Autoblog

GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a suite of recalls for the Chevrolet Camaro, Traverse and various body-on-frame SUVs and pickups (Cadillac's Escalade, Chevrolet's Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban and Tahoe, along with GMC's Canyon and Yukon).

The Camaro recall has been discussed before, but now we have the official language and affected unit numbers to share with you. The recall of 1,243 Camaros is due to the possibility of the positive battery cable rubbing against the starter motor housing. When the insulation is worn through because of that chafing, the system can short out and the car won't start (or continue running if the motor is already going). Dealers will reroute the positive cable to fix.

15,393 2009 model-year Traverse crossovers are being recalled for a parking brake cable link that is not to federal specifications. According to the official press release, the parking brake pedal may cause the cable link to snap. Dealers will replace the cable link connector for free. Oddly, the recall does not make mention of GM's other Lambda-based three-row crossovers, which include the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook.

Finally, 27,189 GM SUVs and pickups are being recalled due to potential faults with their fuel system control modules. The modules might have a seal problem that allows water in, which could then cause a short- or open- circuit, a development that could potentially trigger a host of warning lights or render the vehicle inoperable. Dealers will install a new fuel system control module unit at no cost. You can read all of the notices after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA - Camaro, Traverse, GMT900]

Continue reading GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn

Citing a defect that can cause a parked vehicle to roll away, General Motors is recalling 277,000 cars and trucks. The models involved, all built for the 2009 model year, may have a loose clip on their transmission shift cable. The failure of the clip to be locked into place may prevent the transmission from moving into Park - even if the driver moves the shift lever into the proper position. GM has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will inspect the transmission shift cable and replace broken units. Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook. NHTSA Safety Campaign after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Continue reading GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Traverse spots cause much ado about Howie

Dan Roth — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, GM, Celebrities

Click on the image above to watch video of Howie Long irking non-GM fans

Howie Long has set blogger keyboards ablaze with invective. The former footballer's starring role in Campbell-Ewald's latest spots for General Motors has some in a froth. We think the spots are funny - calling out the Ford F-150's "Man-Step," picking on a heated steering wheel, and pointing out that Chevrolet's new Traverse crossover holds a demonstration load that the Honda Pilot can't accommodate. BrandFreak's Kenneth Hein took particular exception with the Pilot spot, spouting off with a post about how his Pilot has tons of storage space. Yes, it does, Ken, but the Traverse has more (there's something about an extra 14 inches in length that leads to that sort of thing). The best part is when one of the actors shows up in BrandFreak's comments, telling it like it is. We expect this kind of fervor from Scion xB owners; but is it really necessary to call Howie Long an arrogant ass? Decide for yourself, spots posted after the jump.

[Source: BrandFreak]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Traverse spots cause much ado about Howie

VIDEO: Chevrolet Traverse spots cause much ado about Howie originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

2009 Chevy Traverse LT - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of reviewing only family-oriented transportation, this particular blogger began a streak of judging high-horsepower sports coupes. It's damn near impossible to complain about something with more power than anyone should ever need, but after a while my family got tired of trying to shoehorn five-year-old twins into the cramped back seat of a coupe. That's why we were most relieved to see that the 2009 Chevy Traverse was ready for a run in the Autoblog Garage.

The Traverse is the latest though maybe not last Lambda crossover, and since it dons General Motors' high volume Bow Tie badging, it's likely the most significant, as well. It is GM's least expensive eight-passenger crossover while also carrying the distinction of being the most efficient and most powerful Lambda. Does that make the Traverse the best of GM's Lambda litter? We took on the massive people hauler for a week to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Traverse LT

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT

Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, First Drive

2009 Chevy Traverse - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet rolled out the fourth and hopefully final member of its Lambda crossover family, the new Traverse. By the way, according to Chevrolet the proper pronunciation puts the emphasis on the second syllable. Like its Saturn, GMC and Buick siblings, the new Traverse is a full-size vehicle that is almost the same size as the Tahoe. That means it has seating for up to eight occupants, although three in the last row is a bit of a squeeze.

