2009 GMC Acadia Review: A Decent Full-Size SUV for the Price, but the 2008 Model was More Reliable

Gilbert Smith

Jul 3, 2023

The 2009 GMC Acadia is, like the 2008 model, a much better SUV than you expect to get for the price, typically listing for under $7,000. But, it comes with a long list of engine and electrical problems that drive the repair costs up to nearly a thousand bucks a year.

The Good

Spacious and powerful, the 2009 Acadia can tow two and a half tons with ease.

The Bad

A long list of mechanical and electrical problems may have you seating at every clink and clank under the hood.

Is the 2009 GMC Acadia a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 8/10 – The Acadia is a very good full-size SUV for the price, but it was a much better deal when it was brand new.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Simply one of the most comfortable, spacious vehicles you’re going to find in this price range.
Reliability 7/10 – It’s not the big expensive breakdowns that you need to worry about in an Acadia, it’s all the little here-and-there repairs that may have you spending more than you’d like to keep the SUV running.
Safety 8/10 – Standard safety features are generous, crash test scores are good, and it feels like you’re driving an armored car.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – 16/23 miles to the gallon, city/highway, may not sound that impressive now, but for a 2009 full-size SUV you could do a lot worse.
Value 7/10 – It’s not exactly a lemon, but you’d better find one in really good condition with really low miles if you want it to go the distance.

Positive Owner Reviews

Kristine C

Clean, smooth, runs amazing! 3rd row seating for 7 people.

This Acadia is amazingly. Seats 7 people comfortably. It has a split bench as the 3rd row which is great for folding down when needing space.

Cara S

Family friendly vehicle recommendation - Acadia fans!

The captain's chairs and 3rd row are great for three kids and two dogs. Still plenty of room for all. We have higher mileage but with routine maintenance we have had little to no issues. When we decide it is time to trade it in for a newer vehicle, we would likely look at a newer Acadia first.

Lynn S

I love my Acadia. Very spacious family vehicle.

My vehicle is perfect. It has a bench seat and 4 captains seats. Back seats fold down for more space. Roof rack for luggage. It is pretty hard on gas it seems like I am always putting gas in. I have only had to have it fixed one time since i've purchased vehicle. Very spacious.

Nicole A

I like that the seats fold down to create more room.

My car works great. It did have a issue where the throttle body sensor needs to be replaced. But a code in my car and my car was in able to drive till fixed. Otherwise I love how the car drives and there is a enough room for my growing family. I love that there is a backup camera and a button to open the truck automatically.

Amanda D

Vehicle satisfaction of 2009 GMC Acadia.

I have no issues. The transmission went out at 120, 000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for 3 years. Other than normal maintenance such as brakes tires and oil changes I have not had to do anything else other than the transmission. I am very pleased with this vehicle.

Angelika H

Perfect vehicle for the family!

I had some issues with the wave plate inside the transmission. It cracked on me; however, GMC had a special bulletin out on it so they paid for all the repairs. Other than that, it is the perfect car for my family! From size to performance to reliability, I never have to worry about or question it!

Jason R.

It’s not a transmission issue

Would recommend this vehicle, it’s been a great family car for 11 years. We also had an engine shudder, many mechanics said it was a transmission issue. We took it to a trusted family mechanic and he diagnosed and replaced the valve cover gaskets. He said the valve cover gaskets won’t hold in position without glue resulting in oil getting in the spark plug eventually leading to misfire. The car has been much better since then.

Angie R

It's Dependability is important because I drive an hour each way to house daily.

Love the style and dependability but it's had more problems than my other vehicles but doesn't put me on the side of the road

Negative Owner Reviews

Valerie N

2009 GMC Acadia is garbage.

Have had engine trouble since the day we bought it. Have had the transmission rebuilt, replace spark plugs every 10k miles, had to replace 2 catalytic converters, bad gas mileage, after many visits to the dealership the car is still broken and there is not anything the manufacturer will do to fix it.

Janet Grant

Faulty 2009 Acadia

I have read nothing but horrible reviews and can attest to the faulty mechanical issues, did any one go after gm? They apparently changed the engine in 2010 as the 2009 had issues but did not recall any? You cant find parts for it either. So disappointed in GM

Rhoda S

Don't buy a GMC Acadia or you will regret it.

We have had issues from the time of purchase. Check engine light is always on. We have had to replace all three timing chains and multiple other repairs.

