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Best & Worst Years of GMC Acadia – Graphs & Owner Surveys

Those looking for a used GMC Acadia will want to search the 2021, 2018-2019, 2014, and 2008 model years. Yet there are more bad years than good ones. You’ll want to stay from the 2017, 2015-2016, 2009-2013, and 2007 GMC Acadias—these are the worst years. There’s no verdict on the 2020 Acadia.

GMC Acadia Mid-Size SUV display
Mike Mareen - stock.adobe.com

The SUV wars heated up in the first decade of the 21st century, and GMC introduced the Acadia to stay relevant in a hyper-competitive marketplace. This three-row crossover filled the gap between the smaller (and aging) GMC Envoy and the larger GMC Yukon. The Acadia shares a platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave

Thanks to space for up to eight and ample cabin space, the GMC Acadia makes an ideal family hauler, and buying one used is a smart way to save money. But the Acadia is very hit-and-miss when it comes to reliability. Some model years have a history of expensive repairs, while others appear trouble-free. We’ll sort through the differences so you can learn which GMC Acadias are a buy and which ones are a bust.

Our recommendations are based on a review of key data from GMC Acadias with an installed FIXD sensor—this generates the FIXD Reliability Score. A FIXD survey of Acadia owners creates the Owner Reliability Score and provides insights into reliability perceptions, repair costs, trouble areas, and ownership experiences. 

The FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores are then referenced against published data covering safety scores, fuel economy ratings, and resale values to determine GMC Acadia model year rankings. 

Note: Occasionally, there isn’t enough survey data to determine if a particular model year is good or bad. That’s the case with the 2020 GMC Acadia. Without sufficient information about repairs, upkeep, and other details, passing judgment on this model year is impossible. So, we’ve assigned it an “undecided” status. You can review the available data and decide if this Acadia is worthwhile. 

Check out this chart for an overview of the best/worst/undecided GMC Acadia years. These rankings are explained in detail later on.

Best Years Why? Worst Years Why?
2018-2019, 2021

Excellent reliability scores, no reports of expensive repairs, and high safety scores

>> See 2018-2021 GMC Acadias for sale

2007, 2009-2012, and 2015-2016

First year of the first generation (2007), high likelihood of expensive repairs, and low FIXD Reliability Scores

>> See 2007-2016 GMC Acadias for sale 

2009 and 2013-2014

High owner reliability ratings, excellent safety scores, and moderate upkeep costs

>> See 2013-2014 GMC Acadias for sale

2017

First year of the second generation and elevated chance of expensive repairs 

>> See 2017 GMC Acadias for sale

Undecided Years Why?
2020

Insufficient owner feedback

>> See 2020 GMC Acadias for sale

GMC Acadia Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings & MPG Year by Year

Several factors go into determining the best and worst GMC Acadia model years. 

  • The FIXD Reliability Score (engine reliability) 
  • Owner Reliability Score
  • NHTSA safety testing
  • EPA fuel economy estimates
  • Annual repair and maintenance costs compared to KBB market value

We’ll explain how we used each factor below.

If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USA’s most reliable and cheapest to repair vehicles. Don’t get stuck with a lemon; use our data to help you shop.

Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years

GMC Acadia Reliability Score

The graph shows two indexes that are used to determine engine reliability:

  • FIXD Reliability Score (green): This measure comes from the number of check engine lights detected in GMC Acadias with an installed FIXD sensor.
  • Owner Reliability Score (gray): This factor indicates how suitable owners believe their GMC Acadias are for trips of different lengths. An Acadia that can only handle a quick point A to point B trip ranks lowest. On the other hand, an Acadia that’s ready for a cross-country road trip would rate the highest. 

Both scores use a 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) scale; 5 is average.

There’s a noticeable difference between the two rankings until the 2013 model year. Low FIXD Reliability Scores are common in older vehicles. And owners are more accepting of check engine lights in aging cars (so they tend to rate their vehicles higher). 

Looking at the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score offers a clearer picture of the GMC Acadia’s dependability. If both rankings are low, that’s a signal to add that model year to the worst list. However, just a poor FIXD Reliability Score means further investigation is required. We’ll review repair expenses, recalls, safety ratings, and other data before finalizing a specific model year. You’ll see how this works later on. 

