Chevrolet Equinox

ndmike88

Well not me my daughter did. She got a Galaxy Silver LS FWD. She paid Employee Price plus they were very good on her trade. The Nox was built 5-05 so shouldn't be a stinker. After 2 days she loves it. I want to thank everyone here who has posted the pros and cons about the Nox. The options were very helpful.

waitinfor06ion

Welcome to the club

My father has been having fun playing with my `05 Equinox LT's sunroof and playing with his `98 Lumina LS's stalk cruse control. He's even "donated" some of his C D's so he can play with the Equinox C D player the next time we go to one of our doctor's offices.

We're having fun pointing out the differences between his Lumina and my Equinox. His overdrive acts like my cruse control with its + & - buttons. His RPMS run at 1500 in overdrive where as mine runs about 1700-1800 RPMS on cruse control (city driving).

After engine break-in (about 400~ Mi to go), I'll hit the highway to see if the RPMS change on/off cruse control.

Enjoy!

JK

luv_my_nox

Purchased our New LT FWD Equinox Jan 31. MFG date: 1/05. Equipped with Sunroof and Leather. After 3000 miles and about 5 months I am happy to report no problems. I'm impressed with the paint, build, fit and finish. It is a nice looking vehicle. Recieved lots of compliments. My wife loves it. I'm impressed with the ride, handling, and acceleration. Transmission is smooth and responsive. Currently getting about 19 mpg combined.
My past GM vehicles ran 180,000 miles before selling them in VG condition.

The RAV 4 and Honda CRV looks outdated when parked next to our Equinox.
Their spoilers looks like an after thought!

"What makes it even better" Equinox problems are much less than the 2004-05 Lexus RX330. Brake Failures and Transmission problems are occurring. Equinox problems are also much less than the 2003-04 Nisson Murano's CVT transmission problems and leaks. Power steering problems. Oh, by the way, if the Murano's alternator fails, it will leave you stranded. It's been a common occurrence. Most vehicles will get you to a safe location with a failed alternator. Check it out, it's all posted at the NHTSA web site (complaints and recalls) and on Edmunds Postings
Now, I am glad that I did not buy a Lexus RX330 or Murano. :P

Luv my Nox :shades:

gee35coupe

In those cars. I thing they have those issues pretty much worked out by now in the Lexus vehicles. JD Power spells that out. Where is Chevy on that list? I'd sure be wary of buying a hybrid NOX.

ryan10

Looking for opinions.

I have investigated every small SUV and have whittled it down to Kia Sportage or Equinox (all others did not have enough front leg room or I didn't like its look). I like the drive, front leg room and outside look on both SUV's. The Sportage wins for interior design, but the Equinox wins for cargo and storage capacity. The Sportage comes in with a much lower price with more options even with Chevy's employee discount and the Kia warranty in superior. But I think the Equinox resale value will be better and there are more Chevy dealers around the area to support this vehicle for warranty issues and other repairs if needed.

I would appreciate any comments -- Thanks!!

vanman1

I would avoid Kia. While quality is up, I just don't think long term it will hold together as well as an American or Japanese SUV. I see some pretty scary looking 4-5 year old Kias driving around. The Nox is also a much nicer and classier looking rig.

theonly1

I'm wanting to put a safari bar on my equinox but really want to see a picture of what the nox would look like before I do. Does anyone have any pictures of theirs or know where I can find some?

nikki3

Hi everyone. This is my first time on one of these message forums, and am only doing this because my husband has told me to do my homework on the Equinox before I decide that it is what I want. We are having a battle of which new vehicle to buy. I, from the beginning of our discussions have wanted an SUV. More specifically a Honda Pilot, but they are more pricy than what I want to pay. We have researched in depth the 2005 Honda Accord, which Hondas are all that he and I have ever had. I love the car, but I just want something bigger. My mom works for Chevrolet, and has given me the sales pitch that they use. But what I want to know is how much does it take to fill the Equinox up, and how many highway miles to the gallon do you typically get?? My husband is in a tizzy about it getting at the most 25 miles per gallon when I could get a Honda that gets 34 miles to the gallon. I know that you can't compare a car to an SUV, but I just don't know what to do. Someone please fill me in on the "goods" of the Equinox!! :confuse:

chevy931

if gas mpg is the most important thing .....get the honda...i have 17,000 miles on mine and bought it in oct of 2005 and have yet to see 25 mpg...it's more like 20 at best....very happy with the vehicle .....only had the stink problem with the antifreeze but that was fixed under warranty.