Joseph E

Never buying one again

Never buying one again. Too many issues cost a lot of money to keep running. Not happy had to replace timing chains and rebuild transmission, also the computer for abs is out and other issues do not buy

Morgan C

Several problems have arose. Air condition, catalytic converter, battery.

I like the space inside. I do not like the gas usage. I do not like the problems we have had with the vehicle.

Martha D

2009 GMC Acadia Woes. Steer clear of this one!

Bought it used 4 years ago. I've had trouble with it almost the entire time. Engine light always on, engine misfiring, trouble starting it. Every summer it seems as though something goes wrong, I'm stranded, and out $1500. This has not been a reliable vehicle for me.

Nora Y

Too many sensors including faulty transmission.

Good looking vehicle. I have had transmission problems since I bought it. Transmission slips (been fixed). Makes noises when you back up too fast. The onboard camera screen is in the mirror and is very small, hard to see. Has 3 timing chains that had to be changed. Big repair.

Katie K

Timing chain issues on GMC Acadia.

It has issues with the timing chains, so far we have had to put about $1000 worth of parts into it and it is still not fixed. The dealership wants $7500 to fix it. They also suggested replacing the whole engine but it would also cost $7500 approximately.

What Do Critics Say About the 2009 GMC Acadia?

Consumer Reports found the 2009 GMC Acadia to be plenty roomy, and powerful enough, and they liked the available all wheel drive. But they note that the transmission can be a little hesitant to downshift.

Kelley Blue Book praised the Acadia’s stylish exterior, spacious interior, and intuitive layout. They note that the SUV gets better mileage than you might expect to look at it, but they found the all wheel drive merely serviceable, designed more for rough weather than rough roads.

Edmunds liked the big cabin and smooth ride in the 2009 Acadia, and they found the SUV surprisingly easy to drive for its size, with better tow capacity than a typical crossover. Some cheap trim materials and slow downshifting cost the SUV a couple points in the final review.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 GMC Acadia Have?

The 2009 GMC Acadia has generated 327 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 111 of these are for steering, with drivers reporting sudden loss of power steering. One driver states that the rack and pinion system sprung a leak, spraying steering fluid all over the place.

65 engine complaints and 70 powertrain complaints point to issues with the timing chain. Drivers report the engine jumping while in motion, usually leading to issues with the chain and pulley system.

There are several reports on file for issues with the headlights. Drivers report the bulbs melting the headlight housing. One driver reports that the problem is compounded by the plastic melting around the bulb and holding it in place, so you can’t even take the bulbs out without replacing the entire housing.

The 2009 Acadia has been recalled 7 times in total, which is a bit higher than average for a crossover of this model year.

How Long Will the 2009 GMC Acadia Last?

Drivers typically report the 2009 Acadia lasting around 200,000 miles before the expensive repairs start to mount up. You might be able to hit a quarter million, but 200,000 is the number to bet on when deciding whether a used Acadia is worth your money.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $810, which is higher than average, putting the Acadia in the luxury car range for typical repair costs. Individual repairs tend to not be so expensive on their own, with the priciest being a new oxygen sensor starting at around $462, but they add up quick.

Elizabeth L

I think it's a very reliable car. I haven't experienced any problems with it so far. It's the most reliable car I've had.

Valerie W

Yes, sometimes it rises up when you put the breaks on, its rpm go up too much when you push the gas sometimes.

Nancy P

It has transmission issues, starting issues, water pump issues, electrical issues, front control arms and other front end issues.

Sherry Z

GMC Acadia is very reliable I have not had any problems yet I don't know I have to get a oil change device in the transmission flushed

Randy H

For the most part. Coil packs needing replaced seems thoroughly be common. Stabilitrak and traction control are also issues

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2009 Acadia is impressive for the model year. Standard equipment covers your usual CD/MP3 player, and the entry level model is available with a DVD player for the back row.

Safety tech in the Acadia is, likewise, really good for the model year. Anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak come standard, and the SUV is available with ultrasonic rear parking assist and a rearview camera, features that weren’t incredibly common in 2009.

Is the 2009 GMC Acadia a Good Value?

The 2009 GMC Acadia is priced fairly, more or less. An entry-level SLE goes for around $6,372 while a high-end SLT typically lists at around $7,409. These aren’t terrible prices for a 2009 crossover.

But, the big repair bills and the relatively short life expectancy of a GMC Acadia may have you thinking twice. Models listed on the Blue Book typically have around 140,000 miles on the transmission, which only leaves you with another 60,000 miles to go. You can probably do a little better than that for seven grand.

