While the Traverse is a good all-around crossover, reviewers are particularly excited about its standard third-row seat, which seats adults comfortably.  Finding a third row that can do that is rare, even among large SUVs.  Plus, while the starting price of the Chevrolet Traverse is average for the class, for the money you get a decent list of standard features, strong performance and fuel economy that other eight-passenger SUVs and crossovers find tough to beat.

The 2011 Traverse is available in a few trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ — in either front- or all-wheel drive. The 2011 Traverse is virtually identical to the 2010 model, so you can probably save some money by going for any 2010 Traverse models that are on your dealer’s lot. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse was named The Best Midsize Crossover for the Money by U.S. News and World Report and TrueCar.com.  “If you′re looking for a big family vehicle with excellent safety ratings, the ability to tow 5,400 pounds and reasonably good fuel economy for its size, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse may be the best game in town. ” said Kelley Blue Book. With its stylish good looks, spacious cabin, carlike ride and handling, plus decent fuel economy, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has much to offer SUV owners looking to downsize.” Edmunds said. “Overall the enhanced engine gives the Traverse added capability over its Lambda siblings, and in many ways it’s superior to alternatives from other manufacturers. Its driving dynamics are very good for such a large and heavy vehicle, surprising even.” according Autoblog.

Other SUVs to Consider:
The Ford Flex gives the Traverse some stiff competition when it comes to style and interior comfort.  Plus, the Flex has an optional EcoBoost engine, which boasts a whopping 355 horsepower, if power is important to you. Keep in mind that going for the Ecoboost engine will raise the Flex’s price. While most reviewers agree that the Traverse looks sleek, upscale and stylish, the Flex has retro styling that’s been likened to a Mini on steroids. Another good three-row option is the Honda Pilot. It starts just below the Traverse’s base price and has the added benefit of space (and LATCH connectors) for three car seats in the second row.  Its third row isn’t as comfortable as the Traverse’s, however, and it has much boxier styling. The Traverse shares a platform with the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.  If you like the Traverse but want something more upscale, both the GMC and the Buick are worth a look.

The regular-wheelbase model boasts one of the largest backseats on four wheels, but for those who want more, the Extended Wheelbase (EWB) model offers an additional 10 inches of rear-seat legroom.  The 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is a thoroughly modern union of meticulous German engineering and iconic British panache.

For those who will actually drive their Rolls-Royce, the instrument panel design is clean, with classic gauges. The audio and climate controls are also aesthetically pleasing, but the latter are mounted too low on the dash, and some may lament that they are not of the typical automatic variety. More complex functions like the DVD-based navigation system are managed by an interface similar to BMW’s iDrive system. Its trademark mouselike controller hides inside the center console when not needed, while the LCD screen disappears behind a classic analog clock. The rear seat provides plenty of sprawl-out room, especially in the extended-wheelbase model. The prominent C-pillars conceal the Phantom’s passengers, while the rear-hinged coach doors provide them with an elegant means of egress. Plus, with umbrellas embedded inside those doors, there’s no need to dampen any part of your wardrobe.

Power from the V-12 is prodigious. Pushing the pedal to the floor can be a bit surreal, as you never feel the transmission changing gears and the engine makes little noise as the car leaps forth. The ride is superb, as it avoids being floaty while soaking up potholes and other road imperfections with nothing more than a muted “thump.” You could probably drive through a minefield and not disrupt the rear passenger’s power nap. There is some wind noise around the A-pillars at highway speeds (the cost for the Rolls’ tall roof line), but it is minimal and likely evident only because there is so little engine and road noise.

The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is powered by a 6.7-liter V-12 that produces 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the lone transmission. The base Phantom accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the larger EWB is a few tenths slower. EPA fuel economy estimates check in at 11 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined. The 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom safety equipment includes antilock brakes, traction control and stability control, active front head restraints, side airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags.