Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse AWD LTZ Standard SUV… that is made in the USA.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 77%, Other 23%. It is assembled in Lansing, MI U.S.A., Classification is Standard SUV. Cars from Chevrolet: Avalanche, Aveo, Aveo5, Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, Cruze, Equinox, Express / Cargo van, HHR, Impala, Malibu / hybrid, Silverado 15,25 and 3500 and Hybrid, Sonic, Spark, Suburban, Tahoe / Hybrid, Traverse and Volt.
Opinions and Observations:
Highway protocol – as we all know there are a varying number of lanes on our freeways including Diamond, #1, #2, #3 … etc. #1 is the fast or far left lane before the Diamond Lane. Each lane to the right is for slower traffic and it makes total sense since you need to slow as you are getting ready to exit the freeway or use those lanes as you enter and merge with traffic.
Apparently some folks got their drivers license somewhere other than where I got mine, and don’t appear to understand the protocol of the highway. I’m assuming those who don’t get it are in fact licensed to drive. But I could be wrong. Either they are ignorant of the rules of the highway or simply rude if they insist on driving in the wrong lane. The easiest indicator of whether you are in the correct lane or not is when you see traffic in the slower lane passing you, cutting you off to show their displeasure at you not observing the rules. Perhaps you should be in the slower lane. Glenn puts it this way – many are self appointed police and must slow traffic so they obstruct others from maintaining the general desired flow of traffic, which may be higher speed than they think is correct. In other words their rights for the use of the highway trump others.
Some days I am not in a hurry and want to slow down and relax a bit. So that is ok as long as I do it in a slower lane.
We, the people, employ and pay salaries and benefits of the CHP in California. I have to ask a simple question. Where are you when those drivers obstruct the flow of traffic? We all know that it is the stopping and starting and braking and swerving and changing lanes that we associate with accidents. In the interest of “Protecting and Serving” don’t you think you could warn those folks when you are patrolling that they should move over if they are causing others frustration that leads to accidents? That would be a great “Service” and it is what we pay you for. Is it too much to ask?
Alert:
(According to Triple A)
Watch this video from Fox Business News. If your CAR IS OLDER THAN 2012 Avoid using the new E15 Gas in your car. It is just starting to show up at gas stations and can cause damage.
http://video.foxbusiness.com/
Handling & Performance:
Larger SUV than I need, which is to say others do need larger and more passenger capacity. Son Mike has 5 kids and has a large SUV. Buy what fits your need.
This is a Standard size so in the middle of the SUV market. Handling will be a less convenient. I have a large Ford F350 4-door (big) truck and it takes up 1 and a half parking spaces at the Mall. Not real convenient but then when you need to haul a ton of stuff or a 5th wheel a MINI Cooper just won’t work.
Lots of power with a 3.6 liter V6. Nice.
Styling:
I like it, but I like ‘em all. Even the ugly one’s have something to offer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
In line with all the competition noted here.
Conveniences and comfort:
More than I need, but I’m a pretty simple guy. I even like crank style roll up windows and radio’s with knobs to select the station and volume control – and mechanical push buttons.
Consumer Recommendation:
Way too many to choose from but to pare it down… Hyundai and Kia (sister companies) are a great buy. But if you need a foo foo badge and will trade it for several thousand dollars you do have a choice.
Recognized Competition:
Chevrolet Traverse $42,000, Acura MDX $43,000, BMW X5 $48,000, Buick Enclave $38,000, Cadillac SRX $37,000, Dodge Durango $32,000, Dodge Journey $26,000, Ford Edge $33,000, Ford Explorer $35,000, Ford Flex $35,000, GMC Acadia $42,000, Honda Pilot $41,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $26,000, Hyundai Veracruz $36,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $40,000, Kia Sorento $27,000, Land Rover $36,000, Lexus Rx350 $41,000, Lincoln MKT $47,000, Mazda CX-9 $34,000, Mercedes-Benz M-Class $49,000, Toyota Highlander $36,000, Toyota Highlander Hybrid $40,000.
Good News:
Great utility, comfy, lots of conveniences and high quality safety features.
Bad News:
Consumes more gas than I care to pay for.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter direct injection 288 HP V-6 engine with 6-speed auto trans, brake assist and hill start, 6-months OnStar service, remote keyless entry, front side and side curtain airbags, child security lock, engine immobilizer and theft deterrent system, rear vision camera, side blind spot alerts, stability control and traction control, anti lock brake system, tire pressure monitor, 7 passenger seating, 2nd row captain’s chairs and 3rd row split bench seat, power 8-way front seats, memory setting for driver, power windows, climate control, leather seating first and 2nd rows, cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, tilt and telescopic steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear seat audio controls, Bose audio system with Sirius XM/ HD, USB,
Gas Stats:
$3.57 / Gal avg. Jan. 18, 2013
For more information.
16 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $42,425.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
