Overview & Reviews
Many Americans have a real need for vehicles big enough to lug Joe Six-pack, his wife, their kids and their kids' teammates on the hockey squad. A minivan would seem like an obvious choice, but these people haulers are anathema for many parents. To fill this need, manufacturers have come up with large crossovers like the Chevrolet Traverse that offer the best of both worlds: a minivan's passenger and cargo capacity along with an SUV's sheet metal.
The eight-passenger Traverse shares its platform with two other current GM vehicles -- the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia -- but it distinguishes itself by being the least expensive of the bunch. This Chevy isn't the quickest or most refined pick in the larger crossover segment, but it excels when it comes to roominess and ride quality. If these attributes are important to you, the Chevrolet Traverse may be an ideal companion.
Current Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV that comes in three main trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. Base LS models are pretty nicely equipped, with OnStar telematics, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and an audio system with a USB input and satellite radio. The LT trim is actually comprised of two sub-trims (LT1 and LT2) that add more amenities such as a power liftgate, triple-zone climate control and the MyLink infotainment interface. Springing for the LTZ adds upgrades like 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. Options include dual sunroofs, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 wedded to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. LS and LT trims make 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The LTZ features a dual-outlet exhaust that boosts output to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available.
Inside, the Traverse features a stylish two-tone color scheme with, depending on the trim, wood-tone and metallic accents. Seating in the first two rows is comfy, and the split-folding third row -- which tends to be pitifully cramped in many crossovers -- is easy to access and spacious enough for adults. We have a few minor quibbles, such as the compromised rearward visibility. But overall we find this Chevrolet to be a strong choice for those seeking a truly roomy hauler.
Used Chevrolet Traverse Models
The Chevrolet Traverse debuted for the 2009 model year. Not much changed for the next few years. These 2009-'12 models will lack some of the updates introduced for 2013, however. These changes included an exterior styling refresh, upgraded cabin materials and the new MyLink electronics interface.
User Reviews:
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Great ride and awesome power to do anything you want, but is a giant fail by GM - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
By David - June 7 - 11:57 amSo many issues with this vehicle. Had to fix the following. Power steering flushed and refilled with a different fluid. AC vents not working. Had to have the vent replaced under the dash. Intake manifold had to be replace because air sensor integrated in to it needed replaced. AC hose got a leak because it was rubbing against power steering and had to be replaced. All in all I was enjoying the vehicle until these issues keep coming up. Had to spend probably $5000 in repairs over 6 years I owned this thing. In comparison I have a Honda car and have not had any repairs on that.
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Piece of Junk - 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
By Cathi - February 22 - 10:56 pmBoyfriend bought a used 2012 LT1 Traverse with 13K miles on it in 2013. Nothing but electrical problems. So he then bought a brand new 2016 2LT Traverse 2 weeks ago. Within less than a week there is a clunking or "missing" feeling in the rear-end. Happens when going up hill or on level roads. It is going back to the dealer to see what the problem is. He should have listened to me. I wanted a Highlander.
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Be careful unless you enjoy tow truck rides. - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
By Eloise Mullen - January 2 - 2:58 pmI am the original owner of this vehicle. Since approx. 40, 000 , it has been in the shop for days at a time, at least 5 times. Convenient that the warranty was for 36, 000 miles. I have been stranded at least 3x, believed to be fuel pump issues. Audio system replaced twice ( I listen to news radio) ,sun roof leaked and a cadre of other issues. Cant wait till it is paid off, so I can trade in. My first car was a Chevy (74) and my last Chevy will be this one. Be forewarned
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Back to the Drawing Board - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
By Shirley Williams - September 21 - 10:37 amI purchased my "Brand New" 2011 Traverse in July 2011. Between 2013 & 2014, I have had the radio replaced, the back windshield replaced (2X), a back signal bulb, a front bulb, all the switches that control the electric windows, complete set of new tires, and in May of this year, 2015, I had to have a new engine along with a new coil and these items are not part of the number of recalls that have been issued. Now my breaks are squealing when I apply them and my gas needle isnt registering correctly and of course another recall on the automatic lift for the trunk area. Im so sick of this vehicle and all its issues. Before I purchased my Traverse, I had a used 2002 Dodge Caravan that didnt give me any problems. Had I know buying "NEW" would put me in this predicament, I would have kept my van. At least if something on it needing fixing/replaced, it wouldnt matter so much because it was used. Who would have thought with all this technology that you have so much problems with a supposedly New Vehicle?
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Transmission Failed! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By Amin Khan - September 18 - 9:30 amBe aware and stay away. A quick internet search will tell the whole story. My transmission is shot, broken,kaput! Constant water leaks, Squeky steering Dead battery, no explanation passenger seat belt light comes on without warning Drinks gas
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Extremely Disappointed!` - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
By Karol Kendall - March 6 - 5:08 pmOur 2011 Chevy Traverse has been nothing but trouble. As others in this forum have stated, the front defrost does not work correctly. We live in a cold climate and the heater quit working. The first time we had a problem with the Stabilitrak, we took it to the dealer who said "they could find nothing wrong". After two more times of experiencing "reduced power", we took it in again. I experienced reduced power from 70 MPH to 40 MPH on the freeway it was extremely dangerous since I was accelerating in the left lane and had to try to work my way through traffic to exit the freeway, missed an important meeting and now the vehicle has been at the dealer for repairs, needing a new throttle body.
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Do Not Buy 2011 Traverse - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
By suv_reviewer - January 13 - 3:44 pm2011 Traverse 2LT FWD has gone from bad to worse... Engine was replaced at 55,000 miles under warranty, then Air Conditioner was replaced not under warranty. Now at 70,000 miles dealer service says Fuel Injector #5 needs replacing not under warranty but Fuel Injector System was serviced by same dealer 4 days ago. Traverse is worst GM vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned lots over the past 50 years. I will never buy another Traverse and recommend you do not buy either.
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Ridiculous piece of trash - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By sherrypisces - October 22 - 4:22 pmI purchased my 2009 Traverse used last year and it was exactly what I wanted and needed for my family. Well, from the beginning I had problems with the car. I was experiencing a stalling type of drive. I would be driving along and all of a sudden the car would jerk and go extremely slow almost killing myself and my family. At times the vehicle would jerk and lose all power and shut off in the middle of the highway, street, anywhere! I have put so much money into this vehicle that I am embarrassed to say. I dont know what to do or who to contact because this is not a safe vehicle. Do Not, I repeat, Do Not purchase the 2009 Chevy Traverse EVER!
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many many issues - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By nomoregm4me3 - May 1 - 12:58 pmwe have own the traverse since its release. we have had timing chain issues, transmission issues, A/C issues, and power steering issues. keep an extended warranty or get ready to fork over some cash for poor design, and poor workmanship.
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2012 Traverse STAY AWAY - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
By chevy2ford - March 27 - 2:55 pmIve had 4 Chevy vehicles. All good experiences, until I bought the 2012 traverse for my wife and kids. Its been problematic since day one. Problems include vibration noises from the exhaust (it took 3 tries to fix that), front speaker works sometimes (not fixed yet), air bag light comes on often (6 attempts, still not fixed), its had motor mounts replaced etc. Tried to get some help from GM to get trade-in assistance to by another new chevy traverse, they offered ZERO dollars. Asked for to extend the warenty as it will expire at 36000 miles and I have 30,000 they said no to that too. Asked for a loaner while it in the shop no to that too, only if it stays over night.