What are the Different Models of the 2009 GMC Acadia?

The Acadia is offered in just two trim levels for 2009, being the entry-level SLE and the high-end SLT.

With the base SLE you’re getting:

8-way power adjust driver seat
Manual air conditioning
Remote keyless entry
Anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak
CD/MP3 player
Heated mirrors

The top-of-the-line SLT adds:

Dual zone automatic air conditioning
Heated front seats
Leather seating

The SLT2 package adds UltraSonic parking assist and an LCD monitor.

SLE1

288 HP 19 MPG

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SLT1

288 HP 19 MPG

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SLT2

288 HP 19 MPG

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What Engines Come In the 2009 GMC Acadia?

The 2009 Acadia packs a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in front or all wheel drive, and it averages 16/23 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

What Colors Does the 2009 GMC Acadia Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2009 GMC Acadia?

The 2009 Acadia is very comfortable. The back row stretches 58 inches across at the hip, there’s plenty of leg and head room, and the suspension rides nice and smooth. Interior trim quality feels a bit cheap, so it’s not a fully first-class cabin experience, but you won’t be stopping for a stretch break every ten miles.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 GMC Acadia Have?

The 2009 Acadia packs 24 cubic feet of cargo in the back, or you can fold the seats down for 117 cubic feet of storage. The Acadia is technically a full-size, but this is still pretty impressive for a crossover.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2009 was the third model year in the GMC Acadia’s 1st Generation, running from 2007 to 2016, when it was rebuilt as a mid-size crossover.

2007: The Acadia debuted in 2007 as a unibody crossover with truck-like performance specs and optional all wheel drive.

2008: 2008 saw the addition of the optional rearview camera, and improved traction control.

2009: The engine was upgraded to a fuel-injected 3.6L for 2009, improving the overall performance.

2010: No big changes for 2010.

2011: The high-end Denali model was added to the lineup for 2011.

How Does the 2009 GMC Acadia Compare to the Competition?

The 2009 GMC Acadia isn’t as good as a Toyota Sienna, and it’s not as good as a Chevy Suburban. Both of those SUVs offer superior overall performance on and off road, the Suburban has nearly a hundred horsepower over the Acadia, and the Toyota may last 300,000 miles or more with no major repairs.

An Acadia is thousands of dollars cheaper than either of those SUVs, but it’s also the least likely of the three to hit a quarter million miles.

Your best bet may be to forget about the 2009 Acadia, and go with a 2008 model. It’s not quite as powerful, but it’s a little less expensive to maintain, and a thousand bucks cheaper.

Ranks #21 Midsize SUV by Owners

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser

2009 Toyota 4Runner

4.69

2009 GMC Acadia

Do Owners Recommend the 2009 GMC Acadia?

Elizabeth L

Yes. Its 3 row seating that can fold down, it has a DVD player as well as heated seats. And it has good gas mileage.

Valerie W

Yes it is, very roomy kids have room. Drives good. It could be better on gas, because it's a gas hog, handling is good.

Nancy P

It's ok it could use some serious looking over engineering wise there are issues that has never been addressed things that should have but it seems someone doesn't care enough about the people to do so.

Robert M

It is one of the best there goes I've ever had that's fully loaded also has a projector for the speed limit and everybody who gets in the car absolutely loves it

Mary A

It gets me where I need to go. I really liked it when I first got it but then it started needing repairs and it has continued to need anywhere from minor to major

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Myrna P on March 19, 2021

It was a lemon! There were too many bugs in the earlier models of the Acadia.

It had too many problems with that model. It was in the shop monthly, for the first two years. I bought it because it was a very beautiful vehicle.

Lene S on March 16, 2021

The car is all wheel drive, three rows seats, and a phone inside it.

I love my car. In NY when it is snowing outside I had no problem with it. The driver and passengers seats are comfortable, but I cannot tell you much about the back seats and the very back seat. I got my car in the year it came out and have not done real anything to it. It is been a really good car and I would buy another one if I had to, but I just hope it will last a long time. I am just now starting to fix somethings on it, but normally things. Just take one out for a test drive and you will see for yourself. My sister drove my car and then got one for herself, but a little bit more things on it.

Jason R. on March 15, 2021

It’s not a transmission issue

Katherine M on March 2, 2021

This is definitely the vehicle to choose if you like the same space as a minivan but don't want a van

I love the space my vehicle has. There is plenty of room for all my kids! The best part is the easy to fold down 3rd row!

