The Good
The 2008 GMC Acadia offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers and a smooth, car-like ride (practical). Its exterior design is appealing, and the spacious interior offers plenty of cargo room (emotional). Performance is adequate for everyday driving. It provided good value for families needing a large, versatile vehicle at a reasonable price.
The Bad
The 2008 Acadia is known for potential timing chain issues, transmission problems, and electrical glitches. Watch out for excessive oil consumption. Power steering issues and air conditioning malfunctions have also been reported. Inspect thoroughly and obtain a pre-purchase inspection to mitigate potential problems.
2008 GMC Acadia: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: Approximately 275 hp
- Fuel Economy (FWD): Around 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (EPA estimates may vary)
- Fuel Economy (AWD): Slightly lower than FWD
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 8.5 seconds (can vary based on drivetrain and condition)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500 lbs when properly equipped
- Trim-Level Features:
- SLE: Base model with standard features like cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system.
- SLT: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded audio system, and potentially a sunroof. Available in SLT-1 and SLT-2.
- Denali: The top-of-the-line trim, featuring unique exterior styling, premium leather, wood trim, upgraded suspension, and additional luxury features like power-folding mirrors and advanced safety systems (some optional).
- Drivetrain: Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission.
2008 GMC Acadia Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | GMC |
| Model | Acadia |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | WENTZVILLE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LY7 |
| Engine Size | 2.9L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 GMC Acadia Have?
Excessive oil consumption is another notable issue. Owners often find themselves needing to add oil between changes. Air conditioning problems, particularly with the rear AC, are also common complaints. Power steering issues, including loss of power steering assist, have been reported as well.
Recalls for the 2008 Acadia have addressed issues like faulty windshield wipers and potential problems with the side-impact airbags. Long-term reliability can be a concern due to these issues. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs are crucial to mitigating these risks. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended.
How long will the 2008 GMC Acadia last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were limited, with options like rear parking sensors available. Safety features included standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and stability control. Multiple airbags, including side-impact airbags, were also standard.
Optional features included a navigation system (which was fairly rudimentary by today's standards), a sunroof, and heated seats. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS varied, but generally, the Acadia performed reasonably well in frontal and side-impact tests. It is important to note that safety technology has advanced significantly since 2008. Stability control was a plus for the time. The Denali trim often included upgraded safety options as well. Actual feature availability depends on the specific trim level and optional packages.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2008 GMC Acadia Prices and Market Value
2008 GMC Acadia Cost of Ownership
2008 GMC Acadia Fuel Efficiency
2008 GMC Acadia Safety Rating
NHTSA
2008 GMC Acadia Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 GMC Acadia Compare to Other Wagon?
Reliability is where the Acadia falls short compared to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, which are known for their longevity and lower repair costs. The Ford Explorer, while truck-based, offered a different driving experience. The Chevrolet Traverse, being mechanically similar to the Acadia, shares many of the same reliability concerns.
In terms of price, the Acadia was often competitive, especially on the used market. However, given its reliability issues, recommending a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot as a better alternative is prudent, despite potentially costing more upfront. These alternatives offer better long-term reliability and lower ownership costs. The Buick Enclave, another Lambda platform SUV, could be considered, but it shares similar mechanicals with the Acadia and Traverse.
Ranks #1648 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 1648 | 2008 GMC Acadia | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 GMC Acadia a Good Wagon?
Tonia on November 4, 2022
Lemon ðŸÂ‹ðŸÂ‹ðŸÂ‹LEMON LEMON LEMON 2 timing chains, all new valves, new water pump, new radiator, new motor mounts, still runs ragged. Would not recommend to anyone!
Jeffrey on October 22, 2022
Well satisfied, Nice vehicle overall.We purchased this early last summer just to tow a boat. Car had 225K on it. New Tires and lot of new parts (starter, alternator, battery and other parts). Yes, has a ton of miles on it but no rust at all, runs great and strong. Looks like it was very well maintained. Excellent in the snow too. Got it for a song (less then $3300.00). Had to fix a couple things, Bose amp repaired, replaced water pump. Fixed the sunroof drain issues by re-routing the drain tubes. Leak issue is now Fixed. Both power seat switches were flaky when we bought it. Took them apart, cleaned up the contacts and no problems. Very tiny slight leak in power steering. Fixed that with some stop leak made by a famous company that starts with "L". We've driven this to the UP Michigan (1200 miles round trip) last summer pulling our boat - no issues. Drove to eastern Tenn (1900 miles round trip) about a month ago. Zero issues. Have made several trips over the summer each over 600 miles or more, no issues. Very nice vehicle and nice and comfy. Definitely not great on gas. But then again, you don't buy one of these because they get great gas mileage now, do you? We now have around 230K on it and so far so good. At this point, for what I paid for it, it doesn't owe me a dime. Nice vehicle. We will keep it and just fix things as needed. Way cheaper than buying another vehicle right now. I used to work on cars way back when all you needed was a pliers and a couple of screwdrivers so I can do most repairs to save some $$$. I would purchase another one if I had to replace this one.
NolaGiirl on August 30, 2022
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SUVWe purchased this car and it was the worst purchase we have ever made.. My husband purchased a silver, 2008 Acadia for me and for the first year everything was ok...After that, everything went to breaking.. Transmission acting up, cost $4,000 to fix, head light went out twice, radio speakers went out (front and back) , window panel went out ( only one window goes down now) and so much more. Every time I see the same make and model, one headlight is out.. There were several people in my neighborhood with the same vehicle.. They either traded the car in or it's sitting up broken.
Therman on March 3, 2021
Its a nice rideWell forst off. It has transmission issues i bought from a second hand car deal a 2008 gmc acadia and tranny has been acting funny since day one then i tae it out of state on vacation and if it raid hard and if i made a turn left or right my feet get wet from water coming from under the dash... Then radido would loose its soud from the speakers only ones stayed work was 2 tweeters in front. So neat less to say i was wit out radio for months then i watched YouTube videosTo find out that the 2008 GMC Acadia has leaking problems so everytime it rains i loose my radio and my feet get wet..... So where can i get that fixed?????? And not have to pay out my pocket????
Jmartin on February 11, 2021
Very nice carSo I just purchased this car . Had it less than a week and noticed some minor hopefully mechanical problems. Hesitant on pickup unless mashing the pedal, also I noticed fluctuations of the tach at idle . Mind you I have no check engine lights on and nothing shows when scanned. But all in all I think its a great car
Joey on November 2, 2020
Most reliable SUV I've ownedGreat comfort and size. Has been reliable since the day we bought it new! It still drives like it did when we had 200 miles on it.
Adam on October 19, 2020
ComfortableSuper interior, but technically not as good as Japanese cars. So please check the engine before purchase, car is auto sensitive so if one part is broken car whole system may shot down
MQ on September 25, 2020
Least reliable car i ownVery confortable ride, powerful motor BUT at 40k miles it has been its fourth motor blown and coming for de fifth, transmission without problems and interior exterior like new
KaliCo on August 2, 2020
The absolute WORSE VEHICLE PURCHASE OF MY LIFE!This SUV is awful! I have replaced the transmission THREE times. OEM original parts. Even wen to a transmission specialist one time. Every mechanic that has come in contact with this vehicle has informed me that GM made faulty parts and they REFUSE to take accountability for the transmission. DO NOT PURCHASE IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY!
Anw012795 on June 12, 2020
First car on insurance that worked greatIt was great for a while but need more room more kids with third row seating in dvd in more up to date but it was a good car
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.