I might be in the minority here, but I actually don't like the console in between the middle row captain's seats. I like the ability to walk between those seats without having to slide either seat forward. I looked at the Acadia this weekend and like just having the armrest. I may have one or two car seats in those captains chairs which makes them impossible to tumble forward and actually found it very convenient to just walk between the seats, especially for kids.
Does anybody know if that console is an option or is it something Buick has to differentiate it from its siblings?
BTW, I looked at the Outlook, Acadia and Mazda CX-9 this weekend. I wasn't impressed with the Outlook as compared to the Acadia. This was likely just due to the way the test car was equipped. I really liked the sportiness of the CX-9. However, the CX-9 doesn't support having a sunroof AND DVD player. You get one or the other which seems ridiculous. I also don't like the middle row bench, but lacking 3 person seating in the back row, it's kind of necessary. I'm eagerly awaiting the Enclave as I like the looks better than the Acadia and Outlook.
Does anybody know if that console is an option or is it something Buick has to differentiate it from its siblings?
Based on various web pages it seems like the rear console is an option on the Enclave. It also appears as though it may not be available initially because it appears as N/A even though it is listed.
I was at the GMC dealer last night, seeing how many Acadias they had in. They only had one, and were getting two more in by the holiday. All three were AWD, and it seems like thats how all the Outlooks/Acadias are in my area (snow). We'll probably order, but has anybody driven both front and all wheel drive versions...do they drive differently?
I believe Car & Driver mentioned that the AWD model was sluggish off the line, but not sure if they compared that to the FWD model. And in any case, their definition of "sluggish" might mean "very quick" to the common folk!
Does anyone here know (especially some of the dealers posting) how long it takes to receive an Acadia after ordering? The dealer told me it would take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks but that seems excessive. I've read in other places that a domestic vehicle order should take 5 to 6 weeks tops. What's the real story? I know the dealer is trying to cover his bases in case of delays, but can't they get a little more specific? I ordered a Liquid Silver Acadia SLT-1 about 2 weeks ago now.
I think the dealer is right. The 5 to 6 week figure is for a normal vehicle that is in the pipeline. Your dealing with a brand new vehicle that the dealers don't even have a normal 30 to 60 day supply on hand yet. GM is still suppling the dealers with them and you have to wait your turn.
I have been wondering the same thing, as I am considering replacing my large 4WD SUV with an Acadia or an Enclave.
I did drive an AWD Acadia in an unplowed parking lot last week with about 2" of rough snow, and it drove terrifically in that with no slipping or sliding.
I am still wondering if it will handle the fresh, deep snowfall on the country road I live on (recognizing of course the ground clearance limit, but other than that will it do as well as my 4wd??)
The Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, GM's new fuel-efficient and family friendly SUVs, have the looks, practicality, comfort and room to set the standard in their class.
Competing with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Taurus X (formerly known as the Freestyle), GM's new models set the standard with exceptionally attractive styling and a spacious interior that combines a third seat fit for grown-ups and usable cargo space.
GM's got a couple of clear winners on its hands, and based on the prices for the Outlook and Acadia, the folks in marketing know it. The stickers on both SUVs betray the confidence of a poker player holding a straight flush.
The Outlook and Acadia are the first new GM vehicles I've tested in years that felt as if the company had built a premium into the manufacturer's suggested retail price, as if GM knows its offering is clearly superior to anything else on the market.
The budget-minded Irishman in me recoils at the thought, but they're right.
Even though the $32,799 Outlook I drove 700 miles lacked a few features that should be mandatory at that price, it's still a good buy, because it's a great vehicle. A few hours at the wheel of a luxurious Acadia convinced me that, like the Outlook, it is a winner.
Outlook prices start at $27,355 for a front-wheel-drive XE model. The least expensive all-wheel-drive model costs $29,255. I drove a well-equipped XR AWD model with a base price of $31,555 and $1,244 worth of useful options ? a power tailgate, rear parking assist, remote start, heated windshield fluid, XM satellite radio and a 115-volt power outlet. All prices exclude destination charges.
All Outlooks and Acadias get their power from GM's powerful and efficient 3.6-liter V6 and drive the wheels with the automaker's smooth new six-speed automatic transmission.
The Outlook I tested lacked heated seats and memory and mirrors, however. No matter how stylish, practical and well-engineered, any vehicle that costs $33,000 should have those basic amenities.
The Outlook I drove to Chicago and back did have six standard air bags, including curtain bags to protect passengers in all three rows of seats, antilock brakes, electronic stability control and a sensitive all-wheel-drive system that kept the SUV steady and stable as I passed one jackknifed truck after another following a snow and ice storm in western Michigan.
Safety and security are vital in family vehicles, and the Outlook provides both in spades.