Rhoda S on March 1, 2021

Don't buy a GMC Acadia or you will regret it.

We have had issues from the time of purchase. Check engine light is always on. We have had to replace all three timing chains and multiple other repairs.

Melissa C on February 26, 2021

Overall it is a very good car it has served my family well

Roomy but back row doesn't have lots of legroom. Trunk could be bigger Would like it more of back row could recline

Cynthia O on February 23, 2021

Extremely comfortable and the size makes it more secure feeling.

This vehicle has spoiled us, so much luxury. Heated seats, Bose surround sound, DVD player, so much room, everything you can think of. So many features that after 2 years, I still do not know everything about it and how it works!

Janet Grant on February 20, 2021

Faulty 2009 Acadia

Diana B on February 16, 2021

Great dependable, family vehicle!

My Acadia is 10 years old. It has generally been a dependable car. Only in later years have we had any issues from normal wear. I love how spacious and comfortable it is. As our main family vehicle, it has allowed us plenty of space to meet our family's needs.

Zee M on January 23, 2021

Drives well, comfortably good on gas Luxury feeling affordable

No complaints . It is easy Great driving good on gas

Carlos T on January 20, 2021

No special details. It is a good ride very comfortable.

The GMC Acadia is very spacious for 7 pass: lots of room for lots of small packages. When you turn on the engine you will not here any strange coming from it. Miner problems will come when you buy used but if you know how to use your warranty it will not cost much.

Shekina J on January 12, 2021

Style and function meet to provide a pleasant driving experience.

I like that my vehicle is stylish, but functional. I like the way it drives, and it's more of a tank, so I don't feel like it's fragile. The only thing I would like is more trunk space.

Andrea C on December 24, 2020

A great family vehicle, that doesn't feel like you are driving a bus.

I love how smooth the vehicle runs. It is hard to tell it is even on at times. It has 3rd row seating which is a must for me. Seats fold down to allow for more cargo room if needed. It is a very reliable vehicle that has never left me stranded. Have only owned the vehicle for a little over a year, but have had no major issues with it. Did have to get new tires this spring but that was just from normal wear and tear on the tires. It is very roomy inside yet feels like you are driving a car. The Bluetooth feature is great, I use to never answer calls while driving but now I can without ever taking my eyes off the road or my hands off the wheel. There are many great features besides the Bluetooth, if you like XM radio the vehicle is equipped with it, you just need to get the subscription. Driver and passenger controls allow everyone in the vehicle to adjust the temp so they are comfortable. No more one kid yelling they are cold, they can all adjust for their area. I get about 22 miles to the gallon on the highway but only around 17 in town. This again is not too bad. I was driving a truck that I was lucky to get 17 mpg on the highway, so for me this is good. I enjoy all the extras for the kids to plug in their electronics when we go places. The only thing missing from mine is a DVD Player and a moonroof! I enjoy this vehicle and when I am in the market for another vehicle I will be looking at an Acadia again, that is for sure. Love the vehicle.

Monica R on December 15, 2020

Best car 10/10. Luxurious exterior and interior. Many styles and colors.

GMC is the best quality car brand you can ever get your hands on. Yes, the parts and fix is expensive but it is worth the drive. You'll get long distances covered and it is has a very comfortable interior and luxurious exterior. Comes in variety of colors and styles, also for the interior is also an option.

Amy M on December 8, 2020

Comfortable mid size SUV!

When we first bought the car we had lots of problems with the stabilitrak and traction control. I think they worked the bugs out because this was one of the first models of this body type of the Acadia. Put more money into then wanted too. But I do love the comfort and look of the car. It fits 8 adults comfortable.

Martha D on October 27, 2020

2009 GMC Acadia Woes. Steer clear of this one!

Cara S on October 18, 2020

Family friendly vehicle recommendation - Acadia fans!

Melissa M on October 17, 2020

Very spacious and easy to drive.

We have had a lot of manufacturer recalls for the 09 Acadia. I love that its a SUV with easy lay down seats but passenger access to the third row is difficult wish we would have gotten the captain seat option at times. I love driving my Acadia and my two girls love how much room they have in the second row.

Robert T on October 12, 2020

Lots of interior room with a compact exterior and wheelbase.

Has a lot of room with third row seating. Plenty of storage room. A nice smooth ride with a v6. Wish it had in dash navigation and satellite radio.

