2007, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pontiac-Custom-S

That's 46,000 Canadian? Not Dollars I am assuming.

Unfortunately, Yes that is 46,000.00 CANADIAN DOLLARS.

AndrewGS · 01-15-2007, 05:03 AM

I'm trying to get my grandparents into one but they are all sold before they get a chance to see one. I've shown them the pictures and they looked at a locked Outlook at the Saturn dealer. I think these things are going to do very well, but they do get pricey with options.

fp115 · 01-15-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

I'm trying to get my grandparents into one but they are all sold before they get a chance to see one. I've shown them the pictures and they looked at a locked Outlook at the Saturn dealer. I think these things are going to do very well, but they do get pricey with options.

The nice thing about it is that without options it is still a great vehicle. There aren't really any options you would "need"

Sphinx002 · 01-15-2007, 02:40 PM

I test drove it on Saturday. SLT2, AWD, no nav, no HID lights, but everything else. We own a Lexus LX470 which we drove there to do back to back testing on. I can give a full detailed account as I ran over it with a fine tooth comb and put it through it paces HARD account if anyone is interested. I'm not going to write out the two pages of thoughts unless there are people that are going to read it..lol

01-05-2007, 08:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
PsychoBueller 1.4 Liter Turbocharged ECOTEC Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 74	Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 Again, sorry about the pic. it's from my phone... I drove a LOADED GMC Acadia SLT2. This baby had every feature they could stuff it with and stickered at $45K. The first thing you notice about the Acadia is that it is GORGEOUS! The exterior styling is so well exectuted. The big 19" rims look imposing and the projector beam lights are great. Just a classy and upscale look. Inside it continues. The styling is spot-on. Almost every touch point is soft to the touch and the lines and creases look right. The controls all move fluidly. There is a deep recess in a hidden compartment on top of the dash. The instrument panel covering is NOT soft touch, which I found to be a disappointment. However, it is low-gloss and looks nice so most people will be fine with it. It would not keep me from buying this vehicle. The red LED-lit gauges are awesome. The driving experience was very nice as well. The 3.6 liter V6 and 6-speed auto are well matched. The engine has ample power and the tranny is very smooth and willing to give quick downshifts, which is interesting because it was much more reluctant to downshift in the Ford Edge I drove (they share the same transmission). The Acadia is heavy, so don't expect to race down main street and win many drag races, but it moved along just fine. I think the V8 option would be welcome, as I could envision the V6 being overwhelmed by a full load of passengers/cargo in hilly terrain. The handling of the Acadia was good. Very confident on the road and felt better than the Edge. The steering was good, but not was direct as the Ford Edge. Overall, the Acadia is a winner. It is so good that it's hard to believe that it's a GM product. Honestly, you could recommend it to you import-loving friends and they'll come away impressed. If this is where GM is going then I have have no doubt they'll be just fine. __________________ PsychoBueller Mine: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring Signature Series 2003 Honda Accord LX 2000 Buell Cyclone M2 In The Family: 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXS 2008 Buick Enclave CXL 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 2005 Dodge Magnum RT 2003 Saturn Ion 2002 Chevrolet Impala LS 2002 Toyota Camry LE 2000 Chevrolet Silverado LS Z71

01-05-2007, 03:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ghrankenstein GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Drives: 2008 Mazdaspeed3 Touring 5-door Posts: 3,500	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 Nice post. Ours is one of those very very early production vehicles that GMC whisked off, and after driving it I understand what the other press members are talking about in regards to the shifting. It'll go from sixth to fifth in a heartbeat, quickly and smoothly, but further downshifts in this vehicle have a pause, and I think what the press is asking for is an earlier 6th-4th or 5th-3rd from the 6T70. The Denalis and Escalade with the 6L80 always seem to get the right gear; I think they'll work it out fairly quickly, at least I hope they do. I'm not that annoyed, but I'd really like for cross-shoppers to be wowed like they are with the Denali's shift quality. GMC absolutely nailed that engine/exhaust note, didn't they? Ghrank __________________ NEW RIDE: 2008 Carp Poseidon (for fish-head delivery)

01-06-2007, 01:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Gm786 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Far away Drives: Oldsmobile 88 LS Posts: 4,672	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 That was a nice small review of the 07 GMC Acadia PsychoBuller. I'm sure it will sell very well for GM along with GM's other Crossovers. It's a great looking Crossover inside and out. I'm sure you enjoyed you review very much. Although the picture you posted is low quality due to the fact that it's from your phone, it still looks very nice.

01-06-2007, 04:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
fp115 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 5,031	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 Where are you looking up your prices? You are way off. Try 10-15k less. I don't see how you a stationwagon in it either =/ If she thinks the Acadia looks like a station wagon, I doubt she will like the Enclave. So does she think all Crossovers and SUVs look like station wagons too? Last edited by fp115 : 01-06-2007 at 04:08 AM.

01-11-2007, 10:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
Gills Walking Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kitchener, ON Drives: 2001 Alero GLS Posts: 1	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 Hey fp115, where are you in Ontario that you've got one of these puppies already? I'm in Kitchener and the dealers here say mid-February for the first ones...

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01-12-2007, 07:20 PM	#11 (permalink)
Terraza 2.5L Iron Duke Join Date: Feb 2006 Drives: 01 Silverado 06 Terraza Posts: 23	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 Hey Guys. Dealership in Grimsby, ON has one already. Priced one out at my local dealership. GM employee, option 1 which is order price, fully loaded. $46,000.00 before taxes. Waiting for price from a local Saturn dealership to compare costs. __________________ Laredo

01-15-2007, 05:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
AndrewGS 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Spring, TX, MX (Houston) Drives: Clunker Posts: 8,439	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 I'm trying to get my grandparents into one but they are all sold before they get a chance to see one. I've shown them the pictures and they looked at a locked Outlook at the Saturn dealer. I think these things are going to do very well, but they do get pricey with options. __________________ Andrew - MySpace - Flickr - KD5FHW 1995 Buick Roadmaster Limited - They'll pry this "clunker" from my cold, dead hands! 2005 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 LS ♫ *Listen to the death march... whoo-hoo... of America!* ♫ *- Bearing the General Motors Mark of Excellence*

01-15-2007, 02:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
Sphinx002 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central Massachusetts Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS; 2007 Aura XR; 2007 Acadia Posts: 327	Re: Test Drive Commentary: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT2 I test drove it on Saturday. SLT2, AWD, no nav, no HID lights, but everything else. We own a Lexus LX470 which we drove there to do back to back testing on. I can give a full detailed account as I ran over it with a fine tooth comb and put it through it paces HARD account if anyone is interested. I'm not going to write out the two pages of thoughts unless there are people that are going to read it..lol

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