It's also a comfortable vehicle, with plenty of head, leg and shoulder room for passengers in all three rows of seats. The mechanism to fold the rear seat flat for cargo and tilt the middle row forward for ingress and egress functions simply and logically, and the SUV's low step-in height made it easy for small children to get in and out unassisted.
Interior space is amazing, as GM's designers created an optical illusion on wheels: a vehicle that looks only slightly larger than a 174.9-inch Ford Escape compact SUV, but at 200.7 inches long is actually a mere 1.3 inches shorter than a Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV.
The Outlook's and Acadia's accommodating interiors and excellent fuel economy EPA ratings of 18 m.p.g. city and 26 m.p.g. highway for front-drive models; 17/24 with all-wheel-drive stem from the SUVs' unibody, car-type structure, as opposed to the heavier and bulkier body-on-frame construction of traditional SUVs like the Tahoe, Ford Explorer, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada.
That kind of construction is ideal for SUVs that will be used mostly for hauling people and luggage, because the vehicles don't have to be over-engineered to haul horse trailers and scale rock piles.
The Outlook and Acadia boast a very useful 4,500-pound towing capacity, however. That's 650 pounds more than a base Dodge Durango, despite that SUV's use of a traditional body-on-frame chassis, 1,000 pounds more than a base Honda Pilot and 984 pounds more than a base 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Toyota hasn't revealed the towing capacity for the base model of the 2008 Highlander that goes on sale in July, but an optional towing package gives it a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds.
In a week of driving, the Outlook I tested proved comfortable and quiet, with little wind or road noise and excellent stability on ice and in gusty crosswinds. The suspension absorbed the bumps from rough pavement but felt a little floaty and disconnected from the road in fast highway curves.
The brakes provided excellent stopping power and had a firm pedal feel that made for easy modulation. The speed-sensitive steering provided a good combination of low effort in parking lots and a secure on-center feel in fast highway driving. The all-wheel-drive system transferred power imperceptibly from front to rear, with no noticeable torque steer, despite the engine's 275-horsepower output.
Power and fuel economy. A stylish exterior and a large, comfortable interior.
If the Outlook were a person, it would have brains and beauty, strength and sensitivity.
Valentine's Day may have been Wednesday, but that combination makes for a keeper every day of the year.
Articles like these are good news for GM, however it almost feels like it was written by a GM Marketing specialist! I agree with most of it, but it talks about driving a "luxurious" Acadia, and I didn't know that lots of hard plastics = luxury (yes, I am being a bit sarcastic! :P ) If the Acadia is luxurious, then what adjectives will be used to describe the Enclave? Also mentions several times the gobs of power, but 275 HP for a vehicle this size isn't all that much, and others have reported that it felt a bit sluggish off the line.
Having driven two Acadias (and now ordered one), the review is consistent with my experience. These vehicles break new ground for size, comfort and fuel economy, and are doing it with a real sense of style. I commented on here earlier about what Phelan calls the "optical illusion" the Acadia presents.
275 hp is plenty for my needs, and I think for most who will shop. I found the acceleration and torque to be good, and comparable to the Envoy Denali.
Buyers like me have been looking for the "middle ground" between full size, truck-based SUVs and the "not quite big enough" CUVs. GM has seized that "middle ground".
The Outlook I tested lacked heated seats and memory and mirrors, however. No matter how stylish, practical and well-engineered, any vehicle that costs $33,000 should have those basic amenities.
For a vehicle that is a family car (ie one used by more than one driver), not having memory seat adjustment should be criminal. I really feel that I should not have to upgrade to the SLT2 Acadia to get memory seats. Having had this feature on our Freestyle, my wife and I both agree that we will not buy another car without that feature.
Also I would like heated seats as standard, even on cloth seats.
If they were added as standard I really think the base price would not be effected much.
I agree on the memory seats. They are a requirement for me, so GMC has me by the short hairs - I have to get an SLT2. I will probably has to custom order it because most of the SLT2s seem to be outfitted with other options I don't want (nav, sunroof, DVD).
"The new GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook together accounted for more than 2,300 retail vehicle sales in the month. Combined with a 25 percent increase in retail sales for Buick Rendezvous, the mid-utility segment grew retail sales 132 percent compared with year-ago January levels."
with a 25 percent increase in retail sales for Buick Rendezvous THerendy sales have increased? It's a very nice vehicle, but wiht Acadia/outlook offerings, I wouldn't give it a first look. Everyone on this forum is with me onn this one! THis Forum has slowed down BIG TIME.
Depends on the price!! They start at $26K w/o discounts (up to $3750) and the cheapest Acadia is $30K with no discounts available.
$30k vs.$22k!!!!
$8k is a lot of money to some! Especially if they do not need the 3rd row. the Rendy sells very well to the over 50 crowd. Lots of headroom, space and easy to drive and it looks darn handsome.
agree... heated seats and mirrors should be standard features for cars sold for $25,000 and more, especially we're talking about crossover vehicles which are supposed to live in snow.
I want some sales numbers. They don't even make Rendy anymore. Heated seats/mirrors should be sttandard on all cars- 30g and over. 25g is still base for a crossover. But this is the 21st century. I want toys/gadgets/ convienience!
perhaps a few months later we will all get the same $8000 saving on Acadias and Outlooks.
NOT!!! Dealers are really happy with the vehicles and are selling like mad. the Rendy only has the huge incentives because they are preparing for the Enclave in the next couple months.
Yeah, I'd be surprised to see $8k in savings so soon. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see some nice deals for the Acadia in a couple months or so...after all, that's all it took for the new MDX to come down almost $1k MSRP, and everyone on the MDX forums thought it would hold its full value for at least a year. There's a lot more choice out there in CUVs than a year ago, and dealers realize this.
$40K plus for a family car? They are nice cars, but are they $40K plus nice? If you buy early, you are likely to regret it (between the initial problems and the price depreciation). If you need a car now, maybe it makes sense to buy now. Someone has to buy early, so the rest of us can get a good deal later in the production cycle. I do not want to offend anyone, but most buyers get emotionally involved in the process and like cattle are led to the slaughterhouse (showroom). Once the market forces go to work in this segment, we will see some downward price pressure. Not even BMW gets MSRP anymore. If you really want prices to fall, then do not purchase the vehicles. It is all about supply and demand, simply do not create the demand at these price levels. Sit back, relax, and watch the show!
I see dealers coming down MSRP all the time now, however I'm pretty sure that invoice prices have crept up in the last few years or so, meaning that getting $xxx over invoice may not be the deal it once was.
I purchased a 2000 S-Type the first month they arrived in NC in 1999. For the 2001 model, Jaguar's TV ads touted that they had redesigned 75% of the car's parts. 75%! That meant three things for me: 1)excessive depreciation for the 2000 model, 2) limited parts inventory in the future for just the 2000 model, 3) lots of visits to the service dept.
I purchased the first AWD 300C that arrived in our area (which requires oil changes every 3,000 miles) and with every oil change, I give the dealer a list of needed repairs.
I like the Enclave a lot, and hope that some of the Lambda model kinks are worked out by the time Buick dealers get inventory.
You are probably right, but it is better than paying full MSRP. With factory to dealer incentives and factory to customer incentives you can get the average car below invoice pricing. Like most things, the higher the demand for the car the harder it is to cut a good deal. Good Luck!
Honestly, there hasn't been much of anything. Not saying that there won't be, but even just look at some of the very latest GM intro's, and you'll see a lot of NOTHING...they've made darn sure nothing, even small, happens even with early builds, and it shows.
Invoice prices have NOT crept up, but rather GM (and others) have been trying very hard to eliminate the huge gap that used to exist between invoice and MSRP, by simply lowering the MSRP. So before, when maybe you'd get a larger rebate and larger dealer cut, now the profit margin is much smaller, and so are the discounts--but in the end, the price level is right about where it's always been.
There are no GM incentives available (not counting GM card, employee discount, supplier discount) on the Lambdas.
Not entirely true. In most if not all of the country there are two different incentives. The first is Conquest Cash which is a $1000 discount/rebate if you own a non-GM car. There is a second $500 but unfortunately right now I do not recall what it is called.
The price for the Acadia did change at the fitzmall from the 40K to the 43k you show. Not sure why? Edmunds does list rebates of 1000 for non GM owners, $500 cash no restrictions and $500 President's Day. $2000 in rebates already seem to indicate aggressive pricing.
The $500 is a specific Acadia incentive. The $1,000 conquest cash is more generic, but I'm not sure why anyone would care. A $1,000 discount is a $1000 discount.
Why would they offer it in the Acadia and not the Enclave?? I think the fact that the Enclave have QuietTuning and can't have Head-Up is a crock, if the Cadillac STS and XLR can have Head-Up Display the Buick should also. There is no way a Buick should be more quite than a Cadillac!
The front glass has a special sound deading put between the glass and as far as I know the only vehicle that has this. Buick also has heated washer fluid and my 07 STS doesn't. Lots of times only one vehicle gets a feature to see how it goes over before they spend the big $$$ to tool up for more than one vehicle. I can remember having a Toronado with a electric heated front glass that you could get to come on for like 8 min. max but I never seen in offered anywhere else so it must not have been worth the added cost. I used it once in Mich. for ice on the windshield and I didn't think it was that great.
