Chevy Traverse

[SaabKen]

Another sister of OutLook, Enclave and Acadia. I actually think this is one of the best looking siblings of the quadruplet. Looks to me like a derivative between an Acura RDX and Audi Q7 (front) and a VW and Subaru Tribeca (rear).

2009 Chevrolet Traverse



Interior is pretty sharp and clean looking (air vents and color scheme look awesome), although I see some plastic surfaces that look rather "hard".

[SaabKen]

....................

[sptsdn]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

I actually think this is one of the best looking siblings of the quadruplet.

I actually like them all. The Buick is probably my least favorite but at least it's got it's definite style. This whole line is pretty impressive as fas as SUVs go. In my eyes, its a better alternative to a minivan, although I'd be hard pressed to get one (just don't need the space).

[Wulf]

Interesting name. I wonder if it was named after the Grand Traverse region or Traverse City here in northern Michigan.

[Warren Demontague]

The Enclave is still my favorite. It sucks that the only reason Chevy has a version of this is because the dealers whined about everyone else getting one. Goes to show how clueless dealers are when it comes to sound product planning. This will eat into Outlook and Acadia sales.

[Nickshu]

I thought the Subaru B9 Tribeca looked so cool from the front....but then they changed it this year to look just like every other SUV on the road.

Too bad. i thought they would value something unique, I guess the "market research" didn't agree.

The front end of the Chevy Traverse looks alot like the new Chevy Maibu. I guess they're finally trying to develop some brand identity. What's that oversized fog light for???

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by Nickshu

What's that oversized fog light for???

Oversized fog

[sptsdn]

Originally Posted by Warren Demontague

Goes to show how clueless dealers are when it comes to sound product planning. This will eat into Outlook and Acadia sales.

Very true. I'm sure it's not going to harm the Enclave because, well, I doubt many people will cross-shop Buick. Either you're a Buick customer or you're not. The Saturn, and especially GMC, will definitely be cross-shopped, and then the buyer will likely buy based on price. The cars are just too similar.

I'm all for sharing platforms but how many do you really need? Too bad GM can't maintain the focus of each of it's brands and limit the platforms to a brand or two. Or at least do what they did with the Buick version and make each brand's offering radically different from the others. Really, do we really need four options? I assume we'll be seeing a Cadillac version shortly.

[cuba]

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought that someone was planning to lead an expedition across the hood of one.

[coldwake81]

There is definately not going to be a Caddy version of the Lambda platform. The Caddy's next crossover SUV will be most likely based on the same platform as the new CTS just like the SRX was. At least thats the last I heard.

Also, I was told Chevy was always going to get a version. But it's probably a good thing they waited to release that one b/c of the cannibalizing of the sales.

And I agree that the buick is the best looking of the bunch! Plus all the extra sound deadening makes it drive a lot nicer according to someone I know who's cross shopping them.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by cuba

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought that someone was planning to lead an expedition across the hood of one.

Or a remake of National Lampoon's VACATION movie

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by coldwake81

There is definately not going to be a Caddy version of the Lambda platform. The Caddy's next crossover SUV will be most likely based on the same platform as the new CTS just like the SRX was. At least thats the last I heard

Actually it'll be the BRX, sister to the upcoming Saab 9-4X. BRX concept was seen at 2008 Detroit Auto Show:

[coldwake81]

I thought that was Theta based?

Edit: I checked into it... the BRX is Theta based. That is the same platform as the equinox not the Traverse.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by coldwake81

I thought that was Theta based?

Edit: I checked into it... the BRX is Theta based. That is the same platform as the equinox not the Traverse.

Actually called "Theta Premium" which is a combination of Theta and Epsilon, aka "TE platform"

[boon94]

So Basically the Acadia and the Traverse are EXACTLY THE SAME, with minor differences in shapes of buttons and air vents.

Is there ANYTHING besides this minor change in the plastic mouldings to seperate the cars?

Do malibu owners just need a matching suv?

[900t]

Originally Posted by boon94

So Basically the Acadia and the Traverse are EXACTLY THE SAME, with minor differences in shapes of buttons and air vents.

Is there ANYTHING besides this minor change in the plastic mouldings to seperate the cars?

Do malibu owners just need a matching suv?

Doesn't seem to look the same at all. The rear quarter panels for example are entirely different stampings with different windows... front end obviously, etc.

Mind you the doors might be the same...

IMO I don't really see the raison d'etre for the Traverse, I would have made it less "SUV" and put sliding doors on the side and called it a minivan, which was apparently what they wanted to do originally. This platform could make a great minivan which GM needs.

Or maybe just keep the car as is, but just put sliding doors on the back. A kind of crossover SUV-minivan. No?

[coldwake81]

Putting sliding doors on it would KILL the sales numbers. As soon as it's perceived as mini-vanish it's going to take a hit.

[900t]

Originally Posted by coldwake81

Putting sliding doors on it would KILL the sales numbers. As soon as it's perceived as mini-vanish it's going to take a hit.

I guess that is what GM decided... I don't get it though, minivans are so great for big family haulers... people think minivans are not cool so they buy SUV but minivan works better than SUV. Me? I'll take a Corvette Kids can walk

[Aaron Gilbert]

Originally Posted by Nickshu

I thought the Subaru B9 Tribeca looked so cool from the front....but then they changed it this year to look just like every other SUV on the road.

Too bad. i thought they would value something unique, I guess the "market research" didn't agree.

I totally agree about the B9 Tribecca. I thought the first version looked outstanding and unique. Now it's completely boring and unispiring.

Originally Posted by Nickshu

...
What's that oversized fog light for???

I like it. I think large vehicles - large cars, SUVS, minivans, all should have large lights, front and rear. While it's true that small lights these days can often equal the performance of larger ones, I just think the size and shape of foglights should be similar to your headlights - not some little tiny pinprick round thing. I don't understand the trend for skinny (speaking of height) all-red lenses on the back of SUVs. I think they look completely out of place. They have the room, why not use it?

I definitely like the lines of this new Traverse, so much that it's likely my favorite GM SUV to date on exterior looks - though I think the Enclave looks even better. The inside is ok, but still needs improvement. The general layout and design is very nice, but there's too much silver and light colored trim, and it still needs to loose the blue instrumentation. The stereo and whole center stack look excellent, other than the blue.

[Aaron Gilbert]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Actually it'll be the BRX, sister to the upcoming Saab 9-4X. BRX concept was seen at 2008 Detroit Auto Show:

Now that's what I'm talking about, it's beautiful!