Stephanie P on August 27, 2020

This vehicle is a great vehicle for a family of 5 or more!

I love that it is a 7 passenger vehicle. I love that I can fold the back seat down for more space. No complaints really.

Sheryl M on July 20, 2020

It's comfortable, and very roomy on the inside. The controls in the back let you stay comfortable even in the very back

The exterior color is black. The interior is black leather. Fully loaded, and seats 7. Big enough for a large family like ours, and luxurious.

Steve martin on June 16, 2020

Catalytic converters stopped engine!

At about 100,000 miles the engine kept missing. Went to shop and they changed#4 spark plug and injector. Still missing but intermittent. After fighting this problem do another 10,000 miles it started losing power and completely quit. Turns out there is a “blanket” around the honeycomb in the cat to keep it from breaking, only problem is that this beaks yo and completely plugs the exit screen on the cat! After cleaning this out it ran great. Shop could not legally remove insides of cat so it plugged again in 4000 miles. They broke screen out but now it all goes toward mufflers. Not good. If you are having problem with engine miss over and over have the cat taken out and inspect the screen at exit end

Denise P on May 31, 2020

That it has plenty of room and rides comfortably going on long trips

I like how comfortable it is to ride in. However, I have had issues with it since the first month after I bought it new. I have had several recurring issues

Joyce B on May 16, 2020

Fits 8 people comfortably & rides smoothly

Fits 8 people but uses a lot of gas , not much cargo space

Shayla R on May 15, 2020

Great family vehicle without the 'Minivan' look.

Smooth ride. However I've had issues with the sensors. Last year I had one replaced and I still need to get a tire sensor. It's a very reliable vehicle to be used. I purchased the vehicle from it's first owner 2 years ago. It hasn't given me any reliability issues as far as starting and getting me where I need to be. The interior is spacious height and width. There is also a 3rd row seating. There's plenty of cargo space available. The trim is sleek and very 'SUV' looking. I plan to keep it as long as I can. It's a great family vehicle.

Valerie N on May 9, 2020

2009 GMC Acadia is garbage.

Nikki S on April 29, 2020

2009 GMC Acadia -Spacious but Leary of mechanical faults

This vehicle has been wonderful for transporting kids and offers a spacious ride for both driver and passenger. I am disappointed in some of the mechanics on the car as my tire pressure warning light is on most of the time and is on everyday throughout the winter. Sensors were changed with new tires and for whatever reason the light still is on. I also frequently get a check engine light that will go on and then not be lit the next day. This particular year of the Acadia has an oil consumption problem. Unfortunately this was not caught by the dealership I purchased the vehicle from used and therefore by the time we discovered the problem it was out of manufacturers warranty. In order to fix this problem I need a new transmission and the car is not worth replacing the transmission at this point.

Joseph E on April 5, 2020

Never buying one again

Vanessa F on April 5, 2020

Not great on miles per gallon.

The fuel pump is a problem. The gas range reading is inaccurate and once the reading is less than 20 mpg it can leave me stranded at any time. This vehicle is a gas guzzler. If these things were not a problem I would otherwise be satisfied with this vehicle.

Carolyn A on April 3, 2020

This is a very nice luxury car, very spacious and comfortable.

Having engine problems with it and passing smog but I love this car. It is very roomy seating 7 and I love the comfort of this car. It is very nice looking and is safe to drive. It is a great family car and I would love to just replace the engine over replacing it. This vehicle has had many recalls though, they no longer make these cars, it is made my GMC but it is a Saturn SUV.

Eren S on March 29, 2020

Good quality with longevity. Highly recommend

I have had this car since 2009 and had the factory battery the entire time. I just had to replace it for the first time. I have not had any other major issues with the car

Jeff D on March 12, 2020

This car is choice and recommend it to anyone.

I love this car. It drives really smooth and doesn't have much problems. The spacious seat are very comfortable as well.

Timothy J on March 6, 2020

2009 GMC Acadia salt, roomy and sporty.

My GMC Acadia is very roomy and is the perfect height to enter and exit the vehicle. I have had to replace the timing chain which thankfully was covered by GMC and not my extended warranty. I have had to replace a control arm on the rear suspension which was not covered under warranty. Car has good pick up but does not do well on gas, 15 mpg in the city. I do use for rideshare and everyone is impressed even though it is 9 years old and has over 100, 000 miles.