Read the GMC Check Engine Light article to learn about the most common reasons for check engine lights to occur in an Acadia and other popular GMC vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years

GMC Acadia NHTSA Safety Rating

Safety is a major selling point for family vehicles, and the GMC Acadia delivers. It consistently ranks high in National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety testing, scoring no lower than a 4.6 (out of 5.0), and most years do better, scoring a 4.7 or 4.8. The Acadia is an A student in safety. Equally as important is that the Acadia ranks consistently above all the vehicles that FIXD tracks for safety (gray line). 

This matters because 58% of surveyed Acadia owners report using their cars for family transportation. And another 22% use their vehicles for “lots of driving” (traveling and commuting). 

Not only does solid crash test performance help protect precious cargo, but it’s vital for keeping insurance costs low

If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.

What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In:

What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In:
Ohio
North Carolina
Michigan
Georgia
Texas
New York
Illinois
Pennsylvania
California

MPG – Over The Years

GMC Acadia Average MPG

No one buys an Acadia as an economy car. Three rows and abundant cargo space mean it has other priorities. But delivering 19 MPG or better fuel economy is reasonable for a vehicle of this size. And fuel economy gets better following the launch of the second-generation Acadia for 2017 (GMC actually made the Acadia smaller and introduced four-cylinder technology).

The Acadia’s fuel economy remains competitive against other crossovers, a requirement given the crowded marketplace. 

  GMC Acadia Toyota Highlander Ford Explorer Honda Pilot
2009 19 MPG 20 MPG 16 MPG 19 MPG
2015 19 MPG 21 MPG 20 MPG 20 MPG
2021 23 MPG 23 MPG 23 MPG 23 MPG

Current Market Value of All GMC Acadia Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each

GMC Acadia Market Value vs Cost of Repairs

A car’s resale value takes a hit if it’s known for having high repair and maintenance costs. With some vehicles (like the Toyota Highlander), you’ll see a steadily increasing KBB resale value (green line) paired with relatively consistent average upkeep expenses (gray line). However, this isn’t the case for the Acadia.

With this GMC, you’ll see dips in resale value accompanying elevated repair and maintenance expenses. This is most noticeable for the 2010 model, thanks to owners reporting spending an average of $1,214 last year to keep their Acadias on the road. It’s the second-highest amount for any GMC Acadia (the 2013 edition is the most expensive to maintain, with a typical repair and maintenance bill of $1,306). 

Meanwhile, the value of the 2017 Acadia levels off and is attributable to high mileage among the surveyed vehicles more than extreme upkeep expenses. 

Overall, surveyed Acadia owners report spending an average of $780 in 2022 to keep their vehicles running, which is on the high side. FIXD surveys show that similar expenses for the Toyota Highlander are $646, and RepairPal reports that the typical mid-sized SUV costs $573 to maintain each year. 

But separating Acadia ownership overhead by generation is more revealing. With an average of $922 in annual upkeep expenses, the first-generation Acadia is almost twice as expensive to own as the second generation (with an average yearly upkeep expense of $495). 

GMC Acadia Generation Years Average Annual Upkeep
First 2007-2016 $922
Second 2017-2023* $495^
* As of June 2023, the second-generation GMC Acadia remains in production
^ Data does not reflect information for the 2020 and 2022-2023 model years

Of course, there’s more to go wrong with an older car, but the disparity is eye-opening. There are also similar differences between the generations with the GMC Yukon and GMC Sierra 1500, indicating owning an older GMC requires having a larger bank account. 

We’ll highlight more model-year-specific maintenance costs in the best and worst years breakdown.

If you’d like to learn about this vehicle’s past depreciation rate & our projected depreciation rate based on that, check out: GMC Acadia | Depreciation Rate & Curve Graphed.

When shopping for a used GMC Acadia, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!

