2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT1 FWD

Pros

Styling, interior room, acceleration, fun to drive

Cons

None yet

Purchased As New

With about 4 months left on my current lease (07 Mountaineer), I decided to start reading reviews on (and test driving) some crossover (6+ passenger) S.U.V.s. (I.E. Highlander, Acadia, Traverse, Outlander, Mazda 5).

As several of my family members are employed in the auto industry, I wanted to find a domestic product that would fit my needs and budget. After test driving the Traverse, I can honestly say I probably would not have test driven the other vehicles had I not driven them first. Even between the Traverse and its platform-mate (Acadia), I felt the Traverse was smoother, had a better ride, and had better steering feel. I really didn't even notice any difference in acceleration or horsepower between the Traverse and the dual-exhaust Acadia. The others I tested could not compare to the cargo room, passenger room, or overall spaciousness of the Traverse. I'm sure there may be others out there that may be faster 0-60 mph, or may have more refined interiors and amenities, but I'm sure they will not do it for less money, or be a better overall value than the Traverse. I have only owned my vehicle for a few days, so I really can't say much about reliability. I have had 1 chance to take a short trip (appx. 165 miles round trip) with my wife and 2 kids, and my trip computer calculated my mpg at 24.4 mpg. The trip was half interstate @ 70 mph and half 2 lane highway @ 55-65 mph (with some stop and go city traffic thrown in the mix). I don't know how MPG will fare in all stop and go city traffic (90% of my driving), but I'm hoping it will come close to the 17 mpg city rating on the sticker.

I find the seats to be comfortable (I'm 5'11"/215), and I think that the interior is well laid out and that all the buttons and knobs are easy to find and use. I like the styling and I feel that the Traverse is easily competitive (in terms of performance or price) with any other mid-size (or even some full size) SUVs out there.

I've had some previous bad experiences dealing with G.M. car dealerships, but in this deal, I must say that the amount of game playing was kept to a minimum. I understand all car dealerships have been hit hard by the economy, and think it ridiculous that people think that they can get something for nothing because a car maker is in financial trouble. That being said, I recently went in just to gather information, but was suprised to find that my local dealer offered to pay my last 2 payments (out of the dealer's pocket) on my Mountaineer, as well as give me all the G.M. incentives I was entitled to. Unfortunately, leasing as I am used to is no longer an option with GMAC, so I was slightly dissapointed in having to increase my payment as much as I did. But, this was still much better than the reception I received at the Toyota dealership when I asked them if they were willing to give me 2.9% financing (72 months) and pay off my trade. I'm lucky the door didn't hit me on the way out. Several weeks later and they still haven't sent me a follow up E-mail or call.

Anyways, I know everyone that wants an 8 passenger SUV wants it to get 30 mpg, handle like a Porshe, and have an interior as luxuriously appointed as a Lexus for $20,000 , but I feel that the Traverse more than meets my needs, is fun to drive (for a land-yacht) and is very competitive with any of the other similar offerings on the market. I hope to have this vehicle for a long time, and I hope that G.M. (and Ford and Chrysler) will always be around to service my vehicle both now and in the future.