Rachel W on February 24, 2020

Bad wiring. Third row seating os awesome. Drives well

Has an electrical problem. Rides very nice Has lots of rooms

Kristine C on February 22, 2020

Clean, smooth, runs amazing! 3rd row seating for 7 people.

This Acadia is amazingly. Seats 7 people comfortably. It has a split bench as the 3rd row which is great for folding down when needing space.

Nicole U on January 19, 2020

All wheel drive, drives well in the rain and snow, bad weather.

Nice luxury vehicle. Has all wheel drive. Does well in snow and rain. Nice interior and exterior. Trim is also very nice. Seats eight comfortably. Very good buy.

robyn i on January 15, 2020

It's super roomy and comfortable

I love it. It's super cute looking and luxurious. It does have some issues that i done like.

Angie R on December 14, 2019

It's Dependability is important because I drive an hour each way to house daily.

Love the style and dependability but it's had more problems than my other vehicles but doesn't put me on the side of the road

Alexis G on December 7, 2019

I love my 2009 GMC Acadia!

The Acadia is very spacious. The vehicle has seat warmers automatic lift gate, it has 2 sunroofs, a DVD screen which my kids love. I love that the mileage can be seen in the window so I do not need to look down & the rear back up camera is very convenient.

Nora Y on November 22, 2019

Too many sensors including faulty transmission.

Karen T on November 20, 2019

It is safe and secure that I trust my babies being in this vehicle at all times.

Just that I have had to sink money in it already. New tires and brakes. Also that the nozzles for the windshield wipers were broken when I got the vehicle.

Makayla R on November 15, 2019

Third row seat gives option of extra seating or storage!

I like that it has third row seat and all wheel drive. It's comfortable, with lumbar support. I even like the color. The only thing I dislike is that it doesn't have as much storage compartments as my previous vehicle.

Dan K on November 5, 2019

It looks great, and works great for the most part. Be prepared for known issues, and research prior to purchase.

I like the space that it offers.. 3 row seating and plenty of storage space when putting down the 3rd row. However, it does have some disappointments. In the few years that we've owned it, 2 separate engine cylinders have had to be replaced, and also a timing belt. We are now experiencing power steering issues. All before 100k miles.

Nicole R on November 1, 2019

This vehicle is very family friendly, easy to drive, and nice to ride in.

This car is very nice. It is large enough that you can fit a good-sized family in it (or friends) but not too large that it takes up a lot of room and is difficult to drive. It has wonderful features including a dashboard that has the speed projected on it using light technology so that you can Focus on the road while also checking your speed. It is comfortable to sit in, with leather seats that are adjustable in many ways. Heated seats are also a bonus for cold weather. In the summer, the sun roof comes in handy for a greater feeling of freedom and fun. However, my car has had a few problems with tire pressure. It continually decreases and I have to fill the tires almost twice a week in the winter.

Robin S on October 28, 2019

GMC Acadia 2009 - 2019 Review

I have been driving this car for about 10 years. In the beginning it worked perfectly fine till about 8 years down the road. I started experiencing problems, the car shook a little and the sensor thing for the tires is a little messed up so it dings every once in a while. Other than that it works perfectly. The seats are comfortable and it's easy to drive.

Lexi W on October 25, 2019

GMC Acadia: Great Seating Bad Gas

I really enjoy the amount of seating the Acadia, my biggest problem is the amount I'm spending on gas and how the gas mileage the car gets isn't that good.

Misty F on October 1, 2019

Pros & cons 2009 GMC Acadia

Comfortable to drive, like DVD, leather, and heated seats, roomy, smooth ride, not much storage, hard to change light bulbs

Alysha R on September 19, 2019

Best family car that doesn't look like a mom car

It has never given me any problems and at over 100k it still runs great. It is still in perfect condition. All I have done is routine maintenance

Cheyenne B on September 9, 2019

GMC Acadia problems! Very sad.

Timing chain went out which means you have to replace the whole motor but you have to really do research to find anything about them being common for the timing chain problem. There is also a liftgate problem! But I love the car itself. It is very nice & has a lot of room!

Sara E on September 1, 2019

Great alternative to the minivan that provides similar benefits

The space and overall utility of the GMC Acadia is wonderful. It is durable and easy to get around and has been a great family car. The issues we have had have been transmission and power window related - which have been frustrating but nothing out of the normal when considering the mileage. As a mom of 3, the GMC has offered me the convenience and space of a minivan while allowing me the more sleek and outdoorsy aesthetic appeal.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.