Important Features Timeline

2007: Debut year of the all-new GMC Acadia

2008: Base model gets eight-passenger seating and satellite radio

2009: New V6 offers 288 horsepower

2010: Transmission improvements and other minor changes

2011: Denali trim joins the Acadia lineup

2012: No major changes

2013: Refreshed exterior styling, cabin updates

2014: Denali gets forward collision warning and other safety upgrades

2015: No major changes

2016: 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capability is added to OnStar

2017: All-new 2nd-generation Acadia launches

2018: V6 available with the base trim

2019: No major changes

2020: Turbo 4-cylinder engine available, transmission upgraded to nine speeds

2021: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto go wireless, Elevation Edition joins the lineup

Best Years of the GMC Acadia

GMC Acadia SUV display at a dealership
jetcityimage – stock.adobe.com

This list of the best years of the GMC Acadia comes from looking at FIXD Reliability Scores, Owner Reliability Scores, NHTSA safety testing and recall information, and EPA estimates for fuel economy. And because no car is perfect, we also include information about common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

2018-2019 and 2021 GMC Acadia

FIXD Reliability Score: 8-10/10

Owner Reliability Score: 9-10/10

KBB Value: $19,568-$28,368

Fuel Economy: 22-23 MPG

Average Annual Maintenance/Repair: $250-$550

Average Likelihood of a $500+ Repair in 2022: 100%

Safety Rating: 4.6/5

While it may be unsurprising that the newest GMC Acadias start our best years list, not every recent model year makes the cut. The 2017 and 2020 appear elsewhere. So let’s concentrate on the 2018-2019 and 2021 Acadias. 

Strong FIXD Reliability Scores 8-10 (out of 10) and impressive Owner Reliability Scores 9-10 (out of 10) are particularly notable. While high praise from owners (of all vehicles) isn’t unusual (most people are fond of their cars!), the high ranking is backed up by hard data from installed FIXD sensors. That’s a one-two punch in support of reliability.

And there’s other information to support these findings. Mainly, there are no owner reports of any expensive ($500+) engine or transmission work in 2022; this goes back five years to the 2018 Acadia. Annual upkeep costs are well below the $780 average that all owners spend, according to FIXD surveys. It’s $550 for the 2018 and 2019 model years and only $250 for the 2021 Acadia. 

Of course, these low upkeep costs won’t last forever, as brake pads, tires, and other components that suffer from normal wear and tear will eventually need replacing. 

There’s more to like, including a 4.6 (out of 5) in NHTSA safety testing. Plus, an average fuel economy of 22-23 MPG puts this group of Acadias among the most efficient of these models to hit the road.

But, we’ll take our rose-colored glasses off to highlight what isn’t ideal for these Acadias, and that’s trouble codes for the 2018-2019 model years (this isn’t a significant issue for the 2021 version, so far). 

In particular, code P0128, a faulty thermostat, is a known problem area. If the factory warranty doesn’t cover repairs, expect to pay $477 to $512 for a new thermostat. It’s not the worst repair to deal with, but this is unusual for a newer vehicle. In extreme cases, a replacement powertrain control module might be required, which costs a hefty $2,049 to $2,567.

There are also numerous instances of code P1153 with the 2018 Acadia. This covers a fuel control issue with bank 2 of the engine. The resulting lean mixture (too much oxygen or insufficient fuel) can severely damage other components (like the catalytic converter). Repairs usually involve replacing an oxygen sensor for $275-$500.

Recalls are a fact of life with modern automobiles, including the GMC Acadia. But this grouping has fewer recalls than any other Acadia model years. There are two recalls each for the 2018, 2019, and 2021 editions. 

Shoppers searching out a 2018-2019 or 2021 can expect to pay $20,000 to $45,000, depending on year, condition, equipment, and mileage. In particular, finding a newer three-row crossover for around 20 grand (a base 2018 Acadia with 100,000 miles) is a wallet stretcher. Remember that the KBB values cited above refer to private-party transactions, usually less than what you’d pay at a dealer. 

For those wanting more peace of mind, an Acadia purchased through GMC’s certified pre-owned (CPO) program adds 12 months or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage to any existing original warranty and 6 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection (from original service date).

