History is only beginning to be created for the Chevrolet Traverse. It's actually been around since 2003, when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Then, it was a concept car and it was put on the back burner when the Chevy Equinox made its debut in 2005. Now, in 2009, the Traverse will make its entrance and is comparable to vehicles like the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia.

A crossover model was shown at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and featured a 'Chevron-shaped' grille like that of the 2008 Malibu. The Traverse will be classified as a full-sized crossover SUV with four doors and is to be constructed on the GM Lambda platform with a front-engine layout. It will act as a replacement for both the Trailblazer SUV and the Uplander mini-van, both which are to be discontinued after 2009. Manufacturing will take place in Spring Hill, Tennessee at the former Saturn production plant.

The Chevrolet Traverse is made to compete with Ford Flex and will arrive first in showrooms in late 2008. It has been featured for early buzz in the new hit NBC drama, "My Own Worst Enemy". The stock engine for the Traverse will be a 3.6L VVT V6 with direct fuel injection standard. The transmission will be a six-speed auto and power either the front or all wheels. 281 hp will be delivered from the stock models while an optional dual-exhaust version will increase that rating up to 285 hp.

The fuel tank will hold 22 gallons. The stock model wheelbase is 118.9 inches with a 205 inch overall length and a 78.4 inch overall width. The Traverse will officially weigh in at 4700 pounds and stand 69.7 inches tall. With a $28,255 MSRP for the base model, the Traverse looks tough yet classy. And rating at 24 mpg on the highways, it is ranked as the most fuel efficient full-sized 8-passenger crossover on the market.

There are 8 trims to select from: LS FWD, LS AWD, LT1 FWD, LT1 AWD, LT2 FWD, LT2 AWD, LTZ FWD and LTZ AWD. The first 5 are in the $25,000 to $35,000 range and the last three range from $35,515 up to $41,075 respectively. All trims feature both head and side airbags, 4-wheel ABS, child-anchoring systems, satellite radio and both electronic stability and traction control systems. Most trims are available with optional BlueTooth technology for hands-free communications and equipment operation as well as the finest in navigational systems. The Chevrolet Traverse promises to be a big seller for the automaker and jump headfirst into a bright future.