My wife and I test drove an Acadia and a Mazda CX-9 this past weekend in Salt Lake City. I would have to say that both vehicles impressed us, and either one would probably do the job for our next vehicle. We are downsizing from a pretty well-used 1994 Chev Suburban, and want to go a little smaller in size, but not too small. Kind of like Goldilocks, I suppose.
Here are some observations on each (with lots of repeats from prior posts):
ACADIA:
Lots of interior space. Room for a solid 7 with the 2nd row captain's chairs. The dealership did not have any 2nd row benches to even look at. Our folding/sliding chairs worked flawlessly, but I see everyone's point about the tracks filling with trash and binding up.
Engine pep was pretty good. You won't win any races, but that's not why we're buying. The transmission downshift delay when tromping the gas was very noticeable. This was probably the biggest negative about the whole vehicle. the overall driving experience and handling were very good.
Our salesman said that many of the fancier features of the electronics are customizable by the owner. Examples included when/if the doors automatically lock, some aspects of headlight control (I think), etc. I haven't seen any prior posts about this.
I was surprised about the two sunroofs. Neither has an interior cover to completely block out the sun. Both have a dark black mesh "sunscreen"; the rear is power and the front is manual.
I found the gages a little hard to read. I wish they were bigger or had more contrast or something. Could be my failing eyes (not getting any younger), but I don't have this problem in other cars.
Our test vehicle had DVD Nav system. This meant that many of the other controls (stereo) were done through the DVD screen. This seems cumbersome and almost unsafe to me, as you have to navigate through many menus to make some simple adjustments, like bass, treble, fade. I'd like to see one without DVD to see if that improves simplicity.
The Bose stereo, btw, was GREAT! We're easy to please because we've never had a high end system in any car.
I like that you can get a 2.5 inch receiver hitch. I don't really tow, but I have a big bike rack that slides into this size of receiver. It won't work with a 1.25.
I'm not impressed with the roof rack. The fore/aft roof attachments are so long that there is very little free space to put a pair of aftermarket Thule bars. I'm sure GM will be glad to sell me special GMC cross bars specifically for the Acadia, but I bet they're pricey and way flimsier than the Thules I already own.
We both thought the styling was very nice.
Overall, the Acadia remains high on the list of candidates, but the research continues.
CX-7
Very nice driving experience. The 6 spd auto seems somehow smoother than the Acadia. Subjectively, the engine felt smoother and more powerful.
It felt like it had a little less interior seating room than Acadia, but still plenty adequate. Access to the 3rd row was pretty easy, given large rear doors, and easy to slide/fold 2nd row seats. The 2nd row bench seats have 2 or 3 positions of adjustment, so you can allocate the legroom depending upon who whines the loudest.
The Bose sound system was also GREAT! (Notice a theme...?) Our test car did not have DVD nav, so audio controls were simpler and more intuitive. A lot of the climate and sound info are on a little LED bar sitting on top of the dash. It'll take a little while to get used to looking up there.
I'm not so sure about the funky keyless entry system. It's a credit card sized deal that needs to be in your pocket or in the vehicle. Somehow it seems overly complex.
I forgot to ask the salesguy about towing, but I bet it only takes a 1.25 inch receiver (not compatible with my bike rack). The roof rack was straightforward, and will work with regular Thule crossbars.
The bluetooth link for your cell phone on the CX9 seems more practical than GMC's OnStar.
My wife liked the styling, but I thought it looked a little like an oversized station wagon.
This car also remains high on the list.
I believe that for similarly equipped vehicles, the Mazda will price out lower than Acadia. However, this is an assumption today, as neither salesmen was very helpful in providing pricing. It's like pricing is a big secret, until you're ready to buy. I tried to get detailed MSRP on one equipped exactly as we'd like, and all I got was "the demo is about $43K, minus the DVD entertainment and Nav that you don't want. Also there are some rebates, but they expire end of February." Believe it or not, the sales manager was called in to deliver this high-powered message. I'll do my own research on Edmunds or KBB and figure it out myself.
The other vehicle on our list is a Subaru B9 Tribeca. Much smaller, and the 3rd row is not nearly as functional. However, I'm a very happy WRX owner and pretty loyal to the brand, due to the positive experience with it over the last 5 years. I think the Subie has a more advanced AWD system and some other engineering advantages. Until this weekend, it was our top choice. Now, it's probably moved down to 3rd, due mostly to its smaller size.
Hope there's something in here of use to other buyers. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions, as this will be a hard choice for us.
We too test drove an Acadia and CX-9 (as well as a Pilot).
