Autoblog - First Drive - Chevy Traverse.

[xyagentguy]

I totally agree. I saw one one the local Ford lot this weekend, and it looks like a giant, stretched Scion xB in person.

I think it looks like a bizarre and sheet-metal Woodie.

[TJ95GAGT]

Originally Posted by bigtime

I'd like to see it compared to the ford flex. I am only guessing, but I bet the flex outsells the traverse - 2 to 1, maybe 3 to 1. I am not a fan of the ford, but its got that "look", like a bigger mini. People will prefer that "look" to the traverse I think. The traverse looks nice, but doesn't really do anything for me. Just one more CUV with pitiful MPG. Going from Pitiful MPG in an SUV to pitiful (lower case "P") MPG with a CUV isn't exactly what I call progress.

Going to be interesting to see where GM goes with the next traverse. Assuming they don't change names yet again. I mean how much bigger can that grill get? lol

I'm not gonna argue about the looks, its subjective, but the Flex isn't exactly progress in the MPG department itself:

Flex: 17/24
Outlook: 16/24 (I'm assuming the Traverse will get similar mileage)

[CrimsonTider]

I believe this will be a solid seller for Chevy. And I think many of these soccer-mom Tahoe owners will be attracted to it for the few more mpg it gets. The only things I don't like are the kick-up at the rear window & the low-rent interior.

Showed it to my mom (Highlander owner) and she loved it. She thought it was an import until she saw the bowtie. This has to be the best application yet of the Chevy split-grill.

[04bonnie]

It's funny that they say this Traverse is "better" then the other Lambda's because of the DI engine....the DI engine is accross the board with the 09 Lambdas, so that's a moot point. I ordered an 09 Enclave, and it says DI engine on the spec sheet. I'm confused as to why the Traverse would handle different than the Outlook, since they are basically the same underneath.

The only thing that bothers me on this design is the gauges. don't really like the odd shape, which is round on one side, then becomes stretched to more angular to allow for the additional gauges. I prefer the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook's dashs better.

If the Traverse was built here in Lansing with the others, and if the name was pronounced TRA-verse, like Traverse City MI, and if the dash was a little cleaned up, I would have bought one. BUT, the Enclave still is the best of the 4, in my opinion.

[xyagentguy]

The only thing that bothers me on this design is the gauges. don't really like the odd shape, which is round on one side, then becomes stretched to more angular to allow for the additional gauges.

Oh wow I hadn't noticed that!! How not?? Not that the gauge shape makes or breaks a vehicle, OBVIOUSLY, but it is rather bizarre. LOL. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I may like it, I may not..

*ponders in front of picture*

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by xyagentguy

Oh wow I hadn't noticed that!! How not?? Not that the gauge shape makes or breaks a vehicle, OBVIOUSLY, but it is rather bizarre. LOL. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I may like it, I may not..

*ponders in front of picture*

Haha do you know what the gauge cluster reminds me of?

The character from Fat Albert named Dumb Donald!

[rbarrios]

if you look at the pictures of the Traverse test drive- the last picture- shows the Highlanders manual- you can clearly see the print- that 45 MPH is the speed limit when towing heavier stuff...

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

Also about the side view mirrors......once again, the styling is fine. But just give a large rectangular piece of mirror, then form a smooth shell around it. I know the Vue mirrors are a throw back (in styling) to the old Buick mirrors, but at least they are big and useful. I'd take a Vue mirror over a Traverse/Malibu/G6/CTS styled etc mirror any day if I could pick and chose.

You're in the Air Force aren't you? Rectangles don't move through the air well. Creates a lot of drag, even covered with a smooth surface. That's why so many sideview mirrors are tapered now. Less air resistance.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

You're in the Air Force aren't you? Rectangles don't move through the air well. Creates a lot of drag, even covered with a smooth surface. That's why so many sideview mirrors are tapered now. Less air resistance.

I understand all that, and I'm not talking about 90* straight razor corner rectangles either. I also know they tune them to be quiet too.

So Eurohazard would rank mirror design in order of importance:

1) good visibility (large mirror, safety first)
2) quietness
3) aerodynamics
4) styling

[goatgary]

Originally Posted by xyagentguy

The mirrors on the Traverse don't bother me much, nothing like the Vue.

Must disagree about the Vue. We have one and they have a great field of view as well as fit the overall design of the vehicle.

[62impala]

This new Chevy wagon looks awesome, except for:
The taillights; make them longer and wider, three round ones per side --
The "metal" interior trim looks incredibly cheap; how about some nice fake wood instead?
Also, it looks like there is no room for a front license plate, so they obviously are going to bolt on one of those horrible black plastic things to totally disrupt the flow of the front grille.

Other than that, it's a total winner. I still lean toward the Enclave, but I'll wait to see one in person, and test-drive one when they arrive at the dealers in the fall.

[BerettaZ]

So the DI motor has the same highway MPG rating... I was hoping for the alleged 26 -27 MPG that was hinted at when the Traverse was first introduced.

[ByTheLake]

While the 5,000-lb rating of the Highlander seems impressive, there is actually a pretty significant limitation to this. Buried in the owners manual of the Toyota is a warning not to exceed 45 mph when towing.

45 mph while towing? Is Toyota kidding? So the Highlander can tow 5,000 pounds as long as you stay in your neighborhood. Good grief.

[srd275]

I do hope it sells well for Chevy.

But frankly I think it is an ugly spud. I think the GMC Arcadia is better looking inside and out.

When I have to replace my wife's Yukon XL, I would not buy the Traverse. I m sorry I wouldn't. I hope GMC still has the Arcadia around, or something better.

I wouldn't buy the Traverse, I don't think she would like it much either.

[EllwynX]

Originally Posted by vanshmack

I totally agree. I saw one one the local Ford lot this weekend, and it looks like a giant, stretched Scion xB in person.

LOL That's about what I thought of it when I saw pics of it. The Flex is quite ugly imo. Which is too bad because I find the Edge to be a great looking crossover/SUV.

I have to say, the Traverse is a nice looking vehicle. I REALLY like it in white. It's not something I'd be in need of, but if I was I'd definitely consider it.