2007 GMC ACADIA SLE

The Acadia is a crossover vehicle that shares its platform with the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook. This new GMC is as long and large as the imposing Yukon but longer by 8 cm in the wheelbase and 11 cm lower. The Acadia is offered in seven- or eight-seat configurations and three trim levels: SLE, SLT1 and SLT2. A 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission power the front wheels or all four wheels on demand, depending on the version.

Interior and cargo area of GMC Acadia
The easily accessed front seats are comfortable and each has adjustable lumbar support. Head- and legroom are generous. The driving position is good thanks to a tilt-telescoping steering wheel.
In the back, the 60/40-split bench is relatively comfortable for two adults. The 60/40 seatback folds flat but leaves a space behind the front seats. Each side reclines to several different angles. Head- and legroom are adequate for most people. Each seat section slides forward, providing easy access to the third-row bench. As the Acadia is a long vehicle, third-row seating is surprisingly comfortable even for average-size people. Each side of the 60/40-split seatback folds flat but, as in front, a space is left between the two benches.
Even when the third-row seat is in place, luggage space is acceptable. Needless to say, cargo capacity becomes very good when the third-row bench is folded and gargantuan with both benches down. We noted that there are no anchor points for a vertical net.

Convenience and safety features
Inside, the Acadia is very well finished in quality materials. Sound isolation needs improvement to lower road noise. The many storage compartments include a deep centre console.
Gauges and instrument controls are well laid out, except the windshield wiper control, which is placed on the turn-signal stalk. When the sun hits the chromed edges of the air vents, it reflects unpleasantly into the driver’s eyes. The air conditioning system is efficient. The rear wiper has two intermittent cycles rather than one intermittent and one continuous cycle.
The antenna placed at the rear of the roof can get in the way when carrying certain objects. The roof rack’s side rails do not look very sturdy.
Safety features include six airbags (two front, two side and two curtain), six head restraints (for seven or eight seats…), good headlights, stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Visibility is hampered in several directions: all the roof pillars are wide, the rear window is narrow and the inside rearview mirror creates a large blind zone on an angle to the right.
In U.S. government crash tests, the Acadia obtained five stars out of five for front-passenger protection in a frontal collision and for all-occupant protection in a side crash. Rollover resistance earned it a four-star rating.

Engine and transmission
The 3.6L variable-valve engine develops 275 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration and pickup are relatively lively and well felt. The engine climbs easily through the gears. However, it strains a bit with a good load and we suspect it would be worse with the AWD system. The engine in our test vehicle had a slight, irritating whistle.
The six-speed automatic transmission is usually very smooth, which is fortunate because it is busy. It downshifts at every little uphill slope or touch of the accelerator. With the cruise control on, it takes it a while to shift back into sixth gear, often only when the road descends a bit.
On the road
The four-wheel independent suspension provides a very smooth ride on all types of pavement. There is the occasional firm reaction, but no harshness. Road holding is very good for an imposing vehicle of this type, and the Acadia has a sturdy feel.
The power steering is a bit heavy at low speed and then becomes better weighted. It is stable, precise and quick. It provides little road feel, and the turning circle is short. The four-wheel disc brakes are powerful and resist well to fade even after several high-speed emergency stops.
Inspection
In our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, we remarked that large quantities of dirt can easily enter the engine compartment. There is a hole in each rear fender liner where more dirt can get through. The vehicle is very sturdy underneath, but there is practically no rustproofing, and several joints are not sealed. The engine’s overhead camshafts are chain driven.
Conclusion
The Acadia has a spacious cabin, comfortable front seats, very capable grip and handling, quality assembly and a good choice of models. However, it remains to be seen how many buyers need such an imposing vehicle that is not always easy to drive because of the large blind zones that hamper visibility.
PROS: comfortable front seating, roominess, smooth ride, powerful brakes, road holding, functionality
CONS: visibility, hyperactive transmission, perfectible sound isolation, windshield wiper control placement, reflection from chromed edges of air vents, scanty rustproofing

2007 GMC ACADIA

Engine: 24-valve, 3.6-litre V6
Horsepower: 275 hp at 6,600 rpm
Torque: 251 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Suspension: fully independent
Brakes: disc/disc
Wheelbase: 302 cm
Length: 509.8 cm
Width: 198.6 cm (without mirrors)
Height: 184.6 cm (without roof rack)
Weight: 2,141 to 2,234 kg
Tires: P255/65R18; P255/60R19
Maximum towing capacity: 2,041 kg
Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags
Fuel consumption with 4X2 version:
Transport Canada rating:
City: 13 L/100 km (22 mpg)    Highway: 8.3 L/100 km (34 mpg)
Test result: 14 L/100 km (20 mpg)    Test temperature: 160C to 280C
Fuel tank capacity: 83 litres
Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline
Acceleration:
0-100 km/h: 8.7 seconds    60-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds
Competition: Buick Enclave, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook

Warranty
Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km
Perforation damage: 6 years/160 000 km
Emissions control  system:   3 years/60,000 km  (full  coverage);
8 years/130,000 km    (catalytic    converter,    electronic    control
module).
Factory replacement parts:

Rear bumper: $704 Front brake disc: $83 Brake pads: $242 Muffler: $1,097 Front fender: $455
Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $757 to $989
Price according to trim level:
SLE: $36,495 SLT1: $42,595 SLT2: $46,590

