Autoblog - First Drive - Chevy Traverse.

[EllwynX]

Originally Posted by 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.

Just a quick FYI... It's Acadia, not Arcadia... Pronounced- uh-KAY-dee-uh

Now back to our regulary scheduled thread.

[b4z]

Re: Handling

All of the other reviews of the Lambdas have said that they drive curiously like the minivans thy replaced and that the steering is not as good as, say a SRX for example, or even the GMT900s.

Is this writer saying that Chevy has made real parts changes to the steering and handling of the Traverse or ishis memory of the others Lambdas fading?

[montrealvue]

Originally Posted by 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.

I heard the numbers were supposed to be in that range as well. The Outlook I had for a few days was rated at 16 mpg city but I only got 13 mpg in combined conditions. I am hoping that won't be the case with the Traverse. If so, it can join the rest of the SUV's and pick ups that GM can't sell. I still think this is the worst possible time to introduce a vehicle like this. Also, a rebadge no less.

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

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.

Toyota - Moving you Forward.... Slowly

[Gagarin]

I'm confused -
would someone explain why there's Lambda and Theta? Especially since they haven't used Lambda's w/ sliding doors or going to do the SUT?

[nsap]

Originally Posted by Gagarin

I'm confused -
would someone explain why there's Lambda and Theta? Especially since they haven't used Lambda's w/ sliding doors or going to do the SUT?

Lambda is considered a full-size crossover platform, whereas Theta is a midsize platform.

[04bonnie]

I thought that with DI, there was going to be suffecient better gas mileage, so not real impressed with the numbers, although the horsepower went up some. I'm not buying one for the gas mileage anyway, I think they get about the best that can be expected for a vehicle of their size. I'm bettering my situation anyway, because we are selling our Silverado V8, which my wife uses for work, and getting the Enclave which will stay home with me (stay home dad, just using it for shuttling kids during school, and taking it on long trips), and she will use the Bonneville for work, so that will get better mileage than the Silverado. Still wish the Lambdas did a little better in the city driving, since that's mainly what we will be using it for. But, like I said, I'm not getting this for mileage reasons, and I'm sure most others won't either. If you need a family hauler, the price comes with it, gas included.

[steined]

I think my TBSS had better steering than the Enclave I test drove. I think my SRX beats them all though. Steering and percieved lack of power kept me out of the Enclave. The Enclave has plenty of power but you had to drive it aggressively with your throttle foot. SRX is the same way, but it isn't such a problem with the V8.

This Traverse would likely be in my driveway had it been out a year ago with DI. Timing dictated I get the 07 SRX V8 with Magnetic Ride Control and I can't say I'm complaining too much! But I do like the Traverse's prospects!

[HEVguy]

Originally Posted by GMusa

First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

...GM invited the media out to its Milford Proving Ground last week for a first drive of the Traverse, which of course we attended on your behalf...
Check out full review & photos at link: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/f...verse-w-video/

How rude, I would have much preffered to just take advantage of the invitation myself!

[HEVguy]

Very nice review, and impressive performance from the Traverse!

[civilzues]

what is the standard radio being used, I've only seen pictures with navagation.

[geozinger]

I think the Traverse fits in well with the new direction of Chevy styling. I like the overall look both inside and out, but the WALL-E gauge pods have to go. Mazda has a kind of similar arrangement in the 5 minivan, which is equally awkward.

Once my wife sees this, the Malibu Maxx's days are numbered... She wants another SUV, why, I don't know. Especially with $4/gallon gasoline. Sheesh.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

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.

I found confirmation on that! I posted the question at toyotanation. 2 people have confirmed, it reads:

Page 236 under the CAUTION 2nd major bullet. To Avoid accident or injury.

"Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit which ever is lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailor combination increases as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control."

Just thought you guys might want to know.

[TriShield]

Another gas-guzzling rebadge with a terrible name.

The GM status quo of the last 20 years marches on.

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by 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.

Thats what I've been thinking with the new Chevy nose... not styled for a licence plate at all.
Bit of a let down when you see them after the introduction pictures with no plate?

BTW I think it's a very nice thing, but my fave Lambda is still the Acadia.