We replaced my wife's 2001 Tribute. Surprisingly, the two models are rated at the same gas mileage. So far, we have had this vehicle for about a year & it has almost 10,000 mi.

This vehicle comes with dual zone climate controls in the front and a third for the rear. This comes at a price for mileage. In the Arkansas heat of the summer, we average as low as 14mpg (with all 3 AC blowing) in the city. When the temperature is not as extreme we can easily get 18mpg around town. On the highway, we once got 25.6 mpg, but never again. The real average is more like 22mpg (even traveling @ 60 mph).

We test drove everything (CX-9, Vera Cruse, Highlander, 4-runner, Pilot, pathfinder). I liked the CX-9 the best, but it is my wife's car. I have to admit the the Acadia fits us better. We have the captain's chairs & access to the 3rd row is a breeze. The best benefit is that we have 2 carseats & you can simply walk through to the 3rd row (I would pay money to see my inlaws crawl over the middle row of the CX-9). I actually would be fine riding hours in the 3rd row, and I am 6' tall.

Things I really like:
The 1/8" headphone jack works well for my iPod & could work with any device. There is a rear seat radio with a pair of headphone jack for the kids. The quality of the sound is better than many factory systems (10 speaker system - front center speaker & subwoofer). Ours came with the dual pane sunroof. The rear is fixed glass (does not open or tilt). I wish the front sunroof opened more, but it is fine. Both the front and rear have retractable shades that do not completely block out all of the sun, but I have gotten used to that. Our model came with the power rear door I thought we would never use it, but it is great (especially in the rain). I wish we had been able to get the heads up display (projecting the speedometer & other info off of the front windshield so you do not have to take your eyes off the road). I am addicted to watching the trip computer calculating the mileage. It is pretty accurate as well.

Things I dislike:
There is a lot of reflective chrome bits all over the cabin & the sun seems to reflect off of every one. I am underwhelmed by the amount of cubbies. There is one for a cell phone on the dash, one in front of the center speaker (seemingly out of reach in the upper dash), a compartment in the center that has an annoying upper tray (which seems to spill its contents whenever removed) & a very small (3 cd cases) armrest compartment. There is no sun glasses holder anywhere. Although I love the look of the 19" wheels, I am not looking forward to replacing the tires (so far, only Goodyear makes the exact size). The space behind the third row is less than adequate. If you are carrying 7, there is no way you will fit all of their luggage. The space is oddly shaped and inefficient. I find it difficult to fit luggage for 4 without having to lay one of the 3rd row seats down. However, with the 3rd row down the space is cavernous! The engine has 275 hp, but that doesn't go very far when you weigh nearly 6,400 lbs. Engine power is adequate at best. The vehicle is big, but surprisingly nimble.

One final note... the bottom half of the exterior of the vehicle is covered with black plastic (similar to the early Avalanche models). I am sure it helps reduce paint chips & can take abuse. However, I wash this vehicle a lot and my Armorall budget has more than doubled.

I have to say that I am very pleased with this vehicle & my wife likes it a lot as well.


Amount Paid (US$): 35,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: SLT-1