Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave

albook

Your right. Didn't think of that. And at about 198 in. in lenth, they would be direct competitors. But Chrysler messed something over (probably wheelbase) because it only has 79 cubic ft of cargospace! and third row is only 28 in. leg space. /new one should have better performance, but not enough to compare w/ Acadia. Oh, and captains chairs only offered w/ center console. That I don't like. And it's such a minivan!

chrisl0

No news on that, probably will be years before we see it on the Acadia, Outlook, and Enclave. The best bet for seeing that feature in the US is on the next generation Vue since its just like the Opel version.

arumage

It has a pretty long nose in comparision to the new crossovers. The 4.0L V6 in the 2007 Pacifica probably will actually out perform the Acadia because the engine is now designed for torque at low rpms, and the Pacifica a bit lighter overall. GM's 3.6L V6 is less specialized but still loads better than the 3.5L from Chrysler's performance in the Pacifica. Overall, I'd definitely give the Acadia the win because of interior space and overall packaging. I think Chrysler tried to create a sleek design, but it came out a bit too wagon-ish.

pig

Thanxs for the update...but when is SEMA happening, so we can hopefully retrieve some Lambda info for the forum/ personal evaluation process.

pig

The Pacifica, in the 5 seat version, does offer 92.2 cu/ft
cargo...for those that don't require a third row and prefer a little bit larger crossover than say a typical Highlander/
Santa Fe/Murano. Though the EPA mpg indicates 17/22 mpg, the normal driving tests provide a realistic 17mpg even city/highway mixed driving. Since I'm personally looking for the maximum cargo bay/better fuel economy/pleasant appearance at a mid $20s price, Pacifica is not in the picture for me...and waiting on Lambda's pricing/real mpg rating, before deciding on the Outlook/Acadia versus having to go elsewhere.

albook

I just looked at new Pacifica. Looks better in my oppinion. More low rpm torque? sounds great. But at 4722 pounds (fwd) I think Acadia weighs less than Pacifica. And mileage doesn't look that great. (16/24)

arumage

2007 Pacifica weighs in at less than 4549lbs. Gas mileage could be alot better. I would have figured that the 6-speed auto would have improved it more. Highway mileage is not too bad, but that city number sucks. I'm not really advocating the Pacifica. It's not my favorite. That would currently go to the CX-9. The Enclave is probably next, but it is out of my price range. The Acadia is a little too traditional SUV for me. So realistically, I'd say the Outlook is #2 on the list.

albook

Chrysler Pacifica Curb Weight 4774 for fwd. Drove a Q7 the other day. didn't handle terrible, and base price 39,900. that's awesome, but for the price you get cloth!!! What are they thinking? you don't put cloth anywhere near German luxo SUV! leather package 2 grand more. If there are any good demo prices, I may have to give it a good look.

albook

Just got CR magazine with lux SUV report. Really like GL450, and R500 isn't too bad either. But then I looked at Chryler offerings. Aspen matches GL spec for spec. And Why buy R500 when you can get smaller lighter (and probably better handaling) 07 Pacifica? That one really gets me. As R500 is nice, Pacifica is just as nice (only half foot shorter!). The only diff. between Chrysler offerings and MB is Chryslers don't have mid sized SUV chassis (M class) linking them. But I guess you pay for the name.

jd14

Whoa there buddy!
While some of the cash for a MB is for the nameplate, a whole lot is for the luxury and quality of the materials used. Engines are also very different. Don't say that an R500 and a Pacifica are the same except for in size, because that is downright wrong! I'm not saying that MB is godly, or worth as much as they charge, but they ARE better cars then Chrystlers, no doubt.

chrisl0

If you ask me they both suck. I wouldn't buy a Chrysler due to the fact I don't trust their reliability and I feel they over charge for a Pacifica (I think the price was $43k for a fully loaded model last time I checked).

As for MB that be the last car I ever buy. It's European so you know you will be gassing it with 93-94 and that the repair bills (Which will be often) will send you to the poor house.

