2009 Chevy Traverse Review

[impaladave77]

My Dad will be getting a 2011 Traverse LTZ AWD in two weeks. We just test drove it tonight. It is a very nice vehicle. Hopefully, he will see a significant improvement in gas mileage over his 2008 Trailblazer 3LT 4WD. Not as good as my 2011 Malibu LTZ 4 Cylinder, but definitely an improvement. Thanks for the great review!!!! By the way, the 2011 model does have a USB port for the radio inside the storage compartment on the top of the dash.

[bestamerica]

'

no no thank,,,

i dont like this SUV car

[9700ismla]

stop it gm 

[9700ismla]

never



[PaladinHludwig]

Wow that's really bad fuel mileage for a modern car. It looks strange also with its big fat body and cheap looking little wheels. The tail lights look like they were stolen from a Volkswagen.

[SilentServiceCode]

I rented one of these and god what a boat. The fit and finish on the interior was pretty cheap too, in typical GM fashion. The engine had decent power.

[DonPhilip84]

very impressive car overall from what i've seen thus far, sahem that i won't get near one of them as here in germany you don't get to see chevys a lot.

[keniiito]

very good fuel economy

[occckid123]

have u ever tried eating a bowl of cereal with milk while driving a manual? lol!

[Tripp426]

Excellent review. I wouldn't mind owning a Traverse and I must say it's got plenty of punch from that V6.

[theclipper505]

wow the mirror tilts....kinda like BMW has been doing in the 5 series since 04

[criosgra]

can anyone tell me why american cars are all automatic?

[gunzkevin]

mustang has a manual option, focus has manual, fusion can have manual.

[criosgra]

yes i know you can have a manual, but most of ppl go and get the auto. even if you look back to the muscle car most of them were auto, that's what i mean.

[rudolphna54]

Because 90% of americans prefer an automatic transmission to a manual transmission. And many american cars are available with a manual. But most choose the excellent automatics.

[LVBowlCutChris]

i can only believe it as now of just a ease of use option that has become standard. Usually most cars have the option of a stick shift at a lower cost, but more people opt for an automatic, as it is easier to drive, but sadly they replace paying attention to the shifter to paying attention to cellphones and other devices while driving.

[CowboyDiplomacy]

Cause everyone's lazy (I would love a manual, but not enough other people are smart enough to know what they want).

[adameana1533]

cause automatics are just alot easier, try driving a manual whilst making a phone call and eating a Big Mac! :D

[mpgomatic]

Heh, two ways to cure that: hands-free bluetooth and stop eating at McD's (watching "Fast Food Nation" and "Supersize Me" back-to-back should do the trick)

[adameana1533]

lol :D

[quatlen]

HOW DO YOU Get all of these cars?do you go make some deal with a dealer and return them? lol :)

[mpgomatic]

They don't come from a dealer and I don't steal them. :)

[quatlen]

Do you get them directly from the factory?

[mpgomatic]

More or less, yep.

[quatlen]

I want specific details but I'm guessing your not going to tell me. LOL!

[mpgomatic]

Not to worry. :) I get this question all the time. The manufacturers use various channels to allocate vehicles to the media. For the most part, third-party firms handle the distribution of the cars. The big publications get long term loaners. Our loans are mostly for one week at a time ... this gives us enough time to properly document each vehicle. Video production takes a whopping amount of time.

[bamac2008]

so i'm guessing it's at least 40 grand?

[mpgomatic]

MSRP $39,025

Dual Skyscape Sunroof 1,400.

DVD Rear Seat Entertainment 1,295

2-Way Advanced Remote Start 260.

Total Options $2,995.

Total Vehicle & Options $41,980.

[humanparody12]

I prefer the Traverse to the Flex. But put the Traverse against its Saturn counterpart, I'd rather have the Outlook. Although they're mechanically identical and mostly the same structurally, I don't mind telling people I have a Saturn, I love them.

[mercmilan06]

Question: Dan, how do you like the Traverse compared to the Ford Flex?

[mpgomatic]

It's been a while since I've been in the Flex. They both ride well for large vehicles, with plenty of room and a good amount of power. From a fuel economy standpoint, they're in the same ballpark.

I prefer the Flex's Microsoft Sync audio system's USB input over the basic audio jack in the Traverse. I'm a new fan of OnStar turn-by-turn directions.

A lot of it comes down to personal preference. The Traverse looks similar to much of the competition. The Flex is unique looking, to be sure. :)

[shawtiee1085]

which car will you be testing next?

[mpgomatic]

I'm in the middle of a string of GM vehicles. In a Solstice GXP Coupe right now ... one of 1100 ... hoping we can get the video shot this weekend.

[shawtiee1085]

oh cool. do you get a list of cars you will be testing?

[mpgomatic]

I usually know a few weeks in advance, but the schedules can change at a moment's notice.