Chevrolet Equinox

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  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    I have researched and sat in several small suvs over the last 2 months. went to an auto show and sat somemore. I have not driven any yet. at this point my list of suvs to drive are the CRV, Equinox, Santa Fe and the 2005 Escape/Tribute.
      I did not care for the Vues interior at all. The Rav4 is too small.
       The ones that are still in the running were selected because of safety features, gas mileage,
    size and reliability. Dealer accessability was also a factor. But I gotta drive these first!
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Juice - Interesting. Using C&D's standards, the original Highlander would not be considered a mid-size. It wasn't until they added the 3rd row seat that the AWD V6 model pushed itself 35 lbs over the 3,900 mark. Frankly, I think C&Ds classification are a little whacked. They used height to classify the Forester, length in last year's 5 Best Awards, in an older comparo, they used cargo capacity as a major criterion (the Trooper was classified as a full-size in that issue).

    Currently, the VUE weighs in around 3,600 lbs. I expect the slightly larger Nox will weigh more, but not enough to push it over those proposed limits. It might hit 3,800 lbs, when equipped with the V6 and AWD.

    Npgmbr - As Zen noted, the shelf can be removed. It actually fits on the floor where it acts as a cover for the spare tire (IIRC). The problems stem from the imposing towers on each side of the cargo area (above the wheels). These hold the shelf in place.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/PV__016891__.jpg
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    Good work Theo.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    rhouser2 : As I said in the VUE forum, the V6 has an upgraded dash and interior.

    theo : Great link! You always know where to find stuff. I now see what these guys are talking about. Those "pillars" do seem a bit big.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    Big and pointless.
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    What is the purpose for the pillars. Great picture. Jogging stroller definitely won't fit in there since you would have to lower the seat which you can't because the kid for the stroller is in the back :)
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    Would you consider the ford freestyle a competitor of the equinox or would you put them in different catagories. The ford is suppose to be a crossover and this car kinda is. Any comments on the freestyle compared to the equinox. just looking for crossover like car to buy in the low 20s.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    I'd say the Freestyle is one step up from the Equinox along with the Highlander. Ford's natural competitor for the Equinox is the Escape. It, or the CRV, are probably the ones to beat in this segment.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I would say the Freestyle would be a competitor. Any small SUV or crossover type vehicle has the potential to be cross shopped. People cross shop Subaru wagons with VUE's and CRV's so why not Freestyles.

    As for the "pillars", I will investigate further if I see a Chevy rep can explain at the auto show next Friday. It's not a deal breaker but it's a bit of a drawback.

    Theo, have a pictures of the VUE cargo area for comparison?
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    The term "crossover" applies to too many different models now. Soon everything will technically be a crossover. Since the Rav4 came out in '96 (before the term got coined), I still say Vue, Nox, CRV, Escape, FreeLander, Rav4 amd I guess BMW X3 are mini-SUV's because of AWD and road clearance. Sure, some are crossovers from a Civic or Corola, but I wouldn't think it makes sense to group these SUV's with Freestyle and Pacifica, which are more st wagon based. Because of outer sheetmetal changes from the Vue, the Nox's rear shocks might be tilted in further, requiring a narrower interior cargo space. No point in putting the Nox in the mid-size SUV class because of weight and length when it's much narrower and has less interior space then the mid-size (Can't even beat the CRV). Looks like Ford is doing a better job in globalizing platforms since Volvo, Jag, LandRover, etc have a big selection of platforms to reuse. The Freestyle could be great use of Volvo's top notch wagons. GM is hurting in this class as the RDV is all they got and the platform is outdated like the mini-vans.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    are all the same; Civic and Crown Victoria's are both sedans, but yet very different. Same applies to the expanding offerings of crossovers in varying sizes, shapes, engines, transmissions and capabilities.
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    The Freestyle looked much bigger than the Nox at the car show. It had a third row seat and looked almost the size of the Explorer. It is also fairly unattractive. Very boxy. (Ford designs have been pretty uninspiring).

    As for the pillars, I note in GM's promotional material on the Nox it says that these are pre-production photos and the final may be different. I wonder if they will reconsider the cargo towers. I bet they are easy to delete and perhaps the shelf can be redesigned or they can do something like the fold up baskets in the VUE.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    I'm sure production is set in stone by now. People are seeing test models out on the streets of Ontario already. The junk import 3.4L engine is my top complaint, followed by the the MSRP that's too high for an old tech heavy engine. I could live with the shock towers if I could get it for 3K under list price. Looks like I have to wait for the summer time sales.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    My apologies if this is old news. I found it while search for a weight (which is 3740 lbs at max).

