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Chevrolet Traverse - What the Auto Press Says

The all-new Traverse is a midsize crossover SUV that replaces the discontinued Uplander minivan. Reviewers see it as an affordable, stylish and versatile minivan alternative.

The Chevy Traverse shares a platform with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook -- and several reviewers say it's the best of the four. "With seemingly little compromise except for a slightly downgraded interior, Chevy's version of General Motors' midsize crossover quartet is arguably the best value," says Consumer Guide. "Traverse offers space, power, and decent handling in a package that looks and feels more expensive than it is." However, note that the Traverse has already received three recalls in its short time on the market.

General Motors, Chevrolet's parent company, emerged from bankruptcy in 2009. Business should continue as usual, but the recent bankruptcy could add a layer of uncertainty for GM buyers. However, those who are able to stomach the uncertainty may be able to get a great deal on a new Chevrolet. Check out What GM's Bankruptcy Means for You to answer any questions you have before buying. Be sure to check for current Chevrolet deals that may be available on a new Traverse.

The Traverse is available in three trim levels -- LS, LT, and LTZ -- in either front- or all-wheel drive.

• "[I]f you're shopping for a stylish, versatile SUV with excellent car-pooling capabilities, the Traverse is definitely worth a look. If GM were forced to pare down from four models to one, the Traverse would probably be the keeper. Its styling is based on the hot-selling Chevy Malibu sedan, and it has a much bigger dealer network and a different mix of standard features that make it less expensive than its siblings." -- BusinessWeek
• "Compared to highly styled crossovers like the Flex and CX-9, though, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD is a pretty unassuming family vehicle. Granted, there's nothing wrong with driving around in a perfectly livable but unremarkable $36,250 crossover SUV. But if you're OK with that, you'd probably be just as OK in a full-on minivan." -- Edmunds
• "So, if you don't want the stigma of driving a remarkably sensible vehicle -- a minivan -- and you don't want the coarser manners of a body-on-frame truck-based SUV, you probably do want a vehicle like the Traverse." -- Road and Track
• "There is a plethora of crossover SUVs to choose from today and they come in all sizes. If you regularly tote around six or seven passengers, occasionally load plywood sheets or tow up to 5,200 pounds, the Traverse should be added to your shopping list." -- MSN
• "Overall the enhanced engine gives the Traverse added capability over its Lambda siblings, and in many ways it's superior to alternatives from other manufacturers. Its driving dynamics are very good for such a large and heavy vehicle, surprising even." -- Autoblog
• "The Traverse finds a worthy competitor with the Ford Flex, which costs a couple thousand more but has better cabin tech. Other cars to consider with similar capacities are the Dodge Journey and Mazda CX-9." -- CNET

 

Traverse Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

Test drivers say the 2009 Traverse provides a smooth, sedan-like driving experience. "Like its GM brethren, the 2009 Chevy Traverse -- the final of the four Lambda platform vehicles to reach market -- has surprisingly good driving manners, its independent suspension tuned firmer than in the Buick and nearly identical to the Acadia and Outlook," says Road and Track. But some reviewers complain about the brakes and automatic transmission. Read More

Traverse Exterior - NA

Reviewers find the Chevy Traverse's exterior stylish in comparison to the boxier SUVs on the market. Most like the fact that its front end borrows elements from the sleek Chevy Malibu. "Styling is a bit more contemporary than its stablemates at Saturn and GMC," says Kelley Blue Book. Still, one reviewer finds the Chevy's exterior lacking in comparison to its General Motors siblings. Read More

Traverse Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2009 Chevy Traverse's seven- or eight-seat cabin stands out because of sheer spaciousness alone. Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's luxurious too. "Tasteful design, high-quality materials and one of the most accommodating interiors in the class are the hallmarks of GM's newest crossover SUV," says Kelley Blue Book. However, a few reviewers do have complaints about interior quality. On the plus side, reviewers praise the Traverse's third-row seat. Read More

Traverse Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The all-new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse gets excellent scores in crash tests and is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick." Due to visibility concerns, buyers may want to opt for the rearview monitor. Read More

Traverse Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Traverse comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Note that Chevrolet has already issued several recalls for the SUV. Read More