GM invited the media out to its Milford Proving Ground last week for a first drive of the Traverse, which of course we attended on your behalf. We had the chance to sample the big CUV in several different scenarios against what the marketing staff consider its main competitor, the Toyota Highlander. We ran the Chevy and Toyota back to back on the ride road, the skid pad, a lane change and slalom course and while towing a 4,200-lb boat. Check out how the Traverse fared after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Chevy Traverse priced from $28,990

John Neff — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Traverse

The fourth addition to General Motors' lineup of Lambda CUVs, the 2009 Chevy Traverse, has officially been priced from $28,990, which includes a $735 destination charge. As with most Chevy models, the Traverse can be had in LS, LT and LTZ models. It will be the first and only Lambda CUV to be equipped with the direct-inject version of GM's 3.6L V6, which must irritate Buick Enclave owners who have paid a lot more for their Lambda sans DI, that will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L DI V6 produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque in the Traverse, and can power the front wheels or all four in AWD models. The Traverse can also carry eight people if you opt for the second-row bench, though we imagine those several passengers stuffed in the way back will not be your friends anymore upon arrival. Unfortunately, Chevy has not released any more detailed pricing information, so we can't say just how expensive the 2009 Traverse can get if you load it up an LTZ model with all of the bells and whistles. Regardless, with the best engine among all the Lambda CUVs, it'd be our choice of the lot.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

[Source: GM]

Continue reading 2009 Chevy Traverse priced from $28,990

2009 Chevy Traverse priced from $28,990 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn expected to be source of GM growth

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Saturn

It is tough to keep up a winning streak, as Saturn may soon realize. After boasting a 12.6-percent increase in retail sales, and average transaction prices up by $7,000 compared to the previous year, GM expects their Saturn division to continue their growth for the next five years.

It most likely won't be that easy. Last year, Saturn presented an entirely new model line responsible for the fresh faces pouring into showrooms. This year, things are a bit different. The Saturn Outlook, the slowest selling of GM's three Lambda CUVs, heads into its second year having to compete with now a fourth Lamda-platform crossover, the Chevrolet Traverse. The Saturn Aura, perennially living in the shadow of the Chevy Malibu, carries over with just minor changes for 2008. Even the all-new Saturn Astra, fresh from Europe where it is sold as an Opel, may fight for domestic sales if American buyers don't warm to its Euro-designed interior.

There is hope. As Saturn is GM's "green" outlet, there are a couple of innovative vehicles on the horizon. We can expect to see a Two Mode hybrid Vue by the end of this year which should be followed by a plug-in Vue by 2010.

[Source: Automotive News]

Saturn expected to be source of GM growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008: Chevy unveils 2009 Traverse [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

click above for more high-res live shots of the 2009 Chevy Traverse

As was previously mentioned, Autoblog is here at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, doing our best to bring you up to speed on all the latest live reveals. We made it down to the GM booth early in the morning for the official debut of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, and it was pretty much exactly as we expected: another Lambda crossover, platform mate to the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. Looks-wise, the Chevy Traverse is not the least attractive Lambda (looking at you, Outlook), but the Acadia and Enclave have it beat. Though Chevy claims that it used styling cues from the Malibu midsize sedan in the Traverse's design, we don't think they work as well on a CUV of this size. Especially note the grille, which apes the current Chevy design language to a tee. As Alex mentioned, the headlights look a little mean in pictures, but less so in real life. We like the upswept rear quarters, which remind us of the Enclave - by far the best looking Lambda. Other than that, everything remains status quo, with the 3.6 liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel-drive and seating for either seven or eight.

The presentation that GM put on for the Traverse was much less agreeable than the actual vehicle. Involving a family of two parents and their four children (all actors, for sure) reciting a contrived script, it reminded us of a high school play, though thankfully was much shorter.

Gallery: Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Chevy unveils 2009 Traverse [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2008: Chevy unveils 2009 Traverse [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta

Alex Nunez — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:05:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Traverse

Let's cut right to the chase. Everything about the 2009 Chevy Traverse that will be unveiled later today in Chicago is stuff we pretty much already know. As the fourth Lambda-platform crossover from General Motors, the basics have been introduced already in the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. The Traverse is a roomy seven (or eight)-passenger crossover with a well-organized cockpit, whose details differ only slightly from its platform sibs. That's been GM's M.O. thus far, so why should the Traverse be any different? Power, like the other Lambdas, comes from the 3.6L V6 with direct injection, which makes 281hp/253 lb-ft or 286hp/255 lb-ft in the Bowtie version depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a single or dual exhaust. GM promises "best in class" fuel economy (final numbers are still TBD), but our experience with the other Lambdas (non-DI 3.6 VVT models) has been that they averaged in the mid teens during real-world driving.

The Traverse comes in third in the looks race behind the Enclave and Acadia and ahead of the Saturn Outlook. In front, the jumbo-sized Chevy grille is the dominant element, flanked by some rather angry-looking headlamps. In profile, the Traverse has a lot of Enclave to its looks, with pronounced but less-sculpted rear haunches and similarly-shaped glass. The rear end is highlighted by some very funky-looking taillights. Other than that, you feel like you've been here before, mostly because you have. GM hasn't announced pricing yet, but there'll be LS, LT and LTZ trim levels with both 2WD and AWD available. Given that the Chevy should be competitively priced and has a large dealer network, we wonder how many sales it's going to cannibalize from its siblings -- particularly the Outlook. We'll find out this Summer when it starts appearing in showrooms.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Continue reading Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta

Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this the 2009 Chevy Traverse?

