ShareThisIf you're looking for an eight-person transporter that doesn't look like a minivan or a suburban assault vehicle, consider the Chevrolet Traverse.
Unveiled at last year's Chicago Auto Show and delivered to dealers in October, the Traverse fills a niche that General Motors surrendered when it abandoned the minivan market after a series of regrettable failures.
Traverse is a crossover -- meaning a sport utility body on a car chassis -- that is unlikely to be mistaken for a minivan. The GM "Lambda" platform on which Traverse rides is also used for the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It is built at the former Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. Based on GM's latest recovery plan, it looks like everything about Saturn will be "former" after 2011. That is sad, but you still have to make money in this business.
It is also sad that the image of a minivan has become so unappealing to so many young parents who could really benefit from the utility. I actually prefer the sliding side doors of a minivan to the traditional apertures of the Traverse. Perhaps only a movie director like Quentin Tarantino could make the minivan cool again.
Crossovers also occupy the sweet spot between cars and SUVs because they do not seem as fuelish a purchase as, say, the full-size Yukon. With all the uncertainty in the economy these days, who can predict what pump prices will do in the next couple of years?
Covering a reasonable 17 city miles and 24 highway miles per gallon, the front-drive Traverse LS review vehicle seems a safe bet for higher or lower fuel prices. A year of refueling would have cost $3,235 if gasoline had remained at $4.10 per gallon (the EPA is having a hard time keeping up with current reality).
Bearing a base price tag of $28,255, the Traverse LS seems like a lot of car for the money, and it's loaded with attractive features. Trim levels above LS are LT and LTZ. The crossover is available in all-wheel-drive, as well.
A new 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection is harnessed to a six-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and efficiently. Double overhead cams operate four valves per cylinder, sending 260 horses to the pavement.
Traverse's long 118.9-inch wheelbase and wide, 67.8-inch track are designed for smooth rides and good handling. However, long wheelbases require more forethought in tight turns, and the handling of the Traverse seems to exude minivan.
Whereas Ford went with a flat roof and hard angles on the competing Flex (also not a minivan), Chevrolet curved the corners and expressed its artistic intentions through expressive creases in the smooth sheet metal, particularly in the tail.
The subdued but attractive styling emerges in a soothing interior featuring a dual-cockpit design that flows into the door panels. The instrument panel is accessible but not intrusive.
Buyers can configure the interior for seven or eight adults, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench that accommodates three passengers or two second-row captain's chairs and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Perforated leather seats as well as second-row captain's chairs are available. Children will have little trouble accessing the third-row seats, while adults may have to plan their moves more carefully.
Cargo space, even with the three rows of seats, is outstanding. This crossover would make a great cross-country ride.
While the LS comes with a nice array of standard features, including front and rear air conditioning, power accessories, AM/FM/CD stereo with XM Satellite radio (free for three months), the option list is hard to resist.
Among the temptations are rear ultrasonic parking assist, rearview camera, power folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, power liftgate, remote vehicle start, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system with OnStar communications system.
Safety equipment is just right for a family vehicle. Accident avoidance measures include antilock brakes and StabiliTrak traction control and tire-pressure monitor. Passive protection comes from front air bags, side-impact bags for the front passengers and head-curtain protection for all three rows.
Despite the horrible economy, families are still being formed and children are being born. One of the memorable milestones of any young couple is the purchase of the first car with children in mind. With its safety features, abundance of storage options, solid power, reasonable fuel economy and extremely reasonable price, the Traverse deserves a place on the shopping list.
WHAT'S NEW: All new model introduced in 2008.
PLUSES: Capacity, comfort, price, styling.
MINUSES: Ride and handling.
BOTTOM LINE: Works like a minivan, looks like an SUV.
(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
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