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2009 Chevrolet Traverse First Drive

24 messages,  Last post on Dec 07, 2009 at 8:28 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Traverse Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Traverse, Future Vehicle, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 24 Article Comments - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse First Drive by KarenS HOST

Jun 27, 2008 (10:04 am)

It is the fourth (!) vehicle built from GM's three-row crossover collection of parts, known to GM and car wonks as Lambda. It is functionally identical to the '09 versions of the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It has the same V6 engine. It has the same six-speed automatic transmission. It seats the same number of people. And it returns the same miles per gallon.
 
Read more and post your comments here.
 
First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

#2 of 24 Chevy version by briancam

Jun 27, 2008 (6:04 pm)

Nice looking SUV

#3 of 24 GM is doing better by ttbuyer

Jun 28, 2008 (8:14 am)

After years of arrogant indifference and wildly inferior products GM is FINALLY taking the customer (and the competition) seriously.
 
Until very recently, any newly introduced GM product would be instantly dismissable as laughably inferior to the Japanese competition.
 
Even the Korean competition was kicking sand in GM's face with their own quickly-improving quality. Hyundai, which was a pathetic joke not so long ago offers vastly improved products.
 
It used to be that driving/owning a Hyundai was almost shameful. These days one would rather "be seen" in a Hyundai than a Pontiac.
 
The Koreans respected the customer by improving their products while GM took the American consumer for granted and trotted out sub-standard junk for sale.
 
I have always wanted to "buy American" but I'm not going to subsidize GM's laziness; if a GM product is competitive, I will consider it.
 
The Traverse is attractive and it is competitive. I hope it's not too little too late.

#4 of 24 Re: GM is doing better [ttbuyer] by circlew

Jun 29, 2008 (1:54 pm)

Replying to: ttbuyer (Jun 28, 2008 8:14 am)
I was thinking of one of the Lambdas but considering the quality I've experienced with my 2003 GMC Yukon, I will look past US auto to replace it soon...never to return again after 30 years of loyalty.
 
Too little, too late IMHO.
 
Regards,
OW

#5 of 24 2009 Chevy Traverse first Drive by rsuther2

Jun 29, 2008 (4:48 pm)

Cross-overs seem to me to be an oxymoron. Since 2000 I have driven Dodge Grand Caravans for my work in medical sales. I don't understand the negative conotation to minivans. You cannot beat them for practicality. They have more interior space, get better mileage, handle better, have better visibility, and in some you can get all-wheel drive, and they ride better. I have driven many cross-overs and have yet to drive one with the overall practicality of my minivan. The floor is lower on minivans which lowers the center of gravity for handling and makes loading cargo easier. I love to drive and have owned a Porsche 911 for 15 years and my wife drives a Toyota Avalon, but when we travel we always take the minivan. Everyone who rides with us always comments what a nice riding vehicle it is.
 
I do like the styling of alot of the cross-over vehicles, but they cost more, don't drive as well, use more gas, carry less and arent a passenger friendly. My next vehicle might be the new Volkswagen minivan built by Chrysler, unless Chrysler or Dodge decides to put the Mercedes build V6 deisel in their minivans. Oh yeah.

#6 of 24 Re: 2009 Chevy Traverse first Drive [rsuther2] by yatesjo

Jun 30, 2008 (6:31 pm)

Replying to: rsuther2 (Jun 29, 2008 4:48 pm)
I agree with you about the pointlessness of crossovers. I am in the market for a vehicle with 3rd row capability and looked at a number of crossovers and found none of them acceptable or competitive with minivans for storage capacity or for accessibility to the 3rd row. Minivans aren't sexy... but crossovers and SUVs aren't either.
 
We have pretty well settled on Toyota Sienna for our new vehicle. We looked at the Grand Caravan/Town and Country and decided that they have many neat gimmicks but not enough real quality.

#7 of 24 Diesel Traverse by easym1

Jul 04, 2008 (6:49 am)

Has anyone have any idea if there would be a diesel engine for this model?

#8 of 24 Re: 2009 Chevy Traverse first Drive [rsuther2] by mk2001c

Jul 11, 2008 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: rsuther2 (Jun 29, 2008 4:48 pm)
People choose crossovers because of their styling and performance. Many (myself included) find minivans unattractive because of their odd proportions. Most of the high-end crossovers such as the Cadillac SRX handle much better than the minivans do. They provide near-sport sedan handling with a lot more storage space. You can also get them with a V8. Not everyone needs the practicality of a minivan. Good for GM for responding to the market demands.

#9 of 24 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse First Drive [KarenS] by kmauss

Aug 17, 2008 (11:40 am)

Replying to: KarenS (Jun 27, 2008 10:04 am)
The pictures of it look pretty but if it's the twin of the Buick Enclave then yikes - it's a HUGE beast! I was out 'window shopping" yesterday and was looking at an Enclave. I felt like I was walking up to a bus! I know it's a probably a visual illusion, but that Enclave seemed bigger than my sister in law's Chrysler Town and Country. I'm casually searching for an eventual replacement to my sedan with something that has hauling capacity, but I'm not wanting a land yacht either. When my local Chevy dealer gets these in, I'll be very curious to see them for myself. (I never thought I would hear myself say it, but I am actually considering a minivan! )

#10 of 24 Re: 2009 Chevy Traverse first Drive [rsuther2] by cx7lover

Sep 25, 2008 (5:42 pm)

Replying to: rsuther2 (Jun 29, 2008 4:48 pm)
They do NOT handle better, the GC had some of the worst powertrains on the market, and it's not cross-overs. The GC also has a huge turning circle and a floaty ride/loose handling. This particular crossover is entirely too bloated and ugly.
 
The CX-9 is what a crossover should be, although it doesn't have the most cargo space, it makes the most sense.

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