    http://media.gm.com/division/chevrolet/03naias_kit/EN_ChevyEquino- x_Specs.pdf
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    According to Edmunds, invoice is about $2,000 less than MSRP. I will let you guys know the best advertised price in this area as the first Reedman's ads appear in the paper. Reedmans here in PA is hated by most dealers because they boldly advertise rock bottom prices that other dealers can't often meet.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    You found it in the pdf but it's not on any of the web pages. So 400 lbs more then a V6 'Bu and less hp/torque for more money. Thanks GM, great job.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/PV__003515__.jpg
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Let's avoid reposting the same message. Thanks.

    tidester, host
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    It's a different pic, from the VUE. Dindak requested it.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Sorry about that - guess I didn't look closely enough!

    tidester, host
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    No problem tidester.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    Somebody take a tape measure to the AutoShow and find out the floor space measurements between the Vue/Nox shock towers. Inquiring minds want to know.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    To my eye, it looks like the distance between the towers is about the same. It's not that bad. It's just that the VUE's "bumps" curve back toward the sides, giving the owner a little more freedom with fitting oddly shaped cargo.

    Nox
    VUE
    CR-V and Escape (just for comparison)
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    Equinox starts at $21,560
    Published 12/22/2003 in Automotive News
    The Chevrolet EQUINOX LS will start at $21,560, including $565 freight, when it goes on sale in mid-March. The upscale EQUINOX LT will be $23,275.
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    Is that MSRP, could we assume a 2k or 3k rebate in the summer. GM tends to start high and then have big discounts. Is that MSRP ? Another reason I ask is that I work at a company that gets supplier's discount price. I think its 4% over the employee price. That is one reason I am looking here vs Toyota/Honda. Prenegotiated prices.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    It looks like GM realized they were going to have humps in the back no matter what so they tried to make them useful in the Nox.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Took another look at the Philly Show yesterday.

    Sure enough, those towers really eat into the cargo space. When you move the seats forward, the shape of the cargo area looks like an "I" if viewed from above. Not very useful for boxes and stuff.

    The shelf itself is sturdy. As you can see it can cover the floor or be mounted at two heights - BUT...when you use it the floor looks very "unfinished". I probably wouldn't use it.

    Tried the seats again also. To my tastes, they're too spongy, too soft. There isn't enough lateral support. If it weren't for the door I'd feel like I was going to fall out of the vehicle, both in front and in the back.

    OK, now I'm getting nit-picky. So let me wrap up by saying I like the styling, looks great in person. It drew decent crowds so people seemed to like it more than I did. Price after discounts will be competitive, too.

    The Nox really deserves the upgraded 3500 from the Malibu, too.

    -juice
  • dbauxdbaux Member Posts: 1
    Just got back from the Chicago Auto Show. I went just to see the Nox. VERY DISAPPOINTED. The exterior is the only nice thing about it. Inside is very cheap. The pillars do take up a lot of room in the rear. The back seat is very cheap. There is cheap plastic everywhere. For $30,000 fully loaded you wouldn't expect to feel like your driving the Cavalier on the inside. My wife and I sat in every SUV at the show and by the end, the Nox was one of our least favorite. For $4000 more you can get a Nissan Murano fully loaded with 3.5L 245 HP and a luxury interior. Hopefully they will improve the quality in the future because they already have the look.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    Looks like GM did another 50% job on the Nox: all exterior flash, nothing underneath. This is what get's us "GM bashers" mad. They have the resources to do things right but always come up short because of the bean counters or Division status. Does every Chevy other then the Vette have to have a cheap loking interior? Now I want 3K cash back or I won't consider it. The Mazda6 wagon with trailing link rear suspension has no towers in the rear, just a nice big square box and 96 Cu ft of space! Styling and a 220 HP OHC VVT V6, what's not to like?
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    This and the Colorado appear to be losers. It's a shame, really.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Will still sell.. Look at the TB dash quality, and it sells a bunch.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    Tracker and Blazer/Jimmy were so bad that Nox and TB have to sell. At least the TB got a new engine (but the weight kills the MPG: 15??) Nox gets imported junk motor and bad mileage.
  • rctennis3811rctennis3811 Member Posts: 1,031
    The TB may sell, but a lot of people sell it right away and go to another SUV or they just complain about repairs.
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    And, why does GM always put a puny engine in their first year models? Then after they get bashed in the press, they offer a better engine in the next model year. That 185 hp with such a heavy vehicle won't produce great numbers. I can't wait to read the first Motor Trend review.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    The March Car & Driver has a short test of a new VUE V-6. The nicest thing they can say about the vehicle is that it has a Honda engine. Tells you a lot about where you should be shopping...
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    LOL. How poetic.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    A while back we were discussing the size of Nox. If you have more to say about the growth trend in small SUVs, I've started a thread for it.