Acadia: Pro's - It has a lot of space. Unlike the CX-9, you can get the moon roof and rear entertainment packages together. The engine has good pull from a standstill. The ride is plush (compared to the mazda and honda). The cabin was relatively quiet. Con's - It feels long. The rear window looks a mile away through the rearview mirror. My wife commented about the blind spots several times while she was driving. The 2nd row seats are too low and don't offer good thigh support. As others have reported, it is sluggish when getting into the throttle from any speed above a standstill. The interior looks cheap. Also, i noticed after the test drive that the passenger's side 2nd row captains chair would not slide forward all the way when folded - i didn't investigate further, but I'm thinking the floor mat might have hung in the track - a nuissance nonetheless.
CX-9 Pro's - It felt lively and responsive to steering and throttle inputs. Unlike the Acadia, it drives smaller than it is (didn't feel like it was only a couple inches shorter). The seats (all three rows) are more comfortable than the Acadia. Fit and finish were better than expected. Con's - Can't get moon roof and rear entertainment. The ride is a bit stiff (great for a sports car, but not so much so for a people mover). The 3rd row headroom isn't great - my head hit the ceiling when sitting up straight. I think there was a bit more road noise than in the Acadia. My wife complained about the center console and door arm rests not being the same height (she drives with hands at 5 & 7 o'clock w/ elbows resting on the armrests).
Pilot: Pro's - Been around, so it has a proven track record. Honda reliability and safety. Lots of headroom all the way back. Con's - Boring. It felt just like driving our current car ('01 Pathfinder). It had the roughest ride of the three. Headrests have to be removed from the 3rd row and stored in order to fold it flat. It had considerably more road/wind noise than the other two.
Summary: I think all 3 are solid contenders. The Pilot is good because of the lower pricepoint due to it being in the last year of the model run. The Acadia has a more forgiving ride and the most space, but it is priced the highest - almost invading MDX land. The CX-9 seemed to be the most fun to drive, even though the suspension is a bit stiff. I think we are leaning towards the CX-9 because in addition to the Pro's I listed, I can also get the S plan pricing which almost puts it down around the Pilot.
My wife complained about the center console and door arm rests not being the same height (she drives with hands at 5 & 7 o'clock w/ elbows resting on the armrests).
Isn't that the way we are all supposed to drive now that there are airbags in the steering wheel? My understanding is if you drive at the 10-2 position and the airbag goes off not only will you break both wrists, but also break some bones in your face when your arms hit you.
xcskier - although you're probably already aware of this, the 2008 B9 Tribeca is coming in May (and to be shown at the NY Auto Show.) Supposedly there's a new front end, they've done something about the blind spot in the rear and enlarged the engine displacement to somewhere between 3.3 to 3.6L. My wife thinks the Lambas are too big and I don't care for the CX-9's ride, so the Tribeca maybe an alternative. On the other hand, my wife loves our '03 Pilot, so we might wind up with another one of those.
I tried out the Onstar turn by turn navigation feature for the first time and found it to be really nice. The Acadia includes this service free for the first year with the Onstar. I wasn't sure how to get to the arena to take my son to a Monster Truck event the other night from the area of town I was in. Rather than call my wife for instructions (I get lost easy and its always a degrading experience to get her to tell me the directions) I pushed the Onstar button. The representative quickly found my destination by name and then downloaded the directions to the radio. Took about 1 minute. Then the radio starts giving me the directions with visual instructions as well (ie: right turn onto xxx road in 250 feet with a right turn arrow and name of road on the display). The radio plays as normal until it needs to give you another direction. You can ask the system to repeat a previous instruction or to preview the entire route either via the buttons on the radio or by pushing the phone button on the Onstar and asking it for previous direction. No fancy maps like the full up Nav system, but surprisingly easy to use and got me where I needed to go. From my point of view no need for the expensive Nav unit with this Onstar feature. Might even be worth renewing the Onstar after the one year trial is up.
Nice review xcskier. If you end up with an Acadia, I suggest you make sure to get the Head-up Display (HUD) option since you found the gauges hard to read. Acadia owners who have it seem to be raving about it.
Robert - Thanks for the heads up. Actually, I was not aware of the changes coming for the 08 Tribeca. It might be worth the wait. May really isn't that far away.
Loach - Good recommendation. Does anyone know if the HUD can be turned on and off, in case another driver (ie, my wife, who will be the main driver of the vehicle) finds it objectionable?
Comments
Does anybody know if that console is an option or is it something Buick has to differentiate it from its siblings?
BTW, I looked at the Outlook, Acadia and Mazda CX-9 this weekend. I wasn't impressed with the Outlook as compared to the Acadia. This was likely just due to the way the test car was equipped. I really liked the sportiness of the CX-9. However, the CX-9 doesn't support having a sunroof AND DVD player. You get one or the other which seems ridiculous. I also don't like the middle row bench, but lacking 3 person seating in the back row, it's kind of necessary. I'm eagerly awaiting the Enclave as I like the looks better than the Acadia and Outlook.