2013-2014 GMC Acadia 

2013 GMC Acadia in the city street.
art_zzz – stock.adobe.com

FIXD Reliability Score: 8/10

Owner Reliability Score: 7-8/10

KBB Value: $7,337-$8,997

Fuel Economy: 19 MPG

Average Annual Maintenance/Repair: $700-$750

Average Likelihood of a $500+ Repair in 2022: 91%-100%

Safety Rating: 4.8/5

Sadly, the 2013-2014 GMC Acadias represent the only model years of the first generation worth buying. That means you’ll find the versions from 2007-2012 and 2015-2016 on the worst years list. 

Let’s explain what separates the 2013-2014 model years from the others. This begins with above-average dependability scores: 8 for FIXD Reliability and 7-8 for Owner Reliability, which are respectable for decade-old vehicles. 

Equally as praiseworthy is that no surveyed 2013 Acadia owner reported having expensive powertrain repairs in 2022. Even though about 8% of owners of the 2014 Acadia had costly engine repairs last year (and 7% cited spending $500 or more on the transmission), this edition is still worth pursuing (other model years have a much worse history in this area). Just be sure to have any car under consideration inspected by a mechanic before buying. 

The yearly tab to keep these Acadias on the road is slightly better than average. Owners of the 2013 model spent $750 last year (it’s $700 for the 2014 Acadia). 

Other positives include a stellar 4.8 in government crash tests, and 19 MPG isn’t too shabby for a large three-row crossover (this was before GMC downsized the Acadia for the second generation). 

These Acadias have their fair share of check engine lights, and most problems center around the evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems. Codes P0442, P0455, and P0496 are at the heart of this issue. Ideally, the remedy involves tightening the gas cap, which doesn’t cost a cent. However, you may need to spend $20 to $60 for a new gas cap. Other more costly fixes could require a replacement valve ($150-$200), EVAP line ($50-$100), or a new EVAP charcoal canister ($200-$600). 

Recalls are also present; three for the 2013 Acadia and six for the 2014 model year

Dealer prices for a 2013-2014 GMC Acadia are in the $12,000 to $20,000 range. However, some thorough shopping can find one closer to $10,000 for a base model with 125,000 miles. 

The Worst Years of the GMC Acadia 

2017 Red GMC Acadia SUV.
jetcityimage – stock.adobe.com

GMC fans won’t be pleased to know that from the 2007-2021 model years, 60% of Acadias don’t pass muster. Low reliability scores, high repair costs, and other factors doom them to this worst years list.  

2007-2012 and 2015-2016 GMC Acadia

FIXD Reliability Score: 1-8/10

Owner Reliability Score: 5-7/10

KBB Value: $4,031-$12,258

Fuel Economy: 18-19 MPG

Average Annual Maintenance/Repair: $650-$1,306

Average Likelihood of a $500+ Repair in 2022: 60%-100%

Safety Rating: 4.6-4.8/5

We’ve carved out the 2013-2104 Acadias for our best years list. Otherwise, the remaining years of the first-generation Acadia (2007-2012 and 2015-2016) get the thumbs down. We usually try to find an older model year that’s somewhat redeemable as an inexpensive used car, but a data review turns that into a useless exercise. 

Let’s share the sad story of the GMC Acadia from the 2007-2012 and 2015-2016 model years. 

FIXD Reliability Scores for the 2007-2009 Acadias are at the bottom of the scale (1 or 2), and it only improves slightly for the 2010-2012 model years (4 or 5). The 2015-2016 editions score an 8, but other factors that we’ll get to cancel out these positives. That’s the same reason good Owner Reliability Scores (7 or better for most years) can’t offset other issues.  

Two factors negatively affect this group of Acadias: upkeep and repair costs.

In particular, the 2007-2010 model years are the most expensive to maintain. Owners of the 2009 Acadia spent $1,306 in 2022 to keep their cars operating. The 2010 version at $1,214 follows. And the 2007 Acadia isn’t much better, with an average annual outlay of $1,100. For the 2008 and 2015 Acadias, the total adds up to $975 and $925, respectively. At the least, the remaining model years hover near the $780 average for all Acadias. 