John Neff — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Chevrolet

We've seen spy shots of the 2009 Chevy Traverse, the bowtie brand's upcoming large Lambda-based CUV. Whether those spy shots are of the same vehicle we see above is a matter of debate. The image you see here, while grainy and potentially a photoshop experiment, appears to be an official image of the '09 Traverse that made it's way out GM's hands somehow. Being a stablemate of the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Buick Rendezvous, you can see that the Traverse pictured shares its doors and perhaps its roof with those vehicles, but everything before the A-pillar is all new, as well as the C-pillar out back, which features an upkink not seen on the other Lambdas. The other thing that suggests to us that this picture may be real is the background, which appears to be one of the many standard backdrops against which GM photoshops its press shots. While there's no conclusive evidence this is the production 2009 Chevy Traverse, we can't imagine the real deal will look much different.

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

Is this the 2009 Chevy Traverse? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy's Lambda-based CUV, the 2009 Traverse

John Neff — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:44:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Chevrolet

click image above for high-res gallery

While the name Traverse is not set in stone, the arrival of a Lambda-based CUV for Chevy is. Joining the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave will be this model caught for the first time on the Las Vegas strip, of all places. Condenamed the GMT 561, the Traverse is on a fast track to production and will likely be built at GM's Springhill, Tennessee plant starting in August of 2008, which means it should be labeled as a 2009 model. Chances are we'll see its first public debut at either the Detroit Auto Show in January or Chicago show in February.

While it's hard to tell based on the spy shots, the front end will likely carry styling cues over from the new Chevy Malibu, which is fine with us. The only real question is whether or not the Traverse will grow Lambda sales, or merely cannibalize them from its siblings. We expect it would be the value leader among the group, slotting below the Outlook in price and equipment. Does the Traverse make for one too many full-size CUVs in GM's stable? Perhaps, but at least the "new GM" is badge engineering vehicles that are good to begin with, spreading the wealth around its brands rather than saddling them with poorly made copies of below average vehicles.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Traverse - spy shots

Spy Shots: Chevy's Lambda-based CUV, the 2009 Traverse originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #67

Dan Roth — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, I.C.E., Japan, Supercars, Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Volkswagen

We've finally poked our respective heads out of our interweb caves and unleashed episode 67 of the Autoblog podcast upon the world. We've been pretty nutty lately with our new, improved site design and our groundbreaking car giveaway, so please forgive our delay at getting back to this. Our first delightful round of witty repartee centers around the excellent spy shots from the last couple weeks, and more specifically Jaguar's new Starship Enterprise looking shift selector. Expanding on the abundance of uberteched European cars, we carp for a while on the proliferation of new and ill-conceived user interface paradigms. Coming back to native shores, we touch on the new CTS-V, which will eschew the need for bumper nuts by a conspicuously bulged hood hiding a supercharged V8 capable of roasting the competition. Speaking of big power, we touch on the rumored NSX mule running around the Nurburgring in S2000 drag, and then concede that we really have no idea. Again, we come back to the US after a quick jaunt to the Continent, and discuss the upcoming Chevy version of GM's Lambda CUV. We're split on whether that's a good idea or not, but we all agree that the Utes themselves are a great product from the General. What the heck, let's go back across the Atlantic to close it out with insane VAG concepts at the Worthersee gathering in Austria, which saw the unveiling of a mid engine twin turbo GTI, the Audi TT Clubsport design study, and the Pirelli Edition GTI that is a real production car. We decided to only consume about 37 minutes of your time, as we'll be back soon. Enjoy the show!

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Autoblog Podcast #67 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chevy Traverse to join GM's group of Lambda CUVs

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 29 May 2007 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer sales have been in a tailspin lately, dropping 33 percent in the first four months of 2007. Unfortunately for Chevrolet dealers, there's not a full lineup of crossovers to take up the slack. When General Motors was developing its "Lambda" crossovers that include the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, it didn't foresee the Trailblazer dropping off so quickly and left Chevy completely out of the plan.

GM is now scrambling to create Chevrolet a variant of the Lambda platform that underpins the Outlook, Acadia and Enclave. The Spring Hill, Tennessee plant that until recently was the home of Saturn will now be the production site for the Chevrolet crossover that the Detroit News is reporting will be called the Traverse. The new model will probably debut next January at the Detroit Auto Show and the Trailblazer will like roll off into the sunset by 2010.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Chevy Traverse to join GM's group of Lambda CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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