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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After One-Year, Very Happy w/Purchase - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
By murdoughnut - April 1 - 11:36 amThe Good: Space (lots of it). Have fit five adults, two infants in car seats, a dog and a stroller in the car before. Cargo area is plenty big, even with the third row up While heavy on acceleration, actually turns quite nimbly for its size Comfortable ride in every seat - third row can accommodate a small adult for normal trips, and a larger male for short trips. Bad: Gas mileage (~17), cargo door not very wide/tall Overall: Would definitely buy again this car fit my exact needs for something safe for my infant twin sons, large enough to carry their stuff, but stylish enough for a 32-year old man who refused to own/drive a minivan. Gas mileage sucks, but didnt buy for that.
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Traverse........What a piece of - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
By xroads - March 29 - 7:20 amIf you are looking for a good dependable vehicle, dont think about a Traverse. Bought a brand new off the lot 2011 Traverse in the fall of 2010. Right of the beginning there were problems. The on-star had a broken wire that had to go back to the dealer. Then, two different computers went out in the first 20K, then at 30K the transfer case went out. Now it is out of warranty and the front wheel bearing has gone out, and the radio buttons are going bad. Gas mileage? Dont even think you are going to get close to what they advertise. We average right at 17mpg, with lots of hwy driving. Just about to 60K miles, and we are due to replace the second set of tires. dont buy!
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Steering Shaft defect - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By mngirl - March 28 - 10:53 amCurrently there is 51K on my Traverse. I do like it, it fits our family of five perfectly with room to spare. I didnt give the review 5 stars simply because there is always room for improvement. That said, I had a major problem with my steering column recently. While driving the vehicle, I suddenly and with no warning had no control of my tires - zero steering! When the vehicle was hauled to the shop, I was told that the steering shaft was completely dismembered and fell "out of place". Hmm....has this happened to anyone before?
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40,000 Miles and Not Happy! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
By steelfn - March 3 - 7:52 pmI purchased my 2010 Traverse LT2 with 9,000 miles and have not been happy with the vehicle since purchase. Build quality and reliabitlity have been huge concerns, with squeeks, rattles, poor dual-climate control, and now, at 40,000 miles, the front struts have to be replaced. Gas mileage is not anywhere near the EPA estimate of 23 mpg on the highway.....my Traverse has never exceeded 19 mpg on the highway. In doing some research recently, I see that other Traverse owners have had a lot of problems with the suspension, as well. Wish I would have known that before purchase.
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2013 Traverse: Extremely Happy! - 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
By keithzimmerman - February 18 - 5:27 pmThis 2013 Traverse drives unbelievably. Interior extremely quiet, ride is tight & firm compared to my traded OVERPRICED Mercedes 320 CDI Maintenance disaster! Comfort, Quality, Look, Feel we give this truck A+
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2 weeks of enjoyment - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
By jamieandbri - February 1 - 2:24 amPurchased This vehicle 2 weeks ago. Purchased the base model for about 25,500 not including taxes. Overall our family enjoys it, quite comfortable ride. We had 2 snow storms and it performed very well. Inside is very roomy. I would give this vehicle all 5s if it lasts. The only low point is the gas mileage at this point averaging 17mpg with mostly city driving. Only one complaint is that the vehicle did not come with a spare tire. Dealer wanted 850 dollars extra for it. Save yourself money and call some salvage yards. I picked up all the parts for under 250.
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Wish I would have waited for reviews - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By teyjay - September 29 - 4:10 pmI bought my car new off the lot in 2009. I have had numerous problems with this car since i bought it. Starting with the air conditioning knob which until this day has not been fixed because they can not duplicate the problem. The next would be the trip i took right after we got the car and the water pump blew which left my family of six sitting in the middle of no where with no cell phone access in 90+ degree weather. The car can not stop on a small hill without rolling back. But the one that i am dealing with now is the transmission. The car will not shift into gear, it shuts down on the freeway. Its going back in the shop yet again. Do not waste your hard earned money on this car!
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Minivan in disguise - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By tvaleri - September 15 - 4:01 pmI owned a 2009 for two years. Just sold last week. Hallelujah! Nonetheless, the Traverse drives and handles like a minivan. The plastic around and on the doors interior was already beginning to wear. Wires to a box located under drivers seat were loose and caused the "service airbag" light to display. Worst of all, there is no spare on the LS model. Instead, Chevy equips this vehicle with a mini air pump and some flat tire fixer. Not cool if the tire has a hole in it. The middle row of seats vibrated horribly. The 3rd row wasnt an issue. Glad to be rid of it. No more American made cars for me.
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2012 Traverse LTZ AWD - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
By jimmymacd29 - August 8 - 11:46 pmI have not owned this car a long time, but the time I have had with has been a very enjoyable experience. I also own a 2011 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 1500 LTZ and swap off between the two. The Traverse model I have is loaded, so that also adds to the enjoyment. This is not a brag but a reason why I might enjoy it more than a base stock model. It came with 20 inch wheels, so it may also ride different than one with smaller tires.
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Great Vehicle - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
By gusgt - July 28 - 12:19 pm13 weeks 5650 miles and counting. 21.2 mpg. Very Happy with vehicle. Only bad thing is 2nd row seats need a redesign for seatbelts. maybe a little wider seats. 7 passenger model.
