Perhaps you've heard, General Motors is getting out of the minivan business.  The Chevy Uplander, Buick Terazza, Saturn Relay and Pontiac Montana haven't caught traction with buyers.  Instead, GM is going to concentrate on large crossovers.  First out the gate is the GMC Acadia.  Parked in my driveway is a fully optioned SLT II model. 

After living with it for a week, I can assure you no one will miss the minivans.  During errands I have to budget time for parking lot chats since this CUV creates a buzz wherever it goes.  Men and woman are equally interested in it.  As one excited guy put it "it has the room my wife wants and saves me from driving a mom mobile".  Near as I can tell he went out to buy one that day.

GM has come up with a people hauler that isn't a ball and chain that screams "I have a family!"  Many of us love of our families, but not the vehicles they require.  In years past, people bought station wagons to tote the kids around.  When they developed a dullsville reputation buyers went for minivans. When they developed a dullsville reputation buyers moved to SUVs.    And when they developed a… well, I think you catch the rhythm of my point.

Crossovers now outsell classic SUVs.  Built more like unibody cars and minivans, they are lighter, easier to drive and drink less gas than their truck brethren.  The tradeoff is they generally can't tow as much and aren't as rugged on the trails.  As if many SUVs have ever ventured off road…

General Motors believes in this category so strongly, the Acadia and its sister vehicles, the similar Saturn Outlook and the upcoming curvaceous Buick Enclave all ride on a dedicated crossover chassis. Acadia is nearly the same size as a Yukon or Tahoe.  While those SUVs have good driving dynamics, Acadia is even more likeable. 

Let's go down the checklist:  Quiet?  Yes, but not overly so.  Comfortable?  Very.  The structure is stiff but the suspension is forgiving.  Cornering?  Acadia handles very well and feels a size smaller than it is.  Brakes?  The standard anti-lock disc brakes are exceptionally strong.  Simply put, the General has done a great job with drive dynamics.

The only engine is a smooth 275 HP V6 with 251 lbs.-ft of torque.  That's hooked up to a 6-speed automatic with manual shift control.  It can tow up to 4,500 pounds and features a trailer stability control system.  Choose between front and all-wheel drive. 

Acceleration is average.  Stomp on the pedal to pass and the quick downshift that sends the engine revving for more power is far from subtle.  In mostly city driving I'm seeing 17 MPG. 

That excited guy in the parking lot will surely tell his wife that Acadia scores well in the government crash tests, earning 5 stars in both frontal and side impact.  The expected electronic stability controls are standard to help keep those accidents from happening in the first place. 

Rakish and handsome, Acadia appears smaller than it is so the well done interior is surprisingly spacious.  Families can stretch out here, much like a minivan.  The optional Skyscape dual sunroof keeps it nice and airy.  The front chairs are very supportive and get side torso airbags.  Full curtain side bag protection is standard as well. 

This rig seats 7 or 8, depending on whether you choose captain or bench seating in the middle row.  These seats adjust fore and aft for legroom and fold very elegantly for access to the third row.  Send a couple adults back there and they'll be perfectly comfortable with enough legroom.  Three will fit in a pinch though they'll be a little cozy width wise.  Unlike Tahoe and Yukon, the third row folds flat into the floor. 

Family friendly options like a DVD entertainment system are available.  It comes with wireless headphones and an AC outlet to plug in video game consoles.  There are even headphone holders for iPod users.

Other neat stuff?  An adjustable head's up display for the driver that shows speed, tach and radio info appears to float out near the front bumper.  Tailgate party fans will appreciate sound system controls in back cargo area.  Heated washer fluid cuts through ice and bugs.  Those in extreme climates will appreciate remote start to get a jump on heating and cooling the cabin. 

Unfortunately, one of my favorite technologies, keyless ignition, is not offered on Acadia.   It does get one simple feature absent from most cars though: Shut the engine down and the power windows still work.  All cars should be like this.

Acadia can handle a lot of cargo. Even with the third row up it can still handle four packs of Kirkland brand bath tissue (in case you want to play along at home).  However, the TP test is always done with third rows folded down.  This is a simple task.  Acadia can easily swallow 17 packs which is best in class.

My gripes are sniggly.  There's no option for a backup camera and Acadia could use one.  The center console door with its small button is fussy.  Look very closely and there's the occasional flashing on a few door panels and a mold line in plain view on the passenger side door pull.  

Fully loaded this all-wheel drive SLT 2 model is confidently priced at just under 45 large.  At this price it's more expensive than its nearest competitor the smaller Honda Pilot.  In fact it's bumping up against the excellent Acura MDX which now seats 7 (albeit the 3 row is cramped).  The Acura is faster, sports noticeably better handling in the corners and enjoys classier interior materials.  Acadia is quieter, more comfortable, and can seat 8 with few complaints.  It's also arguably better looking.  Make your decisions accordingly.

A reminder, the Saturn version called Outlook is very similar to Acadia and is priced about two grand less across the board for what appears to be simply marketing reasons.   Perhaps it's because of the no dicker sticker price policy.  A very well equipped front-drive Outlook (which is all the traction most folks need) can be had for around $36,000.   Look for the stylish Buick version called Enclave to appear in the spring.  

Show some restraint when checking the option boxes and Acadia is much more affordable. Front drive models start at 30 grand.   Style conscious families will breath a sigh of relief when they realize they can now get minivan room and gas mileage without the soccer mom stigma.   With loads of style, space and refinement, GMC moves up to the front of the pack with Acadia.