Main options:
4X4 system: $3,000
Rear entertainment package: $2,960 (SLE)
Cold weather package: $375
Rear parking aid: $365 (SLE and SLT1)
Navigation system: $2,915 (SLT2)
Navigation system and DVD player: $4,665 (SLT2)
Price as tested: $37,890
Freight and preparation: $1,220
GMC Acadia 2007 Photos
GMC Acadia 2007 Pictures
GMC Acadia 2007 Review

gmc acadia pictures

2007 GMC Acadia

gmc acadia photos

The Acadia’s suspension employs coil-over struts up front, a new multilink arrangement at the rear with ball-jointed lateral links, and hefty anti-roll bars at both ends. The bars help keep cornering attitudes remarkably level, allowing the chassis guys to keep the spring and damping rates supple. Steering response, via a hydraulic variable-assist rack-and-pinion system, enhances the surprising sense of agility — it’s accurate, informative, and beautifully weighted,

Braking is just this side of phenomenal — 167 feet from 70 mph. We’re talking about arresting 2.5 tons on 255/60-19 Goodyear Eagle RS-A mud-and-snow tires. For contrast, the last BMW X5 we tested [C/D, November 2004] required 168 feet for its 70-mph stop. The last Porsche Cayenne [C/D, January 2005]: 175 feet. The Honda Pilot, now celebrating its sixth C/D 5Best Trucks award: 195 feet. The latest Tahoe: 201 feet, two-thirds of a football field.

So, first-rate for stops. But when it comes to go, the dynamics are a bit ordinary. GM’s DOHC 3.6-liter 24-valve V-6, tuned for 275 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, provides propulsion via GM’s new six-speed automatic. In our all-wheel-drive tester, most of this power (90 percent) goes to the front wheels most of the time. When system sensors anticipate wheelspin up front, a clutch pack apportions additional power to the rear wheels, up to 40 percent. The system also uses brake intervention to handle side-to-side adhesion differences.

MIKE DUSHANE
The idea of a massive crossover with a V-6 didn’t get my pulse racing. But once I got over the sluggish and noisy acceleration, I was impressed by the Acadia’s agility and huge, attractive cabin (tacky plastic chrome excepted). Where else could I find this much space without boat-like handling? In a minivan, of course, but I’m far too insecure with my masculinity to drive one. The Acadia defines a segment that’s capacious, cool, and reasonably fun to drive.

DAVE VANDERWERP
Here’s another example of what GM is capable of when it invests real money on a new vehicle. The Acadia’s striking exterior, excellent steering and brake feel, and near-minivan levels of passenger space are all superior to the similarly sized Tahoe/Yukon, even if the interiors are similar: handsome but hard to the touch. Downsides include a coarser-than-expected six-speed automatic and a lack of grunt off the line. That said, this is by far GM’s best-ever people hauler.

2007 GMC Acadia

 2007 GMC Acadia

“ Acadia is a natural extension of the GMC brand,” said John Larson, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “Its combination of smooth, responsive ride and handling and SUV versatility embodies GMC’s professional grade philosophy. Acadia is a great looking vehicle that will attract customers who’ve never visited a GMC showroom.”

The Acadia is engineered to reflect GMC’s professional grade standards on a body-frame integral (BFI) structure that is reinforced with high-strength steel. It rides on a long wheelbase with wide tracks – a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables agile, stable ride and handling.

GMC Acadia ’s driving reflexes are supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum steering knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design, which has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.

2007 Gmc Acadia features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and traction control is standard on all models.

The available, intelligent all-wheel drive system provides increased traction on slippery roads and other driving situations – such as freeway ramps – where increased traction would enhance handling. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.

“The responsive, precisely tuned chassis provides the driving experience of a smaller vehicle,” said Larson. “And Acadia’s aerodynamic design, efficient V-6 and the new six-speed automatic work together to provide efficiency.”

Efficient powertrain

The GMC Acadia is powered by GM’s 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT), which is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. Paired to this engine is a new fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg), when properly equipped, and comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.

Athletic design

With a powerful front-end design, which hints at the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT engine underneath, the Acadia features athletic styling with a raked “GMC” grille and dual halogen projector headlamps. The design is highlighted by a rear spoiler, polished aluminum roof rails, dual exhaust with chrome tips and additional select bright work.

The profile of the 2007 Acadia is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. Distinctive LED taillamps and a rear spoiler enhance the vehicle’s sporty appearance, as do large 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available).

Spacious, refined and versatile interior

The Acadia’s interior features a “low and away” instrument panel that enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding outward view. All interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and attention to fit, finish and flushness. Additional professional grade features include GMC’s signature red gauge lighting, thick door glass, flat-blade windshield wipers and strategically placed sound deadening material, which minimize road and wind noise.

The interior can be configured for seven or eight passengers. The second row is available with either a 60/40-split bench (three passengers) design or two captain’s chairs (two passengers). The GM-exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard on both second-row configurations and provides a wide space for passengers entering and exiting the third row.

GMC Acadia also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 117 cu. ft. (3,313 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded and an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when it’s in its upright position – capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching.

2007 GMC Acadia has a wide range of useful optional and standard equipment, including heated outside mirrors, tri-zone heating and air conditioning system, intermittent rear wiper, ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, extended-range remote vehicle starting system, heated windshield washer fluid, an oversized dual SkyScape sunroof, DVD entertainment system, a DVD-based navigation system and Bose 5.1 Surround Sound Audio system. Acadia also offers an exclusive head-up display that projects instrument readouts and other features onto the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference.

Comprehensive safety system

The GMC Acadia has a comprehensive safety system that is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. Its strong structure and four-wheel independent suspension system enhance safety by providing stable ride and handling. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system – with rollover mitigation technology – and GM’s tire pressure monitoring system are standard.

Acadia is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags that cover all three seating rows. The roof rail air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which will activate the roof rail air bags if sensors determine a rollover occurring. Additionally, first-row positions feature safety belt pretensioners, which activate at the moment of a crash to take up any slack in the safety belt and hold the passengers in place.

GMC Acadia comes standard with OnStar Generation 7 (with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. If the crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help. Acadia also is equipped with OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a fully integrated GPS navigation system.

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