Untamed
06-07-2008, 10:13 PM
My wife and I test drove a GMC Acadia today, since the lease on her minivan will be up shortly. After 5 years we were looking for something new, so did some research into SUVs and decided to try out the Acadia.
Very nice vehicle, with plenty of interior room, comfortable seats and good equipment. After driving a minivan for many years it was a different feel having a longer hood up front. The kids loved the dual sun roof and DVD player of course.
Driving the car was easy with plenty of get-up power and forward visibility. The downside to visibility was drivers-side blind spots. The headrest on the drivers seat makes it very difficult to turn to the side and look backwards. Reliance on the mirrors means you need to move around to get a complete picture just using the mirror.
While the cabin was very comfortable, the cargo space is minimal. After having plenty of space in a minivan, the lack of a real "trunk" is a deal killer. Third row seating is a must, but sacrifices cargo space. Those families looking for an SUV replacement to their minivan means going bigger to a Yukon, and similar vehicles, and a whole different price category.
I really like the Acadia. Unfortunately with three kids I need the cargo room since we typically drive for our vacations. The roof racks will secure the rooftop cargo pod, however the interior space is equally important for those things that have to be accessed during the trip.
On a more positive note, I sat in a base model Pontiac G8. I want! 8-)
Very nice vehicle, with plenty of interior room, comfortable seats and good equipment. After driving a minivan for many years it was a different feel having a longer hood up front. The kids loved the dual sun roof and DVD player of course.
Driving the car was easy with plenty of get-up power and forward visibility. The downside to visibility was drivers-side blind spots. The headrest on the drivers seat makes it very difficult to turn to the side and look backwards. Reliance on the mirrors means you need to move around to get a complete picture just using the mirror.
While the cabin was very comfortable, the cargo space is minimal. After having plenty of space in a minivan, the lack of a real "trunk" is a deal killer. Third row seating is a must, but sacrifices cargo space. Those families looking for an SUV replacement to their minivan means going bigger to a Yukon, and similar vehicles, and a whole different price category.
I really like the Acadia. Unfortunately with three kids I need the cargo room since we typically drive for our vacations. The roof racks will secure the rooftop cargo pod, however the interior space is equally important for those things that have to be accessed during the trip.
On a more positive note, I sat in a base model Pontiac G8. I want! 8-)