We recently bought a GMC Acadia for our family after extensive research. We found that it was the best car for the criteria that mattered to us:

1. Size
2. Price
3. Gas Mileage
4. Features

Let me take these individually.

1. Size: We were looking for a car with three rows where adults could comfortably sit in the third row without eating their knees. We test drove the Volvo, the Acura MDX, the Pilot, and the Subaru Tribeca and found that the Acadia had BY FAR the most space in the third row. The standard bucket seats allow passengers to easily access the third row; in addition, both second row bucket seats fold down to provide accessibility from both sides of the car. Note that this is not true on the Acura.

2. Price: The Acadia is significantly less expensive than the Volvo and the Acura (roughly $10k).

3. Gas Mileage: As mentioned, the Acadia is larger than most of the vehicles we compared it to, yet it has the same or better gas mileage. According to the USA Today, it gets high teens in the city, mid-20s on the freeway, and 2 mpg better than the Pilot, for example.

4. Features: The Acadia has a range of features that we really liked, and could pick and choose the ones that mattered. We liked the OnStar system (which can substitute for a poor man's navigation system), the DVD player with wireless headsets, and the many cup holders (our kids love to drink milk in the car). The other component which is world class is the air conditioning system.

There are a couple of minor frustrations we have:

1. The seats are very wide and my wife can't comfortably rest her elbow on the door arm rest because it's too far away.

2. The head rests are a little obtrusive, but we found that we don't rest our heads on them while driving.

3. The sunroof only has a shade on it - it does not totally close. Therefore there is not a lot of protection from the sun at high noon (important for a balding man!).

But overall we are very pleased with this car and would highly recommend it.
Amount Paid (US$): 39,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008