vanman1

Fact of the matter is, you can't get 34 mpg in an SUV. The Equinox at 25-26 mpg is not bad considering most of them get closer to 20mpg. If you want a compromise, get a Malibu Maxx. You will get well over 30 mpg and also get the space and convenience of the Equinox. My friend looked at an Equinox and ended up in a Malibu Maxx and couldn't be happier. Great mileage, top crash tests and solid reliability.

worry2much

I have just a little over 3100 miles on it. This is my breakdown. 17.5-19 mpg straight city. 19-20 city/hwy combo. I have only taken it on one hwy trip about 190 miles each way. Not sure how to explain this...19mpg to and 26 mpg return. Going on a longer trip in a couple of weeks, will definitely post back with the results (my husband will be driving part of the way and I expect to see that vehicle just eat gas - lead foot plus type A personality!)

waitinfor06ion

Hello, fellow forum members and fellow Equinox owners.

I just wanted to wish you a Happy July 4th Celebration.

J K F

stever

Thanks.

Until the 4th actually arrives, Happy Canada Day!

Steve, Host

waitinfor06ion

You are welcome, Steve, Host.

Indeed, a belated Happy Canada Day to you

J K F

eforce

Well, the rollover tests are in for the NOX and its good news and bad news.

The good news is it got 4 stars which is as high as anyone gets,

The bad news is it tipped up during the test. It has a 18% chance of tip up.

The Static Stability Factor (SSF) is specifically designed to measure this more common type of rollover and thus plays a significantly larger role in a vehicle's star rating The higher the rating is (1.0 to 1.4) the safer it is.

The NOX got 1.25 SSF factor compared with 1.33 for the pacifica.

Honda CRV, which is lauded for it's safty record got 1.1 SSF..

About 95% of rollovers are tripped - meaning the vehicle struck something low, such as a curb or shallow ditch, causing it to tip over.

The NOX was the best rated vehicle that tipped. A tip up a considered any time
the vehicle tips up more than 2 inches.

The best anyone got (pacifica) was 13% change (SUV best).

The honda CRV got 19% change of tip up, but did not tip up during the test, go figure.

I have a NOX on hold, but I'm not so sure now. Consumer Reports hammer them with bogus engine (china using old tech engine causing low gas milage), bad interior (I like the interor), poor turning radius and clumsy handling (I thoght the electronic steering really made it easy to handle.)

Is it really the next generation chevy trail blazer?

Anyone got any feedback? Should I buy the car or keep looking?

eforce

Consumer Reports hammer them with bogus engine, china using old tech engine causing low gas milage. The transmission is also made in japan.

Isn't the Saturn Vue sporting a Honda type engine?

eforce

AWD same look. You get 1% less chance of rollover, but the handling with AWD on wet pavement and snow is better. AWD is not alway on like 4x4, but you get it when you need it. You can't run over logs or go off trail, but it helps in the winter

noxinva

I've had my Nox for less then a week, so I might not be the best qualified person to answer this. However, I look at it like this...even though it seems to have a low center of gravity, it's still an SUV ...if I hit something at wheel level (curb, etc.) and it rolls, I'm not going to be completely surprised. It got 4 stars and was rated the best of those that tipped...to me, that says something. Maybe this is me being delusionally happy right now about my Nox because I love it so much, but there you go.