You might be able to argue that it’s cheaper to spend $1,000 or so on maintenance every year than drop big bucks on a more expensive vehicle. But, the survey data on costly powertrain repairs undercuts this assumption.

Every model year among this group is at an elevated risk of expensive engine and/or transmission repairs. One in four 2007 and 2010 Acadia owners reported costly engine or transmission repairs. It’s one in six for those with a 2008, 2012, and 2015 model year. The odds are somewhat better but still worrisome for the 2009, 2011, and 2016 editions. It doesn’t make sense to buy a vehicle with a strong potential for a repair that costs what the car is worth (or a good chunk of the value).

Reviewing error code data reveals several check engine light scenarios that could lead to other expensive repairs. Installed FIXD sensors show thousands of error codes for P0420 and P0430, a faulty catalytic converter. Admittedly, these components don’t last forever, but spending $1,700 to $2,400 on a replacement catalytic converter isn’t appealing to anyone. 

Meanwhile, code P0300, an engine misfire, is another common trouble area with severe potential harm. A fortunate Acadia owner with this problem may only need new spark plug wires ($180-$240) or a replacement fuel pressure regulator ($200-$400). Fixing a vacuum leak is also cheap ($100-$200). But it gets expensive after this point. Ignition coils run $230 to $640, while a fuel pump costs $1,300 to $1,700.  Meanwhile, new fuel injectors require an outlay of $1,500 to $1,900. 

But wait, there’s more. A deep history of code P0017, a faulty timing chain, appears in the 2007-2012 and 2015-2016 model years. A replacement will set an owner back $1,613 to $1,867.

Let’s not forget that these Acadias are no strangers to recalls. At the head of the pack is the 2009 Acadia with seven recalls—the most recalled Acadia to date. There are five recalls for the 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 model years. Recalls are modestly better for the 2010, 2015, and 2016 GMC Acadias (four recalls each).

2017 GMC Acadia

FIXD Reliability Score: 9/10

Owner Reliability Score: 9/10

KBB Value: $12,772

Fuel Economy: 20 MPG

Average Annual Maintenance/Repair: $375

Average Likelihood of a $500+ Repair in 2022: 86%

Safety Rating: 4.8/5

The numbers make the 2017 GMC Acadia appear like a winner. Almost-perfect FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores (9 for each) are remarkable. And low owner-reported maintenance and repairs expenses average just $375, half of the typical Acadia. 

But you’ll want to think twice about buying a 2017 Acadia.

First, it’s the debut year of the second-generation model. Staying away from the first year of an all-new vehicle is the easiest way to avoid ownership headaches. First-year gremlins are always a worry.

Yet, we’re not just dinging the 2017 Acadia for its birthdate. There’s something more serious to consider: expensive repairs. One in eight owners had to spend at least $500 to fix the engine last year. And the number is similar with the transmission.

Such issues shouldn’t happen to a six-year-old vehicle with an average of 95,000 miles. It’s a major reason to look for a different model year if you have to have an Acadia.

These problems are regrettable, mainly because there aren’t many error codes with the 2017 Acadia. The only error message that appears regularly is P0128 (mentioned earlier), indicating a troubled engine thermostat. 

Recalls aren’t overwhelming, either. The 2017 Acadia has four recalls

Undecided Years of the GMC Acadia

A lack of survey data means we’re unable to assign a “best” or “worst” label to some model years. While a FIXD Reliability Score provides some information, it alone doesn’t offer a complete picture of a car’s dependability. 

When this happens, we’ll place the affected vehicles into an undecided category instead of not mentioning them at all. This is the situation with the 2020 GMC Acadia. 

Until more owner input becomes available, we’ll reserve judgment. In the meantime, review the available information and determine if this Acadia model year is a worthy used car. 

2020 GMC Acadia

FIXD Reliability Score: 10/10

KBB Value: $28,688

Fuel Economy: 23 MPG

Safety Rating: 4.6/5

A flawless FIXD Reliability Score of 10 certainly is a positive for the 2020 GMC Acadia. Meanwhile, excellent fuel economy (23 MPG) and a robust safety score (4.6) add to this GMC’s strengths.  There are only a handful of error codes, so there’s no trouble pattern yet to report on.