I would either stick with the Acadia, Outlook, or Enclave since they seem to offer allot of great options, room, and they are cheaper to maintain and more reliable.

Or if you have the money wait for the 2007 (Or 08 I forgot) Acura MDX or the smaller suv which is based on the new CRV to come out. They have all the same features with Honda reliability.

So in closing stick with the GM's or Honda's better choices over the Chrysler or MB any day if you ask me. Your wallet will thank me. My 2 cents.

pig

You really hit the nail on the head!...nice packaging...

jd14

About a year ago I bought a VW Touareg. V8, nav, height adjustable air suspension(THAT was cooool!), nappa leather, beautiful wood, just so pretty. Six months of 13mpg and multiple malfunctions made me sell it back. I bought it with 7k miles on it so I didn't have to take the initial depreciation hit, but I still lost two thousand dollars on it. Although I loved the quality of the Touareg, like many other European luxury cars it has it's share of reliability problems. That's why this time I going for domestic or Japanese.

albook

Chrysler hasn't had many reliability problems. (though I'm not advocating them) You said the sticker price was 43 g's for fully loaded Pacifica? Believable, but you know with Chrysler discounts you'd never pay anywhere near that. I do like Acadia the best, but at least I think Chrysler is good quality choice that won't break budget. I'm not so sure about r500- which I would buy a GL before any day.

nascarqueen24

Any news when the ENCLAVE will be available and at what price?

I am ready for a new vehicle right now.

Considering the Infiniti FX35, but would consider the ENCLAVE since it is in the cross over category.

Thanks

NascarQueen24

arumage

Curb Weights for 2007
4,337 lbs. (1967 kg)—Pacifica FWD
4,511 lbs. (2046 kg)—Pacifica AWD
4,388 lbs. (1990 kg)—Pacifica Touring FWD
4,593 lbs. (2083 kg)—Pacifica Touring AWD
4,549 lbs. (2064 kg)—Pacifica Limited FWD
4,720 lbs. (2141 kg)—Pacifica Limited AWD

kjnorman

Nobody seems to know for sure, but I think the general feeling here is that the Outlook and Arcadia will be available around Mid December to early January and the Enclave is sometime in the Spring of 07, so that could be anytime from March through to June.

So if you need a vehicle now, then the FX35 is probably your choice.

62vetteefp

Unless something happens at GM the Outlook and Acadia will be at dealers Nove. 15 or so.

07xle

link title

jd14

Please stop getting the name wrong. It bothers me to no end. I'm not singling you out either because I've seen many others on this forum think it's that as well. The GMC version is called ACADIA, not ArCADIA.

albook

4,720 lbs. (2141 kg)—Pacifica Limited AWD
4,689 lbs.- Acadia (but I think that's fwd.) Saw Pacifica commercial today. Getting dangerously close to considering. Hurry GM!!! And I want to hear more on Honda Pilot. Friend has one. Still all around bench mark to me, but looks ugly and so cheap interior.

62vetteefp

Still all around bench mark to me, but looks ugly and so cheap interior.

Huhh? Nothing better than ugly and cheap interior out there?

crs4_00

I keep reading this date as when they will be at dealers but this seems doubtful given it is a month away and there is absolutely no information on prices yet. It seems pricing could be a problem as it could potentially have serious overlap with the Yukon/Tahoe line. Unless mileage is substantially better, it may not make sense to buy an Acadia. I hope I am wrong.

kjnorman

Sorry for the misspelling of Acadia. My exclude is that I am English (but living in the midwest) and I pronounce my "A"s as "Ar". Not much of an excuse by I'm sticking by it.

chrisl0

The same happened with the Aura, they released the information late. The thing you forget about is the Yukon/Tahoe fully loaded push $50k and get bad gas mileage compared to the Acadia.

The Acadia on the other hand will cost probably between $35k-$38k fully loaded and they get in the high teens low 20's as far as gas mileage. Also the Acadia is more maneuverable due to its design.

So I would pick the Acadia over the Yukon/Tahoe any day.

