Chevrolet's 2018 Traverse FWD 3LT: A REVIEW

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2018 TRAVERSE FWD 3LT Leather

It was fun, fun and more fun driving the black currant metallic with the dark atmosphere/med ash gray interior 2018 TRAVERSE FWD 3 LT Leather.  This crossover handles well, is quiet (not a lot of road noise), comfortable and has a nice ride. Yay, there is lots of legroom, making the cabin accommodating and quite comfy. There is easy access to the third row. Once you’re back there, you have USB ports for charging. The second row has climate control and a power outlet. There is also 23 cubic ft. of cargo space. Fold the second row down and you get 98.2 cubic ft. This is comfortable for long, family trips. Best of all, it’s affordable – coming in at $44,490.

This is a nice looking SUV, really nice. It handles well, is quiet (limited road noise), comfortable and has a pleasant ride. Hallelujah for the generous amount of legroom, and for making the cabin accommodating and quite comfy. This three-row crossover with a convenient deck is a womanly and manly car with a spacious interior. The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system ROCKS! The third row is OK for kids. It could/would be OK for adults if the second row is moved forward. The 2018 version presents fine-tuning as well as packaging and connectivity advances.  Conveniently there are two USB charge points for the second row – coupled with a 110-volt outlet.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Engine, 3.6L V6, SIDI, WT, transmission, 9-speed automatic, tire, compact spare, antilock brake system, 4-wheel disc, keyless open and start, rear camera mirror, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert w/side blind zone alert, surround vision, wheels, 20” argent metallic machined faced aluminum, front fog lamps, LED headlamps and tail lamps, leather appointed seat trim, seating, 7-passenger, seat, third row, 60/40 bench, manual fold, leather wrap steering wheel, heated steering wheel, steering column, power tilt & telescopic, roof rails, remote vehicle start, liftgate, rear power, hands free, wireless device charging, Bose premium 10 speaker sound system, air conditioning, universal home remote, Chevrolet Mylink audio system w/navigation, 8” diagonal color touchscreen, select Bluetooth streaming, Apple Carplay capability & android auto capability provided by Apple and Google available with compatible smartphones, OnStar includes 5-year basic plan plus limited trial of guidance plan w/automatic crash response, navigation & more.

MSRP: $44,490

FUEL ECONOMY: 18/27

THE DRIVE: FUN!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, Eurweb.com, This Stage, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, The Compton Herald, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via ddonloe@gmail.com

A Review: Buick's 2018 Regal GS AWD Really 'IS'

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2018 REGAL GS AWD

This is the latest generation Regal.  It’s long! It’s low! It’s sporty! It’s sexy! And, yes, it’s a Buick!

Driving around close corners, the sport red Regal with an ebony interior handles very well. It’s snug on the corners.  It’s also snug in the bucket seats, which adjust easily even for those of us who clock in at 5’10” and some change. The seats, which are designed to be good for your back, are kickin. 

They are heated, they cool and, yes, they even massage the back.  The adjustable thigh support is a winner!

It’s elegant, but it’s also not afraid to get down and dirty.  

I really like this 2018 Regal. No one can say it doesn’t look good. It looks great. No one can say it doesn’t ride well even though you feel a few bumps here and there.

The performance in the latest Regal incarnation is upgraded. When you put it in “GS” mode, you’ve essentially kicked it into “sport plus.”  “GS” takes it to another level. 

This Regal has a cool sunroof, sloping roofline, an updated LCD panel, the same taillight design as the previous model, plus a dash that is pretty much the same. The backseat has generous legroom. There are also USB ports in the back, but no mat pockets for storage. 

Overall, this Regal IS.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:  Engine 3.6L V6, KI, KOHC, WT, transmission, 9-speed automatic, engine control, stop-start system, airbags, driver and passenger, frontal, knee side impact and head curtain for outboard seating positions, tire sealant and inflator kit, daytime running lamps, tire pressure monitor system, rear vision camera, content theft alarm, rear vision camera, vent air console RR, keyless start, power window w/express driver up/down, seat adjuster, passenger 8-way power

MSRP: $44,115

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/27

THE DRIVE: OK!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, EURWEB.com, This Stage, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, The Compton Herald, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via ddonloe@gmail.com