2008 GMC Acadia Review
Price Estimate: $1,674 - $2,555





+70
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Plenty of passenger and cargo space, smooth ride, above-average tow capacity for a crossover.
Cons
- Some subpar interior trim, transmission can be slow to downshift.
What’s new
For the 2008 GMC Acadia, eight-passenger seating and satellite radio become standard on the base SLE-1 model, while a rearview camera and a second-row console become available on upper trim levels.
Edmunds says
With ample room for up to eight passengers, a comfortable ride, respectable performance and decent fuel economy, the 2008 GMC Acadia ranks as one of the best family-oriented crossovers available.
For sale near Columbus, OH
92 listings
- $6,995fair price$842 above market
- 134,040 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 16 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Fairchilds Auto Sales (105 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Wurtland, KY
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GKER13708J277543
Stock: 117543
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-02-2025 - $5,999fair price$648 above market
- 142,002 miles
- 7 Seats, 16 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Ohio Motors (106 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Cincinnati, OH
The 2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 FWD is a stylish and reliable SUV that offers a comfortable ride and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The SLT-1 tri...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GKER23788J185246
Stock: P185246
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-25-2025
Vehicle overview
In the past few years, sales of traditional SUVs and minivans have been dropping as consumers gravitate toward crossover SUVs. And it makes sense. Why buy a 6,000-pound truck-based SUV that can pull a tank and tackle the Baja 1,000 when all you really need is something to shuttle the kids around and deal with wintertime driving conditions? With the 2008 GMC Acadia crossover SUV, a more reasonable alternative is offered, and it just happens to be the best all-around family vehicle GMC sells.
The Acadia was introduced last year and is closely related to its corporate siblings, the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. Like other popular crossovers, the Acadia has a unibody structure for better handling, interior packaging and crashworthiness. It also has a V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. Helping the Acadia stand out, however, is its size. We consider it to be a large crossover, and indeed, it's about the same size as a Yukon. As such, the Acadia can seat up to eight people and its third-row seat can accommodate adults with ease. Folding those seats down also provides a serious amount of cargo space.
Everything factored in, the 2008 GMC Acadia has a lot in its favor. It's even proven to be the best-selling model of the Acadia/Enclave/Outlook group thus far, thanks to its just-right approach to style and design. We give it a strong recommendation, especially for buyers with large families. But if you don't find it to your liking, there are other models to consider, including the recently introduced Mazda CX-9, redesigned Toyota Highlander and well-regarded Honda Pilot.
Performance & mpg
The 2008 GMC Acadia can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 3.6-liter V6 makes 275 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque spread over a broad rpm range. The front-drive 2008 Acadia rates 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway, and the AWD version stands at 16/22. Towing capacity, at 4,500 pounds properly equipped, should be enough for most folks.
Though GMC has built its image around tough trucks, the all-wheel-drive Acadia is geared more for foul-weather driving than boulder-bashing. The AWD system is active and requires no driver intervention. The system automatically varies the torque split from 90 percent front/10 percent rear to 35/65, respectively, as available traction dictates.
Safety
Standard safety features are generous and include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and the OnStar communications system. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test scores are impressive, with the Acadia scoring five stars (out of five) in all frontal- and side-impact tests.
Driving
While the 2008 GMC Acadia doesn't fall anywhere near the fun-to-drive camp, it's easy and pleasant to drive, especially considering the vehicle's size and 4,700-pound curb weight. Those planning on towing a trailer will want to consider the SLT versions that feature variable-effort power steering to make quick work of maneuvering. On the road, we've found that the optional 19-inch wheels increase the crossover's bling factor, but they also compromise the Acadia's otherwise comfortable ride quality, turning it into a somewhat jarring experience that many target buyers won't enjoy. Our only other complaint regards the programming of the six-speed automatic, as downshifts can be a bit lethargic unless prodded by a sharp throttle boot.
Interior
Thanks to its space-efficient design, the GMC Acadia provides sedanlike comfort for all passengers. A third-row seat is standard, and one may choose between seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The 60/40-split second-row bench allows eight to ride, while second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to seven. Additionally, access to that third row is eased by wide rear doors and a sliding second-row seat. Although taller folks in the way back may wish for more thigh support, the accommodations back there are much better than most crossovers or traditional SUVs. Cargo capacity is abundant, with nearly 117 cubic feet available with all seats down and a still very respectable 19 cubic feet behind the third-row seat.