    varmint "What makes a small SUV small?" Feb 8, 2004 1:38pm
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    That '05 Outback looks like it's worth taking a look if you're considering the Nox or VUE.
    (speaking of trying to figure out what's a small SUV vs. tall station wagon)
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    This is beginning to sound too repetitive. I really thought I wanted a new Equinox. I was at the Indianapolis Auto Show in December and they had a red one but you could not climb in it. I thought it was one of the best looking small SUVs on the market. Well, today I got to climb in one at the Chicago Auto Show and it was absolutely terrible as far as I am concerned. The dash and door planels look far worse than the Vue which they are copied after. The back seat is the hardest seat I have EVER sat on in my life. It felt like there was ZERO padding any you were sitting on a board. The cargo capacity is really hindered by the housing that hold up the tray in the back. And to top it all off, of course they used the outdated engine that is now imported from China. Without ever driving one, I am totally turned off.

    Looks like my $2500 GM credit card savings are going to go to waste as my wife wants a Toyota. And I don't blame her either. And this was suppose to be part of the American Revolution that was going to turn Chevrolet and GM around? Lutz blew it on this one!!!!
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    I think the truth is comming out just from the auto shows. I can't wait for the car rag reviews.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    Hey now. Lutz had nothing to do with the Equinox, it was already finished when he arrived. We have yet to see the true fruits of Lutz's labor.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    Equinox was in drawings two years ago. Two years to reskin a Vue and put a junk motor in it? This the problem with GM. LC, GTO, and the minivans are Lutz's work: reskin and rebadging, bid deal.
    Solstice is his baby right? Nice but Miata, S2000, Z3, etc. all been out there for years buddy. One ragtop is not gonna turn GM around. It worked for Iacocca with the mustang back in the 60's but things are little bit more complicated now Lutz.
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    Theo, I agree, there isn't much Lutz in this vehicle. I think it looks great and the dash looks fine also. Probably in loaded form it's not great value but one could say the same of any vehicle, yes even the CRV.

    I will be going to the Toronto Auto Show next week I hope so if they have one I will definitely sit in it. the lease on our Bravada is coming up next year so it could be a replacement as we could do with out the big gas bills.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    if he managed to impact the LaCrosse. It may be that the VUE was just a bad place to start with and there's not much that can be done about that at this time. However, if GM (and Lutz) are to succeed, they need to hit some homeruns in mainstream segments ASAP. The GTO and Solstice are nice, but what about the Malibu, GP, G6, LaCross, Mid-Vans, and now Equniox et al. These products aren't going to convince the growing Toyota and Honda consumer base to jump ship.
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    I am one of those toyota/honda types. The only reason I am looking at GM is because of the price. My company gets a supplier's discount price and I am tired of the haggling and toyota/honda not giving discounts very easily.

    Its a sad state where the only reason to look at GM is to try to get a cheap price. I do not want to pay the highlander, sequoia, passport prices; however, if this car is as bad as it is sounding then I may be forced to stay with honda/toyota. We did buy a Buick Rendv, because of the pricing and the car; however, it does not compare to the honda/toyotas we had in the past as far as the engine and smaller internal/external details. In fact one of the reasons, I keep putting off buying another car is because my other car, a 97 toyota camry v6 runs so great.

    As far as buy american goes, my toyota was maded in the USA and my buick was made in Mexico. So that is no longer an issue unless we are talking about company stock vs assembly workers.
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    One more thing. Toyota/Honda have been gaining market share and their customers now have higher expectations then before because of the quality.

    GM/Ford must match that quality to keep up with the expectations.

    There have been many issues with the Buick that we thought were wrong only to find out that it was simply poor design practices vs what our previous honda and current toyota have. Some really simple obvious little features that cost nothing are done right in honda/toyota and done wrong with GM.

    We have learned from observation and talking to the service rep at the Buick, that the problem we had was simply had GM cars work.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    which is 4% less than what you'd pay. There are two Hondas in our garage. Honestly, I think its worth the extra $$$ to buy a Highlander or Pilot over the comparable GM product, not only in terms of reliability, but design and material quality as well.
  • jrc346jrc346 Member Posts: 337
    I saw a Nox in the parking lot of a Meijers in Okemos Michigan last Sunday while I was walking down the parking lot. It was red and looked as though it had been out on the roads for a while (maybe testing?) The exterior is really sharp looking, but as others have mentioned here the interior is just so-so. I think I remember the cup holders for the front seats being on the floor when I sat in one at the Detroit Autoshow?!?! Probably not a big deal to many, but I found it strange. Anyway, just wanted to let anyone know that cares that they are out and about. To bad I forgot to look and see if it had a manufacturer plate.
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    what interior level did the Nox at these auto shows have? were they LS or LT?
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