Based on various web pages it seems like the rear console is an option on the Enclave. It also appears as though it may not be available initially because it appears as N/A even though it is listed.
I did drive an AWD Acadia in an unplowed parking lot last week with about 2" of rough snow, and it drove terrifically in that with no slipping or sliding.
I am still wondering if it will handle the fresh, deep snowfall on the country road I live on (recognizing of course the ground clearance limit, but other than that will it do as well as my 4wd??)
The Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, GM's new fuel-efficient and family friendly SUVs, have the looks, practicality, comfort and room to set the standard in their class.
Competing with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Taurus X (formerly known as the Freestyle), GM's new models set the standard with exceptionally attractive styling and a spacious interior that combines a third seat fit for grown-ups and usable cargo space.
GM's got a couple of clear winners on its hands, and based on the prices for the Outlook and Acadia, the folks in marketing know it. The stickers on both SUVs betray the confidence of a poker player holding a straight flush.
The Outlook and Acadia are the first new GM vehicles I've tested in years that felt as if the company had built a premium into the manufacturer's suggested retail price, as if GM knows its offering is clearly superior to anything else on the market.
The budget-minded Irishman in me recoils at the thought, but they're right.
Even though the $32,799 Outlook I drove 700 miles lacked a few features that should be mandatory at that price, it's still a good buy, because it's a great vehicle. A few hours at the wheel of a luxurious Acadia convinced me that, like the Outlook, it is a winner.
Outlook prices start at $27,355 for a front-wheel-drive XE model. The least expensive all-wheel-drive model costs $29,255. I drove a well-equipped XR AWD model with a base price of $31,555 and $1,244 worth of useful options ? a power tailgate, rear parking assist, remote start, heated windshield fluid, XM satellite radio and a 115-volt power outlet. All prices exclude destination charges.
All Outlooks and Acadias get their power from GM's powerful and efficient 3.6-liter V6 and drive the wheels with the automaker's smooth new six-speed automatic transmission.
The Outlook I tested lacked heated seats and memory and mirrors, however. No matter how stylish, practical and well-engineered, any vehicle that costs $33,000 should have those basic amenities.
The Outlook I drove to Chicago and back did have six standard air bags, including curtain bags to protect passengers in all three rows of seats, antilock brakes, electronic stability control and a sensitive all-wheel-drive system that kept the SUV steady and stable as I passed one jackknifed truck after another following a snow and ice storm in western Michigan.
Safety and security are vital in family vehicles, and the Outlook provides both in spades.
It's also a comfortable vehicle, with plenty of head, leg and shoulder room for passengers in all three rows of seats. The mechanism to fold the rear seat flat for cargo and tilt the middle row forward for ingress and egress functions simply and logically, and the SUV's low step-in height made it easy for small children to get in and out unassisted.
Interior space is amazing, as GM's designers created an optical illusion on wheels: a vehicle that looks only slightly larger than a 174.9-inch Ford Escape compact SUV, but at 200.7 inches long is actually a mere 1.3 inches shorter than a Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV.
The Outlook's and Acadia's accommodating interiors and excellent fuel economy EPA ratings of 18 m.p.g. city and 26 m.p.g. highway for front-drive models; 17/24 with all-wheel-drive stem from the SUVs' unibody, car-type structure, as opposed to the heavier and bulkier body-on-frame construction of traditional SUVs like the Tahoe, Ford Explorer, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada.
That kind of construction is ideal for SUVs that will be used mostly for hauling people and luggage, because the vehicles don't have to be over-engineered to haul horse trailers and scale rock piles.
The Outlook and Acadia boast a very useful 4,500-pound towing capacity, however. That's 650 pounds more than a base Dodge Durango, despite that SUV's use of a traditional body-on-frame chassis, 1,000 pounds more than a base Honda Pilot and 984 pounds more than a base 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Toyota hasn't revealed the towing capacity for the base model of the 2008 Highlander that goes on sale in July, but an optional towing package gives it a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds.
In a week of driving, the Outlook I tested proved comfortable and quiet, with little wind or road noise and excellent stability on ice and in gusty crosswinds. The suspension absorbed the bumps from rough pavement but felt a little floaty and disconnected from the road in fast highway curves.
The brakes provided excellent stopping power and had a firm pedal feel that made for easy modulation. The speed-sensitive steering provided a good combination of low effort in parking lots and a secure on-center feel in fast highway driving. The all-wheel-drive system transferred power imperceptibly from front to rear, with no noticeable torque steer, despite the engine's 275-horsepower output.
Power and fuel economy. A stylish exterior and a large, comfortable interior.
If the Outlook were a person, it would have brains and beauty, strength and sensitivity.
Valentine's Day may have been Wednesday, but that combination makes for a keeper every day of the year.