As for Consumer Reports...I know extremely little about engines. From what I've read on these forums, I'm probably not going to get the MPG I was hoping for. But after test driving some other small SUV's, including the CRV, this was the vehicle that I just absolutely loved...yes, I want to save money by getting better MPG but if I'm going to spend $22k or more on a vehicle, I want to LOVE it not just think "eh, yeah, it's ok." Spending a little extra $$ for gas is worth it to me.

For issues other than the engine..I don't see any problems with the interior...true, I have no idea why they put the window buttons in the center console area, but it's only taken a couple days to get used to. I haven't had any problems with tight turns or the handling...and I was expecting them just because I had been driving a sub-compact car for the past 8 years where sharp turns weren't an issue.

In short...I absolutely LOVE my Nox and I haven't had any problems (knocking wood that I won't). If you really liked this vehicle after test driving it, which it sounds like from your comments about Consumer Reports' opinion, to me that's more important than what their report said...you're paying for your vehicle, not them.

And so ends my extremely long winded post...

waitinfor06ion

Have you seen pictures or in person a Saturn VUE? Folks are having fits about the window control placements on the central console over at their site as well. No big deal. Just gota teach the old dog a new trick...that's all.

As for the turning circle; granted it doesn't turn like a sub-compact; but that electric steering sure makes up for the larger circle...especially when one didn't have power steering in the old coupe!

Personally, I like being noticed in traffic. All I gota do is remember I have two more cylinders and a 100 more horses to scoot into and across traffic!

Oh, almost forgot, as for mpg; I'm waiting untill after the seals and stuff settle-in before tracking. At $2.19 9/10 for Phillips 66 regular brand today, I'm not going to have a hissy fit until after I take my blood pressure pill

I, for one, am glad you do like your Nox. I know like mine. The little old ladies here are telling my father how much they like my Laser Blue Equinox.

Welcome to the club.

JKF

vanman1

I'm not sure how the 3.4L in our Montana differs from the 3.4L in the Equinox, but we have no complaints with power, refinement or mileage. We usually get about 26-27 for straight highway and 17-20 mixed/city depending on A/C use and amount of standing. "Old tech" it may be but it works just fine.

jim_dandy

I agree.
Nothing like a reliable "Old tech" engine.
I easily get 180,000 miles on these engines.

I save $400+ every 60,000 miles, since I don't have replace a timingbelt/waterpump, like you have to, on those so-called reliable "Hi tech" engines.

jim_dandy

From reviews I've read on combined mpg:

Equinox: 20mpg
Santa Fe: 18mpg
Murano: 19mpg
RX330: 18mpg
Honda CRV: 20mpg
Mercedes ML350: 18mpg
Ford Escape: 18mpg
Subaru Forester: 20mpg

vanman1

Mileage is a bit better on our van, probably because it's a bit lighter, no AWD and a bit more aerodynamic.

labearforyou

I have had my 2005 Equinox for just over 2 months now, and have just passed 5k. I have been having real issues with the brakes on the vehicle though. Two things are happening, first while driving in traffic or down hills on multiple occasions when I go to apply the brakes, the peddle goes almost all the way to the floor and the vehicle barely stops, second on three occasions so far when having to brake suddenly the front wheels locked up and the car skidded to a stop from the moment I hit the brakes. Once I nearly slammed into the car in front of me. I have an appointment on Monday morning at the local dealer here to see if they can find out whats going on. Has anyone out there had this problem?

npgmbr

By any chance has anyone heard anything about the next generation Equinox? I'm really hoping that it will look more like the Chevy S3X being sold in Europe. I think it would be extremely smart for GM to bring that design to the US. I'm 100% certain it would mean big sales for the Equinox. Hope the image went through.">

<img src="http://www.babez.de/chevrolet/s3x/newtitel.jpg

vanman1

The NOX is selling well as is and the S3X if it came would be in addition to the NOX as it's a bit smaller from what I hear. It's also really a Daewoo.

