New Family Car

[mpfett]

We are in the market for a new family vehcile for DW. We have narrowed it down to a Mazda CX-9 or one of the GM Traverse/Acadia/Enclave. Thought I would check on here for any little things that we might not look for in these vehicles to swing us one way or the other. Pros/Cons or those little things that owners notice after a few weeks of ownership that you may not pick up on a test drive. Thanks!

 

[golfgal]

I know people that have both and for the most part they are happy but what they have all said is that the space behind the 3rd row is not enough for anything. If you need all 3 rows AND space for luggage, baby strollers, golf clubs, etc. they are not good options.

 

[SaraJayne]

We've had our Traverse for a year and a half and I still love it.

We only have four in our family, so if we need extra room, we just put down part of the 3rd row (it's split 60/40) or if we need lots of extra room (like we'll need tomorrow when we leave for vacation), we just put the entire 3rd row flat and the kids sit in the captains chairs.

 

[tvguy]

My cousin has a Mazda CX9 and likes it. The hubcaps kept flying off, so he has given up on replacing them, but he likes it.
Check out the Ford Edge too, I know folks who really love theirs and the quality rankings are a lot higher than the GM models..

 

[mpfett]

SaraJayne: Thanks have fun on vaca

We thought about the Flex, but it looks too much like a hearse. We rented one last year for a trip to FL and loved the room it had and the handling, but can't get past the looks.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

My MIL has the Acadia and she loves it. She has had for a little over a year now.

 

[bucket o' butter]

SaraJayne: Thanks have fun on vaca

We thought about the Flex, but it looks too much like a hearse. We rented one last year for a trip to FL and loved the room it had and the handling, but can't get past the looks.

I thought the same thing when we looked at it. I like all the options and the inside, but the hearse look is a major turnoff! LOL!

 

[S. C.]

Check out the Ford Edge too, I know folks who really love theirs and the quality rankings are a lot higher than the GM models..

Where did you find rankings A LOT higher than GM models? According to this site GM models rank higher overall.

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Buick_Enclave/

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Chevrolet_Traverse/

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/GMC_Acadia/


http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Ford_Edge/

All very nice. I would test drive them all and see which one fits your family the best.

 

[stevenpensacola]

If she enjoys the act of driving, get the Mazda.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q2/2010_mazda_cx-9_awd-quick_test

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q1/2010_chevrolet_traverse_lt_fwd-short_take_road_test

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q2/2010_buick_enclave_cxl_fwd-quick_spin

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q1/2009_honda_pilot_touring_4wd-long-term_road_test

a little dated but still has good info:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ex_and_four_other_crossovers-comparison_tests

 

[vicb]

I'll be right up front with you here, my DH works for GM so I am not unbiased. However we had a chance to drive a borrowed Enclave on a long road trip to a soccer tourney with teens and all really loved it. The ride was smooth, space was great.

Personally over the years I have preferred Buick versions over GMC/Chevy when I could afford them but mostly now we drive Chevy's. My current car is an Equinox which I love but sounds too small for you. I think GM is putting better emphasis on Chevy divison now and they are usually more affordable, Buick has nice extra luxury touches and trims.

GM has made great strides in reliability and design. Thanks for considering one of our products. Good luck with which ever you choose.