2008 GMC Acadia models
A full-size crossover SUV, the 2008 GMC Acadia is offered in three trims: base SLE-1 and uplevel SLT-1 and SLT-2. The SLE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, front and rear air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, OnStar telematics and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo system with satellite radio.
The SLT-1 package adds heated mirrors with integral turn signals, leather seating with heated/power front seats, second-row captain's chairs, triple-zone automatic climate control and a Bose 10-speaker audio system with steering-wheel audio controls and six-disc CD changer. The line-topping SLT-2 adds remote vehicle starting, rear park assist, a power rear liftgate, power lumbar supports for the front seats, a 115-volt power outlet and a rear cargo shade.
Both SLT models can also be had with eight-passenger seating, and many of the SLT-2's features are available on lesser models, too. Option highlights include a DVD entertainment system, a rearview camera, a second-row console, a two-panel sunroof, 19-inch wheels, a head-up windshield instrument display, a navigation system, Dolby 5.1 surround sound and third-row audio controls.

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Compare 2008 GMC Acadia trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$195/mo for Acadia SLE-1
Acadia SLE-1
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#29 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$610/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.16x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
18%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
GMC Acadia Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Frustrated with My Acadia
3.25 out of 5 starsdfoster22, 08/30/2012
2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I want to love my Acadia but have grown extremely frustrated with it.
The overall comfort in driving my Acadia has been great but I have run into several maintenance issues which just show a lack of quality in the vehicle.
These issues include:
water leaks (have caused issues with the front blower motor and various sensors), blown rear strut, power steering pump and gear, tailgate motor … and supports, two bad batteries, master cylinder (breaks), blown headlamps, and rear window spray hose.
There have been three recalls:
heated windshield washer, passenger airbag sensor, and headlamps.
Many of these issues occurred within first two years of ownership. Has been a maintenance headache.
Last GM product I will ever own.
2 out of 5 starsJesse Daniels, 11/03/2015
2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
GM discovered that many Acadias recieved a defective wave plate during assembly. The wave plate is a component in the transmission. Instead of recalling the Acadia and having the part replaced, GMC offered a special warranty up to 120,000 miles to reimburse the cost of transmission repairs. Of course, since I actually take care of my car and drive it gently, my wave plate lasted until … 121,500 miles. The transmission repair cost $2700. The problem was a defective waveplate. GMC did not provide any assistance with the repair costs despite the fact it was barely beyond the warranty. I'm actually somewhat thankful though. Now I have a good excuse to buy a foreign car. For the past 20 years, I have always owned domestic vehicles...mostly GM vehicles because I have felt proud of supporting the domestic auto makers. But, with this latest issue, it is apparent that GM has no interest in supporting their customers. Now, if people give me a hard time about buying foreign, I can refer to this experience and people will understand. This will be the last GM product I own. I was going to buy a new Yukon in the Spring. That won't be happening now.
I will never buy a GM again
1 out of 5 starselh512, 08/18/2014
2008 GMC Acadia SLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I bought my 2008 GMC Acadia brand new.
I have serviced my vehicle at the GMC dealership by the book.
I always take it in for service when it is needed and always complete any service or repair the dealership has suggested.
I have ONLY 58,000 miles on my vehicle and my 3-5-Reverse wave plate broke (which is a $10 part) and now the dealership is telling me I need a whole new transmission … and it is going to cost me $4,000.
It took the dealership 3 days to even look at my vehicle.
I have researched this issue online to find out that a large number of other 2008 GMC Acadia owners have experienced this exact same problem and GM is doing nothing about it. I will NEVER buy another GM vehicle.
2008 GMC Acadia AWD
4.63 out of 5 starsplugs01, 01/03/2013
2008 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
We searched reviews before we bought and saw a number of negative reviews.
I believe most people are more inspired to write a review if they have a negative experience. We've owned ours for almost two years.
Very pleased.
We get about 21 mph when driving combined city/hwy.
The manual instructs to use higher octane fuel, but we use 85 regular unlead since we are at high elevations … -mechanic recommended.
We bought a prebuy inspection by our shop.
Only problems we have had: sunroof leaked once after sitting in heavy rain, but never while driving. Hasn't done it since. Also driver's seat fails to move about once every 3 months - we get it to move after playing with it...need to fix though
2008 Acadia Highlights
SLE-1
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,140 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 25.5 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Acadia include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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