62vetteefp

November 15 or so is the correct date. Mileage should be like 5 or so better than a Yukon.

Pricing is gong to be better but do not expect a low $20's. mid $30's is where most will sell.

pig

I certainly hope you do realax/chill out and not let your EQ take over your IQ. No one is going to say the Pacifica is a bad car. But think about it, a several year old design at 26k(base 5 seater) to 38k(7 seater)fully loaded. That base price is very close to what the base Outlook or Acadia
is expected to come out at, with 7 seater and 20+% more cargo bay/space than a 5 seater Pacifica. The base Outlook has every thing I need... I just can't fathom anyone considering the Pacifica, with the Lambda's, Veracruz, and
even the CX-9 new designs out in just 1-3 months...not to mention most likely a 1 to 3 better mpg.

arumage

Alot of people are drawn to the styling of the Pacifica. It doesn't have the typical SUV look and stance, like the Outlook and Acadia. From a utility standpoint, the Pacifica really needs a redesign though. It's such a large vehicle to just seat 6 and have such mediocre storage and gas mileage.

Just for reference, the AWD Acardia is 4,936 lbs.

1487

GM typically announces pricing a few weeks before a vehicle hits the lots. If the Acadia and Outlook are going to be in dealers by November-December than I would expect pricing before the end of the month.

The Enclave wont be officially unveiled until late November at the LA autoshow.

albook

I can see your point. But what I mean is if you want it all- really good interior room, good power, and good gas mileage, not to mention more car like hanling and small size- all at a small price- you just can't beat honda. It's a well rounded package. Reality sucks doesn't it? I hate it so much i'd be willing to pay 5-6 grand more for an MDX.But that's just me. And since Acadia arrives in a month, I will definitely be able to hold off on Pacifica! It's amazing the growth of this vehicle. It was suposed to be a year off! Now it's one of Gm's most important models!

62vetteefp

The Lamdas are on time, not brought ahead.

They will also be a larger package on the inside if you need the room.

pig

Agreed... wonder how that large aged sporty station wagon look is going to hold up to the Lambdas and other new crossovers? The video of the Outlook was very impressive
looking. It still needs to have competitive pricing and
mpg for me to dive in...and will wait for non-bias consumer
reporting... but up front looks, Lambdas have the edge with me at this point.

07xle

link title

Amazing 18/26 Fuel economy for a nearly 4,800 pound vehicle!

To be released at the end of the year.

62vetteefp

Dow Jones News Service via Dow Jones

All-New GMC Acadia Offers Generous List of Standard Equipment in a Package
Priced Under $30,000

DETROIT, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- GMC announced today that pricing for GMC's first crossover SUV, the all-new 2007 Acadia, will begin at $29,990 for a well-equipped front-wheel-drive model.

"The next generation of GMC is here with the all-new Acadia," said John Larson, GMC general manager. "The fuel-efficient crossover has a sleek design and spacious interior that offers all of the people and cargo-carrying capabilities that you would expect in a utility vehicle, along with the smooth ride and responsive handling that feels more like a sedan."

Acadia, which goes on sale at the end of the year, is available in front- or all-wheel-drive models. The base FWD model pricing includes the destination freight charge, is well-equipped, with GM's all-new high-feature 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing. It offers 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm) and EPA ratings of 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway on FWD models.
The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Acadia comfortably seats up to eight adults and has a standard 60/40 split-folding third-row seat. It offers more space than many of its competitors, with nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.

Other standard features on the GMC Acadia include:
* StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation
technology
* Six air bags -- two frontal-impact air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags; and head curtain side-impact air bags that help protect outboard passengers in all three rows
* Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes
* OnStar Generation 7 hardware with one-year Directions and Connections service that features new voice-activated Turn-by-Turn Navigation * GM's exclusive Smart Slide feature on second-row seating, allowing quick and easy access to the third row
* AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 players and six-speaker audio system
* Dual exhaust with chrome tips
* Rear spoiler
* 18-inch wheels

Also standard on Acadia and new for 2007 is GM's five-year /
100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is fully transferable and includes courtesy
transportation and roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty.
Customers can get a preview of the new Acadia at http://www.gmc.com

sloanesq

Has anyone else noticed that the stated horsepower of the engine in the Acadia, Outlook and Enclave varies from model to model? Why would GM do that?

loach

It has to do with the optional dual exhaust. The models with dual exhaust have slightly higher horsepower.

