Chevrolet Equinox

ateixeira

Saw that too, nice ad. Really does make the vehicle look attractive.

Most SUVs at that price are just two-box shapes.

-juice

zeen

I've been doing some unscientific checking and it appears that the Nox's are selling very well. I have tracked inventory at a number of local dealers and supplies have been declining quickly from the first shipments. One dealer is on its second shipment already. Once the ads generate some interest, they should move even faster. I wonder when I'll see the first one on the road.

dan165

What channel did you see the ads on? I have not seen anything yet though our dealer has one for sale.

ateixeira

Sorry, this channel surfer can't recall what channel.

-juice

npgmbr

I saw it on FOX as I was watching the Bernie Mac show.

zeen

I saw the ad on CBS during the Xavier game.
I also just saw a full page ad in Rolling Stone (not that I read that but it was all they had at the health club).

navel_gazer

Hi, new guy here and thought I would add my 2 cents about the Nox. Like many, I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival and am looking to it to replace my 01 Jimmy which is coming off lease.

I noticed that the dealer near where I work had an LS on the lot so I stopped by on he way home. Took it out for a (brief) test drive and my initial concern about the engine was laid to rest as I found it to be plenty peppy, although not in the league of the Vue V6, but fine none the less. I did discover another bigger concern, in my mind, and that was the steering and the softness and body roll of the ride. As I was driving it off the lot, I seriously thought something was wrong with the steering in that it was so light and required so many turns of the wheel to get it out of the parking space and on to the road. It simply felt weird and like I was driving a large truck. Then, once on the road, I couldn't believe how much body roll was happening in what I would consider normal driving. I was not pushing it hard at all and it felt like a heavy boat or grandpa's Buick (no offence to Buick owners), the ride was so soft. My 2 door Jimmy has far less body roll and a much firmer feel for the road.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that last night, I stopped at the local Saturn dealer and test drove the V6 Vue and then the Redline Vue, which I have to admit, although not as appealing curb wise as the view, is far superior in 'driveability' in my books. The Redline Vue would probably out perform and out handle many sedans and sports cars.

So, my dilemma is, I live in a small town about an hour outside of the city I work in and it only has 3 dealers, the big 3. I do want to do business with them, but I am having a hard time justifying the Equinox when $ for $, the Vue is a much better deal. Now if they could just put that handling package, and that engine (and those polymer panels!) on the Nox....! I'm still not thrilled with the looks of the Vue, but everything being considered (not to mention, I have GM $1000 coupon that cannot be used on the 05 Nox, go figure), I am certainly leaning to the Vue. Someone prove me wrong.

joey2brix

It's the better value hands down. Even the Escape/Tribute '05 is already out and has been improved. The Nox will sell fine the first few months without any incentives since the production output is low and there's probably still a back-order at dealerships. By the end of summer with all the other new models comming out, Chevy will have another Malibu on their hands with at least 2K cash back deals.

bigdaddycoats

I also drove a Nox the other day. It was an LT model and listed for around 25k. I agree that the engine is quite peppy - much more than I thought. Overall, I really liked this vehicle. My wife has to replace her Rendezvous soon and I brought home the Nox to show her. She liked it a lot but was not convinced it was for her.
My biggest complaint would have to be the steering. As mentioned above, it feels way to loose. I believe the Nox uses the electric assisted steering just like the ION and the Malibu. I like more road feel when I drive and I what the steering to be more direct and tight. Of the three vehicle mentioned above (I have driven all three) I think the Nox might be the worst in the steering department. Well, maybe GM can tighten the feel as part of a rolling improvement.
On a last note, I strongly believe that Chevrolet has a winner on their hand and this vehicle will sell well - it looks good, has decent power, is very roomy and is light years ahead of the Tracker.

ateixeira

Maybe they left room for a future SS model. Give it the updated 3.5l and put some starch in that suspension, then quicken the steering ratio.

FWIW, a lot of customers like soft rides, though I'm not one of them.