275 hp is plenty for my needs, and I think for most who will shop. I found the acceleration and torque to be good, and comparable to the Envoy Denali.
Buyers like me have been looking for the "middle ground" between full size, truck-based SUVs and the "not quite big enough" CUVs. GM has seized that "middle ground".
The Outlook I tested lacked heated seats and memory and mirrors, however. No matter how stylish, practical and well-engineered, any vehicle that costs $33,000 should have those basic amenities.
For a vehicle that is a family car (ie one used by more than one driver), not having memory seat adjustment should be criminal. I really feel that I should not have to upgrade to the SLT2 Acadia to get memory seats. Having had this feature on our Freestyle, my wife and I both agree that we will not buy another car without that feature.
Also I would like heated seats as standard, even on cloth seats.
If they were added as standard I really think the base price would not be effected much.
"The new GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook together accounted for more than 2,300 retail vehicle sales in the month. Combined with a 25 percent increase in retail sales for Buick Rendezvous, the mid-utility segment grew retail sales 132 percent compared with year-ago January levels."
THerendy sales have increased? It's a very nice vehicle, but wiht Acadia/outlook offerings, I wouldn't give it a first look. Everyone on this forum is with me onn this one!
THis Forum has slowed down BIG TIME.
$30k vs.$22k!!!!
$8k is a lot of money to some! Especially if they do not need the 3rd row. the Rendy sells very well to the over 50 crowd. Lots of headroom, space and easy to drive and it looks darn handsome.
Heated seats/mirrors should be sttandard on all cars- 30g and over. 25g is still base for a crossover. But this is the 21st century. I want toys/gadgets/ convienience!
NOT!!!
I purchased the first AWD 300C that arrived in our area (which requires oil changes every 3,000 miles) and with every oil change, I give the dealer a list of needed repairs.
I like the Enclave a lot, and hope that some of the Lambda model kinks are worked out by the time Buick dealers get inventory.
Has anyone started a list of "kinks" for the Lamdas? the only ones I have heard are some kind of acceleration lag and 2nd row seat folding.
I am amazed a dealer would do this in his first Acadia. Must have something up his sleeve like getting a bunch of floor traffic.
took a look at it on the web. Not sure why he would have a lower price in the paper than on the web for the same car??
http://www.fitzmall.com/carfind/resultsa.asp?mode=NEW
Your search found 1 vehicles.
Optional Dealer Processing Charge $99 (MD)
Excluded
2007 GMC Acadia
WHITE FLINT NICHOLSON LN
1-888-714-7615
Body: AWD Color: Red Jewel Interior: Titanium Stock #: G103978
Delivered Internet Price: $43,491 Factory Invoice: $41,220
Delivered Value Price: $43,860 MSRP: $45,360
Not entirely true. In most if not all of the country there are two different incentives. The first is Conquest Cash which is a $1000 discount/rebate if you own a non-GM car. There is a second $500 but unfortunately right now I do not recall what it is called.
Hard to quantify these since they do not show up in Automotive News.
Here are some observations on each (with lots of repeats from prior posts):
ACADIA:
Lots of interior space. Room for a solid 7 with the 2nd row captain's chairs. The dealership did not have any 2nd row benches to even look at. Our folding/sliding chairs worked flawlessly, but I see everyone's point about the tracks filling with trash and binding up.
Engine pep was pretty good. You won't win any races, but that's not why we're buying. The transmission downshift delay when tromping the gas was very noticeable. This was probably the biggest negative about the whole vehicle. the overall driving experience and handling were very good.
Our salesman said that many of the fancier features of the electronics are customizable by the owner. Examples included when/if the doors automatically lock, some aspects of headlight control (I think), etc. I haven't seen any prior posts about this.
I was surprised about the two sunroofs. Neither has an interior cover to completely block out the sun. Both have a dark black mesh "sunscreen"; the rear is power and the front is manual.
I found the gages a little hard to read. I wish they were bigger or had more contrast or something. Could be my failing eyes (not getting any younger), but I don't have this problem in other cars.
Our test vehicle had DVD Nav system. This meant that many of the other controls (stereo) were done through the DVD screen. This seems cumbersome and almost unsafe to me, as you have to navigate through many menus to make some simple adjustments, like bass, treble, fade. I'd like to see one without DVD to see if that improves simplicity.
The Bose stereo, btw, was GREAT! We're easy to please because we've never had a high end system in any car.
I like that you can get a 2.5 inch receiver hitch. I don't really tow, but I have a big bike rack that slides into this size of receiver. It won't work with a 1.25.
I'm not impressed with the roof rack. The fore/aft roof attachments are so long that there is very little free space to put a pair of aftermarket Thule bars. I'm sure GM will be glad to sell me special GMC cross bars specifically for the Acadia, but I bet they're pricey and way flimsier than the Thules I already own.
