2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Pros: Very modern Interior and exterior looks. Powerful engine and good handling. Very silent. Great Bose sound system. Great back sensors for parking. Stare magnet. Simply the largest crossover available.

Cons: MPG. Even when you're soft on the gas pedal, in city MPG is around 15 -16. Marginally better on Highway.

Summary: My wife and I shopped around from pretty much everything from minivans to SUVs and crossovers. We came across the Traverse and it was love at first sight ;-) Our main factors when looking at vehicles were a third row of seats, lots of cargo and hauling power paired with good looks (that was the hard part). We couldn't be happier! We have the LTZ with all the bells and whistles, and this car is incredible to drive! The car is 5000 pounds but it feels much lighter thanks to a direct and soft steering, strong brakes, minimum body-roll during cornering, powerful engine and a great 6-speed transmission. I've read a review that you can't use manual shifting for enthusiastic driving, but I beg to differ: rowing is a pleasure! Only issue is MPG... but you know what you're getting into when purchasing this vehicle. Still, I haven't been able to replicate the advertised highway MPG.

Overall, my kids an wife love this car! It is enormous inside, luxurious and modern at once. Since I hate wood trims, I'm find the Traverse interior superior in design and style to the Buick equivalent. I am one very happy customer!