-juice

zeen

I drove the LT and, as my review above indicates, I was comparing it to a GMC Envoy which I presently lease. I felt the body roll to be significantly less than the Envoy and the steering had more precision and on-center feel than the Envoy. (I drove it quite fast around a corner and the roll was minimal in my view but certainly more than what I experience in my BMW 528). I used to drive a 98 Bravada and I felt the Nox ride superior to that as well. I guess it's all what you're accustomed to. In any event, I have no doubt that the VUE is the better deal, but it depends on how important styling is in the equation. Since my next vehicle is for my wife, her opinion is important and she has ruled out the VUE based on styling. She is considering the Nox and the 05 Escape.

ateixeira

Did the Escape get a HP bump? 210 I heard, is that right?

-juice

varmint

The Escape got a (much improved) 2.3L four banger with an HP bump. I haven't heard anything about the V6 getting more pwoer.

mr_bots

There is already an Equinox for sell on Ebay, its a little too loaded for me, but it has a lot of picutres.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- =2469958688&category=6173

ateixeira

Depreciation on that one would be crazy. Look at the starting bid (0 bids, of course). Talk about an optimist.

The C- and D-pillar remind me a little of the Acura MDX. But the rear view is unique, with that chrome stripe and the clear tails.

The pillars in general look thick, which kinda gives it a beefy look.

-juice

zeen

V6 in the Escape is still at 200hp for '05. All wheel drive system was improved.
As for the Nox on Ebay, MSRP on a loaded 1SE group including sunroof is about $29K and the one on Ebay has no sunroof. Invoice is about $2000 below MSRP so the Ebay price seems like no bargain to me. It is nice in that dark silver.

joey2brix

Build it on the Chevy web site and it's exactly that price. I gotta watch what idiot would bid above MSRP.

The Escape dash still looks bland. The '05 Tribute interior is much better. 3.9% financing.
GM's probably at 5.9% on a Nox.

Strange how there seems to be a rush to get the '05 models out in March already.

purduealum91

Theres no way Im buying any SUV until one comes out with 35 mpg combined mileage. I know the Escape is due this fall, but at what price? The next time I hear an American b+++ch about the price of gas, Im gonna pop him or her. Dont drive these SUV pigs! Yes I am an American and i drive a 50 mpg VW TDI. If only VW would make a mini-suv with the TDI engine. Oh well.

mr_bots

I think I remember reading somewhere that a hybrid Equinox is planned for 2006. Also a hybrid Escape will be available at the end of this summer.

dan165

"The Equinox accelerates from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 8.5 seconds -- more quickly than a Porsche Cayenne". All the 3.4L critics can now settle down.

;-)

http://www.freep.com/money/autoreviews/phelan1_20040401.htm
 
There was also a very good review in today's Globe and Mail (a canadian national paper).

joey2brix

If a CRV can do the 0 to 60 in 8.4 and get better gas milage with only a 4 cyl., that 3.4L is not a plus in my book. A Vue with the Honda V6 can be had for less then the NOX. A better value at MSRP prices (and it seems the NOX's are going for MSRP right now.) To top it all, not only is the Honda motor better, IT'S MADE IN THE US of A!

mr_bots

You can't compare acceleration times from two different sources. Everyone gets different numbers, one might get 8.4 out of a CR-V, another 9.2, and another could get 10. When comparing two different vehicles you should compare both scores from the same source. I would say that the Equinox could out run a CR-V, the nox weighs a little more, but with a 5 speed auto, and 50 lb-ft more torque, the nox has more potential, also with all this extra torque the nox will be better at passing on the highway and accelerating up on-ramps. Also I made a table in Excel between the Equinox, Rav4, CR-V, Sorento, Escape, and Vue. I did the build and price and equipped them all as similar as possible. The Vue, Escape, and Sorento cost more than the Equinox, and the CR-V was just under, while the Rav4 was about 2 thousand lower, so the Equinox seems to be competitively priced.

joey2brix

That's just like your acceleration time comment. Some of these models have incentives and we don't know if your comparing the same accessories, options, etc.

mr_bots

There is a range, I agree, I equipped them as similar as possible and used the MSRP given, but there will be differences because it is impossible to equip two cars identically, and also because of different interest rates, rebates, and incentives.

varmint

"You can't compare acceleration times from two different sources."

Amen. Not to mention that different magazines use different testing methodology.