We both thought the styling was very nice.
Overall, the Acadia remains high on the list of candidates, but the research continues.
CX-7
Very nice driving experience. The 6 spd auto seems somehow smoother than the Acadia. Subjectively, the engine felt smoother and more powerful.
It felt like it had a little less interior seating room than Acadia, but still plenty adequate. Access to the 3rd row was pretty easy, given large rear doors, and easy to slide/fold 2nd row seats. The 2nd row bench seats have 2 or 3 positions of adjustment, so you can allocate the legroom depending upon who whines the loudest.
The Bose sound system was also GREAT! (Notice a theme...?) Our test car did not have DVD nav, so audio controls were simpler and more intuitive. A lot of the climate and sound info are on a little LED bar sitting on top of the dash. It'll take a little while to get used to looking up there.
I'm not so sure about the funky keyless entry system. It's a credit card sized deal that needs to be in your pocket or in the vehicle. Somehow it seems overly complex.
I forgot to ask the salesguy about towing, but I bet it only takes a 1.25 inch receiver (not compatible with my bike rack). The roof rack was straightforward, and will work with regular Thule crossbars.
The bluetooth link for your cell phone on the CX9 seems more practical than GMC's OnStar.
My wife liked the styling, but I thought it looked a little like an oversized station wagon.
This car also remains high on the list.
I believe that for similarly equipped vehicles, the Mazda will price out lower than Acadia. However, this is an assumption today, as neither salesmen was very helpful in providing pricing. It's like pricing is a big secret, until you're ready to buy. I tried to get detailed MSRP on one equipped exactly as we'd like, and all I got was "the demo is about $43K, minus the DVD entertainment and Nav that you don't want. Also there are some rebates, but they expire end of February." Believe it or not, the sales manager was called in to deliver this high-powered message. I'll do my own research on Edmunds or KBB and figure it out myself.
The other vehicle on our list is a Subaru B9 Tribeca. Much smaller, and the 3rd row is not nearly as functional. However, I'm a very happy WRX owner and pretty loyal to the brand, due to the positive experience with it over the last 5 years. I think the Subie has a more advanced AWD system and some other engineering advantages. Until this weekend, it was our top choice. Now, it's probably moved down to 3rd, due mostly to its smaller size.
Hope there's something in here of use to other buyers. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions, as this will be a hard choice for us.
Acadia:
Pro's - It has a lot of space. Unlike the CX-9, you can get the moon roof and rear entertainment packages together. The engine has good pull from a standstill. The ride is plush (compared to the mazda and honda). The cabin was relatively quiet.
Con's - It feels long. The rear window looks a mile away through the rearview mirror. My wife commented about the blind spots several times while she was driving. The 2nd row seats are too low and don't offer good thigh support. As others have reported, it is sluggish when getting into the throttle from any speed above a standstill. The interior looks cheap. Also, i noticed after the test drive that the passenger's side 2nd row captains chair would not slide forward all the way when folded - i didn't investigate further, but I'm thinking the floor mat might have hung in the track - a nuissance nonetheless.
CX-9
Pro's - It felt lively and responsive to steering and throttle inputs. Unlike the Acadia, it drives smaller than it is (didn't feel like it was only a couple inches shorter). The seats (all three rows) are more comfortable than the Acadia. Fit and finish were better than expected.
Con's - Can't get moon roof and rear entertainment. The ride is a bit stiff (great for a sports car, but not so much so for a people mover). The 3rd row headroom isn't great - my head hit the ceiling when sitting up straight. I think there was a bit more road noise than in the Acadia. My wife complained about the center console and door arm rests not being the same height (she drives with hands at 5 & 7 o'clock w/ elbows resting on the armrests).
Pilot:
Pro's - Been around, so it has a proven track record. Honda reliability and safety. Lots of headroom all the way back.
Con's - Boring. It felt just like driving our current car ('01 Pathfinder). It had the roughest ride of the three. Headrests have to be removed from the 3rd row and stored in order to fold it flat. It had considerably more road/wind noise than the other two.
Summary:
I think all 3 are solid contenders. The Pilot is good because of the lower pricepoint due to it being in the last year of the model run. The Acadia has a more forgiving ride and the most space, but it is priced the highest - almost invading MDX land. The CX-9 seemed to be the most fun to drive, even though the suspension is a bit stiff. I think we are leaning towards the CX-9 because in addition to the Pro's I listed, I can also get the S plan pricing which almost puts it down around the Pilot.
Isn't that the way we are all supposed to drive now that there are airbags in the steering wheel? My understanding is if you drive at the 10-2 position and the airbag goes off not only will you break both wrists, but also break some bones in your face when your arms hit you.
The ultimate capability in personal transportation.