ryan10

It's been less than a week since I purchased my Equinox and I am very pleased. I compared it against every small SUV and the Equinox had the best combination of inside and outside looks, cargo capacity, drive comfort and price. The only other SUV I was considering was the Kia Sportage, but my last test drive solidified my decision as the Sportage drivers seat just about killed my back while the Equinox lumbar support was extremely comfortable. My research paid off as this truely is one comfortable/functional/good looking vehicle - I have no regrets whatsoever. I paid roughly $1,200 less than invoice (per Edmunds). I definitely recommend the leather seats. My only problem was that the back tinted window has a bunch of micro bubbles in it -- the dealer is going to replace it though. The miles per gallon on my first tank of gas was 18.5 under combined city/highway driving - I'm hoping this will improve with time. But I'll take the lower miles per gallon any day as the combination of looks, drive comfort, cargo & storage capacity far exceeds that of any four door sedan.

lorie2031

I too have the same problem you do. My 2005 chevy eqinox LT is horrible on gas and i do alot of driving. I've had my truck since decemeber and today i just noticed its leaking oil!!! A fuse in the rruck already blew out and i couldnt use the cell phone charger in the center consol. Im taking my truck back to the dealership next week to get it looked at. i love my truck but im slowly becoming very unhappy with it.

npgmbr

I think you misunderstood my post. What I was saying is that I think it would be a good idea if GM use that design of the S3X for the second generation Equinox. I didn't say bring the S3X to the U.S.

The fact that the S3X is a rebadged Daewoo means nothing as the same applies do the Aveo.

garandman

My 2005 chevy eqinox LT is horrible on gas and i do alot of driving. I've had my truck since decemeber and today i just noticed its leaking oil!!!

Do you also have a Chevy truck?

worry2much

I just got back from a 3100 mile trip and now have about 6200 on my "E". I have posted before but now I feel like I can tell you more about this vehicle. It did quite good on this trip. My city MPG is about 18-20. Varies with traffic, etc. Highway for me driving is 22-25. My husband (who is an aggressive driver gets 20-21 hwy). Drives awesome on flat to moderate hills. Bogs down somewhat on steeper grades going up. The downshifting and "locking in" at 60mph at real steep grades going down freaked me out. I had read about it so I was not that surprised but it did frustrate drivers behind me. I have to comment on the MPG on the Subaru Forester. That was my previous car and I averaged 22-24 city and squeaked out about 31 MPG hwy (this was after 3.5 years - these figures were lower when I first got it- it was a 4 cyl manual and the ONLY reason I got rid of it was that it was way too small for a family of 5). I suspect my mileage will improve a bit with age to a small degree as long as the hubby is not driving it. The only thing I can complain about it right now is the sunroof squeaks terribly going over bumps and the dealer said they fixed it and there was no change and that squeak is annoying. It will be going back for that. Granted, it is not the most fuel efficient vehicle but I knew that when I got it. But, I am seeing a lot more on the road. It is an attractive, roomy car. I am pleased with my purchase. I hope that I can write back a year from now and say the same thing and maybe even more happy comments.

jim_dandy

Thanks for your comments.

There are trade offs between performance and fuel economy.
This is done with, preset transmission shift points and software settings of engine fuel management.
I believe that GM leaned more toward Performance for the Equinox than Fuel Economy.
Personally, I'll take the Performance in my Equinox over a Sluggish Nox with excellent fuel economy.
Most car magazines will trash a sluggish SUV, and over -look the fuel economy.

People forget that SUV's weigh 5000 to over 6000 lbs.
While cars are 2500 to 4000 lbs.
Nox On ! :shades:

cat74

Has anyone taken their Equinox on the beach or done any off roading?

noxon

Has anyone seen the two new colors for 2006? I have been unable to find any representation on the internet. They are called Black Amethyst and Bermuda Green. I want to order, but I am holding off for the Black Amethyst Metallic.

vanman1

Still all 2005's on the lot last weekend when I got my oil change.