07xle

from Autoblog..........

UPDATE: Our buddy Dave over at Kicking Tires has posted the base price for the AWD model, which comes in at $31,990. Dave also notes that the announced pricing for both the FWD and AWD models includes a $735 destination charge.

arumage

So basically the base FWD prices on the Acadia and CX-9 will be about the same, but the base AWD CX-9 will be about $1k cheaper. Gas mileage will be a toss up. I'm expecting about 18-19/26 given the estimates on the motor in other applications (especially since Mazda is using it's own transmission rather than Ford's). I think I still prefer the CX-9 overall, but GMC could make the decision alot harder by getting rid of those ugly black bumpers though.

1487

Seems pretty good to me, about what I expected. I think the Saturn will be about $3k cheaper when pricing is announced. I dont think you really need to add many options to the Acadia to make it useable, most of what you want is standard.

loach

The Saturn pretty much has to be priced a few grand cheaper, due to their no-haggle pricing policy.

chrisl0

Does the CX-9 run on premium like the CX-7?

chrisl0

I have some questions: When will we be able to build the Acadia, how much will the fully loaded highest trim model with in dash navigation cost, and will their be a Denali version and what are the options for the Denali trim?

62vetteefp

Cannot answer many of your questions but there is no Denali, yet.

try this for packaging.
http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/vehiclesel.jsp?year=2007&regionID=1&di- visionID=2

nikolasmor

The CX-9 runs on regular and pricing for the outlook is released to dealers on Tuesday! :surprise:

albook

Why not?! 2006 Honda Pilot-244 hp. 2006 Acura MDX-253. Why shouldn't Buick Enclave get more power? It's a higher standard of luxury.

albook

This war is basically a pick of styling. Seeing that feature offerings, and pricing, as well as performance should be about the same (this keeps getting better! Acadia- 275 horse power!) pick what you like. Acadia- bold styling. CX-9 -car like styling. Oh, and though outlook may be about on time, Acadia is definitely early. Every media source has said that Originally Acadia was slated to come out a year from now. But response has been too great. Gm's got fighter Pilot ( my fault- Pilot fighter) here.

07xle

No dual exhaust, fog lights or luggage rack side rails on the base Outlook will allow the Outlook a lower MSRP than $29,990.

The Manufacturers Invoice will be about $28,100 on the base Acadia.

I can't see the base Saturn MSRP with destination charges being less than $28,200.

pig

Thanx for the update. I guess $29,990 is priced under 30k.?.
and msg# 451 states, no roof rails/dual exhaust(which I don't require)/nor fog lights. This pretty forces this buyer to definatly give the Veracruz a test drive...and en possibly look at the new XL-7 which is just an extended length Equinox with a 250hp engine built in Canada.

arumage

The Veracruz is definitely moving way up in class for Hyundai. Because of this, I don't think it will be as much of a bargain as some of the other Hyundai's. Hyundai is seriously thinking about starting a Luxury brand name for some upcoming releases because people don't tend take Luxury offerings serious from a company that also makes a car that starts at $14k. The new BH sedan coming out later, with RWD and optional 340+hp V8, may fall there. I guess we'll have to see what happens because the US definitely does not get all the bells and whistles that they do in Korea.

For all the XL-7 has going for it, it only gets lower highway gas mileage despite it's 23hp decrease from the Acadia's numbers, and it's smaller in size. Suzuki also ranks pretty low in dependability and initial quality, but it can be nearly fully loaded for what a base Acadia costs.

chrisl0

Yea I did that already, gives me a idea of what it will offer but no price .