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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 2 of 3

#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: Karen@Edmunds (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.

#11 of 24 Full Test available! by Karen@Edmunds HOST

Sep 26, 2008 (8:06 am)

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Full Test and Video

#12 of 24 Satisfied Lambda Owner by ctsguy1

Sep 30, 2008 (8:49 am)

My wife and I have a 2007 Saturn Outlook and we love it. The handling is great and you can't beat the cargo room and towing ability. All this and we have easily achieved 22-23 mpg on long trips. Looks to me like Chevy has taken what is great about the Outlook and made it even better with some additional safety gear. CX9/Highlander just don't measure up if you really need the capabilities these vehicles offer (cargo room/towing capacity and all around fexibility).

#13 of 24 prices paid by jacobm

Oct 05, 2008 (5:27 pm)

Anyone have one yet? I am still trying to decide between the traverse or the MDX. I don't really want to buy an american car... just drove my friends 3 year old malibu and it is coughing and sneezing! I was really hoping to lease this and waited 1 year for it.

#14 of 24 Re: prices paid [jacobm] by zone4

Oct 07, 2008 (4:59 am)

Replying to: jacobm (Oct 05, 2008 5:27 pm)
I'm thinking about getting one next year. I love the exterior and interior styling. I hate the cramped seats in the 2nd and 3rd rows. I was hoping they would come out with a V-8 or hybrid version next year. I test drove their LTZ version and it drives very smooth.

Messages Page 2 of 3

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