luvmyequinox

Well, I've got almost 14000 miles on the NOX since I purchased it in March. So much for the break in period and getting better mileage afterwards. I still average no more than 20mpg highway. I did however get 25 on one trip. Weird. I did between 70 - 80 mph for close to 300 miles. It seems that this vehicle likes long trips at higher rpm's for better gas mileage. I did get about 1 mpg better after the K&N install. I had the transmission module reprogrammed at the dealer after reading it posted here a month ago. It shifts MUCH better after the reprogramming!!! I can't stress it enough to get it done! It also takes the engine jumping up to higher rpm's when you go down a hill and tap the brake (a little thing GM added in the programming to help with the brake wear) out of the programming. However, it did not help the gas mileage. What really upsets me though is when the dealer says "I have never heard anything about that before". Got it with gas mileage complaint, and the reprogramming. I took the GM service bulletin to the service department and placed it on his desk, and got a hummm... out of him. As many posts that people have put on this site, I highly doubt that the dealers have not had complaints from others about the mileage. Oh and by the way, GM customer service says "the dealer was right, it is what it is". Hope it gets better down the road. If only the Saturn dealer would not had pissed me off with the trade in... : )

jim_dandy

Just came back back from Vacation. Went to the Oshkosh Air Show and Devil's Lake in Wisconsin.
Took our FWD, LT, Equinox fully loaded with 2 adults and 2 kids and lots of stuff in the back hatch area.

Here are my mileage results:

Mixed local (viewing the sites) and highway (getting to the sites); 20mpg.
Some local and more highway; 22mpg
Little local and mostly highway with cruise set to 65mph; 25mpg
All highway cruise set to 70mph; 26mpg

Our Equinox ran great and rode nice, even with a full load.
Nox On! :shades:

vanman1

Have you tried different brands of gas?

luvmyequinox

Just different stations. Citgo, Exxon, Shell.

cavy123

Speaking of gas stations, I just got my Nox five days ago, and still have a half-tank of gas right now. With my 10 year old trade-in, I usually stuck to the cheaper Warehouse Club gas stations (BJs, Costco, Sam's, etc). Should I be sticking to the non-discount stations with my Nox.....Chevron, Exxon, Texaco, Shell? Should I splurge on premium? Does it make a difference?

Thanks for the help. It's been so long since I've had a new car, and I want to take care of it as best I can.

Loving my NOX!

jim_dandy

On our trip I filled up with 87 octane, had no problems. I used Phillips 66, Shell, and Marathon.

I try to use "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" in my Equinox when I can.
It is the highest quality gasoline you can buy, usually at the same price or slightly more than the others.

TOP TIER Gasoline Retailers are: QuikTrip,Chevron,Conoco,Phillips66,76,Shell,Entec Stations, and MFA Oil Company

http://www.toptiergas.com

"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline help drivers avoid lower quality gasoline which can leave deposits on critical engine parts, which reduces engine performance. That&#146;s something both drivers and automakers want to avoid." *(toptiergas.com)*
:shades:

waitinfor06ion

Have been using Phillips 66 regular which is across the street from BP. Sometimes Phillips is cheaper than than BP. Phillips is handier getting in and out of with heavy four-corner traffic. Was using Shell then started using BP in the old Metro until it started being "weird". I switched to Phillips 66. Don't know if using BP or the lack of ground clearance had anything to do with my replacing the Metro's exhaust system 2 times in five years or its massive oil leak this year.

Back in my California days, my Toyota truck dealer said to use regular Shell. I used regular Shell in my Saturn SL1.

Last month, my father asked the service manager at the new vehicle service seminar about which brand was reccomended. The gentleman said that there were only two refineries. He refrained from mentioning any name brand.

Best guess? Try a tank-full of each top-tier brand and decide which one(s) give(s) YOU the best performance and mileage per gallon.

If you want to try the generic no-names; be careful. My father tried a tank of no-name gas a number of years ago. The fuel filter was fouled by the no-name gas and it had to be replaced while travelling out-of-state.

