2010 Chevrolet Traverse LS PACKAGE $9,990

vehicle overview Volatile gas prices and altered priorities have forced many consumers to reconsider the need (or lack thereof) for a large, gas-thirsty, truck-based SUV. Without the need for massive towing capacity or off-road capability, these folks could be well served by the oh-so-practical and user-friendly minivan. Of course, many of them can't get around the minivan's less-than-flattering image. Filling the breach is the large crossover SUV, a vehicle that combines nearly the same amount of family-focused functionality and car-based dynamics of a minivan with the ruggedly sporty appearance and personality of an SUV. And in this segment, the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the better vehicles for providing plenty of space, comfort and performance for an attractive price. One of four GM quadruplets (that also includes the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook) built on the same "Lambda" platform, the Traverse was introduced just last year. Though it may seem like overkill to have four versions of essentially the same vehicle, they have all done well in the marketplace, with the Traverse being the value leader. As with its siblings, the Traverse boasts greater amounts of passenger and cargo space than a typical full-size, truck-based SUV while also delivering a more pleasant, car-like driving experience and superior fuel economy.