We’ll summarize things about the 2020 Acadia with a “so far, so good” comment, but don’t take this as an endorsement. We’ll need more owner insight before giving this vehicle a thumbs up. 

A Note about the 2022-2023 GMC Acadia: Like with the 2020 Acadia, there isn’t enough information to make recommendations about the newest model years (2022-2023) of the GMC Acadia. Keep an eye out for updates in the future.

FAQs

What years of the GMC Acadia have engine and/or transmission problems?

The 2007-2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2017 GMC Acadias are most likely to need engine work. Model years with an increased chance of transmission issues are from 2007-2008. 2010-2011, and 2015-2017.

What is considered high mileage for a GMC Acadia?

Not a single Acadia model year among the FIXD surveys reached an average mileage of 200,000 miles. The closest is the 2010 Acadia, with 182,000 miles of use. That suggests an upper-limit range for the GMC Acadia’s longevity. 

Can an Acadia reach 200,000 miles? Yes, but it’s rare. Using autotrader.com, an online marketplace, we found 9,271 pre-owned Acadias for sale across the U.S. Of these, only 47 had 200,000 miles or more. That’s half of one percent. 

Among all surveyed model years, the Acadia has an average of 120,621 miles. Given this figure and that the Acadia doesn’t have much of a record beyond 200,000 miles, we’ll peg the high-mileage mark at 125,000 miles.

Among the surveyed Acadias on the best years list, the 2014 model year averaged 129,545 miles (the closest to the high-mileage benchmark). Buying a 2014 Acadia like this might mean getting another 50,000 miles of use, maybe more. 

If the plan is to buy a used Acadia for more than four years of usability (the average driver travels 11,599 miles per year, according to the federal government), you’ll need to step up to the 2018-2019 or 2021 model year.

But the best way to determine an Acadia’s potential longevity is a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. And ideally, any car under consideration has a positive history of regular maintenance, gentle driving, and no accidents. 

What other vehicles should I consider?

The two-row Terrain offers a smaller crossover option for those wanting to stay within the GMC brand. Larger alternatives are the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL SUVs. Within the General Motors family, buyers can opt for the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, which have the same underpinnings as the GMC Acadia.

Non-GM competitors include the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas.

What owners of the GMC Acadia like to use their cars for:

Frequent Use Categories: How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars)
Family Vehicle *****
Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) ***
Luxurious Driving *
Hauling/Towing *
Office on Wheels *
Sport/Fast Driving *
Outdoor/Off-Road *

A Note About Data and Information Sources

This article has many details about GMC Acadia reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.

  • FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App

The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing. 

This is an objective score.

  • Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data results from surveying GMC Acadia owners who use FIXD

The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from the owners of the GMC Acadia.  

This is a subjective score.

To determine the Owner Reliability Score, we ask each car owner:

How reliable would you say your GMC Acadia is?

a. Just point A to point B driving

b. A Daily Commuter

c. Good for a 100-mile road trip

d. Good for a 500-mile road trip

e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem

From here, we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:

a. = 2

b. = 4

c. = 6

d. = 8

e. = 10

Keep in mind owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is. 

One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.

Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series and Ford Expedition.

Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others. 

It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars. 

Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores; people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data. 

We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.

  • KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a GMC Acadia with typical mileage for that respective model year.
  • Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
  • Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed GMC Acadia owners
  • Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.

References

  1. GMC Acadia model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
  2. Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
  3. GMC Certified Pre-Owned Information. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.gmcertified.com/benefits-after-purchase
  4. GMC Acadia used car information, autotrader.com. Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://www.autotrader.com/
  5. Highway Statistic Series, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation (November 2022). Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2020/vm1.cfm. 2019 data was referenced instead of 2020 information skewed by the impact of COVID-19.
David Goldberg

Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.

We’re here to help you simplify car care and save, so this post may contain affiliate links to help you do just that. If you click on a link and take action, we may earn a commission. However, the analysis and opinions expressed are our own.

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About the Author

Picture of David Goldberg

David Goldberg

Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.

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