Chevy Traverse

[Bobber]

Does anyone have one and what do they think? I'm about a year away from getting a different vehicle and need something bigger than my Taurus to provide a bit of "separation" for my 3 active kids.

I'll be buying used and will be in the market for one that's got under 30,000 miles on it. Thought I was going to go the Explorer route, but they are a bit smaller and seem pricier for what they are.

Will likely go with a straight FWD and avoid the AWD which I don't think is really needed 99% of the time. Bit better mileage to boot.

I thought a Ford Flex or minivan might be an option, but they don't have as good of ground clearance and I drive in farm fields fairly often.

I'm all ears if there are some good alternatives, but from the research I've done it appears the Chevy offers the most bang for the buck and I'm basically a value guy.

[The_Architect]

Wife drives a 2011 Equinox which just a smaller Traverse. No complaints.

[CyItIs]

I have one and love it. I have the LT version with quad cloth seating. If you only need room for 7, it makes it feel roomier in the back seat. Only complaint would be headrests are somewhat difficult to adjust. In 2013, they are improving them. If you plan on buying new and can control your spending using a credit card, you should get a GM credit card now. It accumulates 5% per purchase and for Traverses you can accumulate up to $1,500. Periodically, they will send you bonuses. My last one I received was an additional $1,000. So, when I went to purchase, I had $2,500 in GM Cash, plus they had $2,750 in rebates, plus they take an additional $2,000 off of the sticker to get a little below invoice.

[clones11]

The used market is extremely elevated since "cash for cluckers" you can get a new car truck or SUV for about the same price as used, or just a little bit more/ plus you get full warranty and "know" where all the miles came from. Just a suggestion if you are looking used to try and save money or fit your budget better, do not look over the new market, better terms, better interests rates, better cars!

[dmclone]

Not a lot of choices in that size and price range.

[Bobber]

The used market is extremely elevated since "cash for cluckers" you can get a new car truck or SUV for about the same price as used, or just a little bit more/ plus you get full warranty and "know" where all the miles came from. Just a suggestion if you are looking used to try and save money or fit your budget better, do not look over the new market, better terms, better interests rates, better cars!

Will be a company car and I have a window I'm working with for dollars. If it's higher I pick up the difference. Will look at new, but will be surprised if it's not used. You can pick up used ones in that 25 to 30 K range and that will work perfect for what I'm dealing with.

[besserheimerphat]

My inlaws drive a Traverse, and they had a major engine problem with it. I don't remember all the details, but they had the entire engine replaced and it cost them about three weeks without a vehicle. It was covered under the powertrain warranty and fixed for free. It started with a check engine light, which revealed some bizarre code that the dealer traced back to a problem with the engine block.

[intrepid27]

My wife loves hers. Quiet and handels well. Shorter turning radius thn Ford Escape.

[Three4Cy]

Does anyone have one and what do they think? I'm about a year away from getting a different vehicle and need something bigger than my Taurus to provide a bit of "separation" for my 3 active kids.

I'll be buying used and will be in the market for one that's got under 30,000 miles on it. Thought I was going to go the Explorer route, but they are a bit smaller and seem pricier for what they are.

Will likely go with a straight FWD and avoid the AWD which I don't think is really needed 99% of the time. Bit better mileage to boot.

I thought a Ford Flex or minivan might be an option, but they don't have as good of ground clearance and I drive in farm fields fairly often.

I'm all ears if there are some good alternatives, but from the research I've done it appears the Chevy offers the most bang for the buck and I'm basically a value guy.

Get the AWD, not the FWD.

[Bobber]

Get the AWD, not the FWD.

Why?

[Gonzo]

We were in the market for a new SUV last year and looked at the Traverse. Not bad, but we ended up going with a Honda Pilot and love it. Liked the way it drove better, and it seats 8 comfortably. Give it a shot.

[Three4Cy]

Why?

The fuel economy is barely better in the FWD than the AWD.

Gas Mileage of 2012 Chevrolet Traverse

Having gone from an FWD to an AWD/4WD I will never drive a FWD SUV/CUV again. My FWD was horrible on snow and ice, lots of spinning at corners, and in snow. I hated my FWD CUV in the winter. When I went to the AWD/4WD - no spinning at corners, no problems getting up hills, and much easier to get through heavy snow on the street (my neighborhood drifts badly) it was a price difference I was willing to pay. I had good tires on the FWD, but the extra power of the back tires kicking in makes life easier for me.

My parents had a FWD Saturn Outlook and traded for an AWD Traverse (all built on the same body) they are much happier in the Traverse.

[packattack425]

I have been drunk all weekend in one in the ozarks. could use more beer cup holders.

[Let's Go State]

I blew up an engine in one as well. Burned a hole in a piston.

I liked it overall, but hated the headrests. I agree with the AWD - it is an amazing drivetrain that was amazing in the snow. I was way more comfortable in tough driving conditions. I had bucket seats in the middle and really liked that.

I tested an explorer as well and was crushed at how small it was.

Go for it or an Acadia and get a warrantee on the engine.

[Let's Go State]

I was disappointed with the mileage though.... Considering my f150 now has the same MPG...