That said, the CR-V equiped with a manual has been consistently clocked in the 8.5 range (8.1, 8.16, 8.4, 8.5, and 8.8). So there is speed available for those who really want it.

vuefor2

I would personally take a V6 over a 4 (even a v-tec) any day, especially for an SUV. Who cares if the engine is sourced in China, 3/4 of the stuff at Wal-Mart comes from China anyway. While the mileage is a bit better, the smoothness and torque of a V6 is worth the price of admission.

I have to test an Equinox some day and compare to our Vue. Looks wise, I definitely like the Equinox better now that I have seen it in person. Chevrolet will sell lots of these easy!

ateixeira

CR-V has short gearing appropriate for its light duty mission. It's quick off the line and perfectly adequate for what most buyers need. Peppy, even.

Say you need to tow or haul heavy loads regularly, then I'd pick the 3.4l.

VW will have a TDI (V10 though) in the Touareg. ;-)

-juice

joey2brix

at 7 sec. I'm saying I expect better from the Nox's V6, not the same as the CRV. Or if Chevy wants to give us cheaper imported parts, then why isn't the Nox closer to the Sorrento's $19K base price?

ateixeira

Chevy's just not targeting the performance buyer. If the reviews up to now are accurate, the soft ride and lazy steering confirm that.

-juice

joey2brix

sadly are GM trademarks. I guess it takes a few years for GM to fix problems like those and underpowered engines. They even care little for your safety by not being able to offer the SAC option until after June (safety should not be an option). Even the Sorrento throws those in.

ateixeira

I drove the Malibu and it seemed OK, better than expected. Engine and handling.

Too bad the same team didn't do this SUV. Maybe the SS?

-juice

zeen

Keep in mind the Nox weighs over 400 pounds more than the CRV and it's definitely a more substantial vehicle. As the Detroit article says, it's not much smaller than a Trailblazer.
 8.5 seconds is great for a vehicle like this unless you're drag racing. A bigger engine might mean worse gas mileage. I give GM credit for matching this engine and transmission to get good performance and decent mileage.
As for handling, I read the articles but after driving it and comparing its handling to the Envoy, I think it's just fine for its target market. I do agree that the unavailability of the side airbags is inexcusable as is the lack of rear discs.

zeen

There is a poor excuse for a review in the new May issue of Motor Trend. They like the Nox a lot but say nothing about performance or handling. Edmunds just reviewed it as well. Check out the Edmunds home page. I haven't read it yet.

joey2brix

the Malibu only needs a 3.0L not that overpowered 3.5L! No, the Nox just got screwed by being put in the CAMI plant. GM hauled some old 3.4L casting machinery over to China in case the Communists decided to takeover the factory in the name of the people. Why loose an expensive new engine design to a possible unstable government.
Funny if you think about it, why wasn't the Nox made in Tennessee right along with the Vue, same basic platform right? Logically the Honda engine would go in the larger SUV. But of course there's no logic to GM.

joey2brix

Well, good but not great. I think I read the same thing about the Malibu but remember what happened when they did the sedan comparison. There's tough competition out there and GM could have easily put together a real winner but never goes the extra mile. Let's wait for the Edmund's and C&D mini-SUV comparisons.

stever

Here's the link:

First Drive: 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

Steve, Host

ateixeira

They focus on design, it seems.

-juice

setzer

is the Blazer and Tracker FINALLY going to be dropped?

dan165

You are mistaken about the 3.4L engine and you need to do more research before you make your anti-Chinese statements . I have read several places that the engine was almost completely overhauled for the Equinox. Engine noise is down and refinement is up. The Chinese people are hard working and as their prosperity rises so too does their consumption of GM cars. I realize the US has a big trade deficit with China but that has more to do with the junk they sell at Wal-Mart than the auto industry or buying a few motors for the Equinox.

joey2brix

The 99 cent junk at Wal-Mart doesn't worry me much. When high end manufacturing goes abroad, there goes your GDP and standard of living right along with it. The Chinese are only buying 100K cars MADE in China. Today it's just 100K 3.4L engines, what's next? A 124B trade deficit with China is not acceptable. My comments are anti-Communist not anti-Chinese. How soon we forget the tanks running over students in Tenemen Sq. (Pardon my spelling). The WTO wants open free trade as long as the US imports, looses all our jobs, and outsources all our high tech to India while we allow millions to stay here on work visas. Japan invests in the US. What does China and India invest in here?

joey2brix

The tracker line is dead. The Blazer might still around as long as S-10 pickups are still being made. But I dought it will go beyond the Spring now that Canyon/Colorado production is up to speed.