J K F

stever

Here's another slant on the issue:

A Chemists View on Octane and Gasoline Brands

Steve, Host

worry2much

Sometimes the shifting annoys me but I am getting similiar results with my "E" as Jim Dandy is getting. I have the AWD so mine is slightly less (see previous posts). My vehicle was also loaded. My husband driving set the mpg back. Filled the tank up today with mostly short trips - city driving (with a couple 50 mile round trips highway) and still had almost 21 mpg. I use various gas brands. I can tell you the "E" loves the highway. I love when I get the 26 mpg figure and I have gotten it more than once!

worry2much

We chose the Equinox over the Vue. At first I thought we made a mistake, now I am glad we got the Chevy. My best friend had a Saturn...could not get rid of it fast enough. Do have to admit that she went to Honda for her next vehicle. I am going to check into getting the vehicle reprogrammed for the downhill thing since we travel a lot in the mountains.

vanman1

Nothing wrong with the VUE though some early models and the CVTs equipped VUEs had some issues.

I spoke to a lady at my dealer this morning and asked her how she liked her NOX. She said she loved it. It was a top end LT AWD. She was just getting the oil changed.

noxon

At my local dealership in the Cleveland, Ohio area, I was able to see the new "Black Amethyst Metallic" color for the 06 Equinox. I was really interested because I had already ordered it a couple of weeks ago. I figured it was a risk that I would like it, but :surprise: ...I love it! From a distance, it looks like a dull black. You really have to get close to see that it is a deep, deep purple, like an eggplant. It was one Nox away from a black one and there really was not much difference. The metallic flecks are not that prominent. I ordered an LT FWD with grey leather interior. I hope it will come in soon. There is another color called "Bermuda Green" that is new for this year. Some of the local dealerships have them, but I did not get a chance to see. Soon I will have a purple Nox! Noxon

toga333

I have been doing some homework, I realize that Chevy has decided to "value" price their models to better compete against foreign nameplates, and to eliminate the need for rebates to sell their vehicles. Their website says they have lowered prices on 19 models! What I do not realize is why the price of the Equinox does not seem reflect this trend. Want some examples:
05' Equinox 06'Equinox* Difference
LS FWD $21,320 LS FWD $21,755 + $435
LS AWD $23,295 LS AWD $23,505 +$210
LT FWD $23,035 LT FWD $23,050 +$15
LT AWD $24,660 LT AWD $24,675 +$15
*courtesy of Edmunds
Okay, so there are the hard numbers, however I find even more increases when you look at the packages offered offered, not to mention less packages overall.
For instance, there is not longer an 1SE, 1SD or 1SC for AWD models. Chevy now only offers an LT base listed above, or the all inclusive LT2 that gets you almost every options less leather and onstar, and sunroof is still a stand alone option. Personally I could care less about power seats and auto dimming mirrors (more electronics that break if you ask me) But if I want the 17' alloys (which I do of course) I have not choice but to unload $1100 for the LT2 package!
Well I hope Chevy decides to throw in some incentives (woops, sorry chevy) or I'll be waiting for the 06' employee discount program. At least my GM card will offset some of these new pricing ideas.

lazerblue31649

That sounds like a really nice color. I have a Lazer Blue one and I often get teased for driving a purple car. All in all I love my little suv and there is nothing I would change about it. Have you ever seen the color I am speaking of../?????
I love the way all the seats flip down and I can put all sorts of thing in it. I thought at first I made a bad decision for getting the Equinox because I did not see many of them on the road at first. I bought mine when they fisr came out in May of 2004. Now I see them everywhere. I really do not see alot of the color that I have but I do get alot of compliments. Thank you Chevy for making this little SUV.

waitinfor06ion

The chevy web site has upgraded to its `06 appearance. It has a picture of the new Bermuda Green. I was hoping for a rich dip-your-finger-to-the-nuckle-green.

However, as you have said, Laser Blue is a rare color around town. I did see one Laser Blue shortly after buying Blue Boy. And, yep, the ladies at the Senior Citizens Center and my childhood church have complimented me on my color choice (man, that sure is a lot of "c" words in one sentence!).

The new black metallic sounds nice. Hope it exceeds all expectations!

J K F