I wish GM card points were usable at Saturn again. With that, $1K back and zero financing, I think a Vue Red line would be a much better value then a Nox at MSRP prices.

zeen

The Nox has some tough competition price-wise. Check out the Edmunds review of the Sorrento (see home page). It's an attractive package but hopefully, Kia quality has improved. (I rented a Kia about 5 years ago and just about every system in the car failed...total piece of crap.) I did hear quality has improved although I recall reading that the Sorrento door panels were falling apart.
In any event, between the new Tribute/Escape, Sorrento, CRV, VUE and, for that matter, Trailblazer and that group (which are presently less money), GM better offer some good deals on the Nox soon.

joey2brix

Well, $1K bonus cash and 3.9% on 36 month, 4.9% on 48-60 month until 6/1/04. Hmmm, Maybe there's hope for at least $2-3K off by summertime.

http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/currentoffers/truck- fest.html

dan165

99 cent junk, no but I wouldn't call TVs, DVD players, Stereos, MP3 players low end manufacturing. Your comments are formed from ignorance no matter how you spin it. While I support the "American" car makers as much as I can I don't subscribe to the every component in the car must be made here illusion you are under either. There isn't a car made that is all sourced in one country. Our old Accord was made in the US with a motor from Japan and our Grand Prix is made in Canada with an engine from the US and other components from elsewhere.

If you dislike the origin of the engine so much don't buy it. There is little point in complaining again and again about the facts of the Equinox as they aren't going to change. There are lots of other vehicles you can buy.

dan165

Right now in Canada you can get 0% for 36 months or 2.9% for 48 or 3.9% for 60. Not a bad deal, better than the bank.

joey2brix

If you are a Cunuck, at least you have a positive trade balance with the US. The Accord is way over 50% US content. (We're stuck importing Pilots, Oddesseys, and MDX's from Canada!) Remember Engines are made here now. The electronics market was lost to Japan in the 70's. Water under the bridge, I can't change that now. I doubt I could find a car that's 100% US parts but that's not what I'm looking for. I own a CRV. I'm saying that at least with Japan and Canada we see much smaller trade deficits and both of these countries invest in the US and visa/versa. China only expects investment in their country so hopefully you'll get a piece of their growing economy someday (maybe, if they don't change their minds) while you maintain a 124B trade deficit with them. No investment in the US, no human right laws, disrespect of our copyright laws, etc. Their currency is still artificially fixed at a low exchange rate. If we allow this to continue without any checks in place, the US will become 3rd world and take Canada down right along with us. You need jobs to buy Nox's my friend. Creating jobs at McDonalds and Walmart is no future for a country. India is even worst then China. Our manufacturing people were told to re-train in technology in the 80's and 90's when their factory jobs left. What do we tell the technology guys to re-train for when our high tech gets outsourced for 10 rupees a day?
You want fries with that?

stever

Let's focus more on Equinox talk please. Thanks,

Steve, Host

rcf8000

I was sitting behind an Equinox at a stop light recently and noticed the small effective size of the tailgate window. An awful lot of it is blacked out, for some reason; I wonder why. Vision toward the rear corners from the driver's seat must be terrible. I really like the styling of the Equinox, though, and suspect that Chevrolet has a hit on their hands with it.

zeen

I saw the interest rate deal but not the $1,000 bonus cash for the Nox. I'm not sure I read it as applying to the Nox.
In any event, I would be hesitant to purchase a Nox. Depreciation is a major issue especially since I switch cars every 4 or 5 years. I'm waiting for a lease deal but my deadline is 5/16 when my existing lease is up. If there are no deals, then I don't lease a Nox.

joey2brix

Overall, GM seems to be moving away from leasing right now, probably because of depreciation. All advertised deals are SmartBuy. They're trying to keep the payments down with 0 down and a balloon payment after 47 months.