Chevrolet Equinox

dindak

Clear as opposed to red on most cars.

cayennered1

They seem to have an uncanny ability to get the styling right on the their trucks and SUVs but are absolutely clueless when it come to styling cars.

The Equinox is great looking, as is the Envoy and a number of their other truck models. Contrast that with the world class blandness of the new Malibu and the more of the same look of the new Grand Prix. There is a reason GM sedans don't sell well with anyone under 65.

I drive an 03 Altima which I consider styling leader in it's price range. Sure Toyota and Honda are no styling winners but they have such a stellar reputation they don't have to be.

All of the above being said, I would certainly consider a stylish car-like SUV like the Equinox over many of its japanese competitors.

dindak

I personally don't like the Altima and I think Nissan screwed up the tail of an otherwise decent looking car. I have a friend who has one and that's his beef with the car also. That said, I agree the new Malibu is very bland though I love the new GP.

joey2brix

Funny, the Vet turns 50 and I never see anyone under 50 driving one! GM has no compact cars to speak of and will never beat Honda in the mid size arena. The new GTO was a great idea: take a sport coupe from Holden and make a low volume import out of it. But it's true. SUV's and pickups kept GM afloat these past few years. The Envoy does have nice exterior styling but the interior is a joke: bulky seats and dash waste all that interior space. A Honda Pilot which is smaller then an Envoy has much more interior room. Equinox could be a great hit but GM had to run scared and put an ancient 3.4 V6 in it. Probably won't see a real nice motor upgrade for at least a year or two. Some of the other prototype models are just fads like the Chevy SS. Look at the Ford Thunderbird, it's already going to be dropped in '05. What did they sell, a few hundred? The big 3 better wake up. The SUV gravy train is already starting to glut up inventory.

dindak

How many people much under 50 can afford a Vette let alone pay the insurance?

Why so negative on the Nox all of a sudden?

I agree though, GM needs to overhaul it's other cars.

joey2brix

I guess I hate waiting so long for the Nox to come out. They annouce the car 2 years before it's going on sale and the only new techology in the car is the 5 sp. auto. I just find it strange that with the money and the size of GM with all it's divisions internationally, I'd expect better. Instead they kill off Olds, maybe Buick is next?
Some of the proto-types are nice like the Pontiac P6 and I think Cadillac has turned around and tried to come out with some new car designs that don't try to be BMW's or Benz's. But how many versions of the Envoy do you need? (Buick Reiner? Isuzu Ascender? When will Pontiac get a copy?)

regfootball

also keep in mind the saab 9-8 is on the way. Saab's version of the trailblazer!

dindak

Ya, it's a long wait no doubt. That said, we are only 5-6 months off the mark now.

3.4L is nothing new but it will have great torque and with the 5-speed and some refinements it may be just fine. The interior is nice and the exterior beautiful. Who knows, but GM generally does trucks / SUVs well.

ffmcobalt

The start of production for the Equinox is estimated for February of 2004. Typically it takes 2-2.5 months for vehicles to hit dealer lots after the start of production.

tm01

I can deal with the older engine but it would have been nice if GM could have put rear disc brakes on the nox.

dindak

Ya, that would be good. Of course, many competitors have rear drums also. So long as the brakes work well, I'll be happy.

cutehumor

is the 3.4 liter engine the same as the 3.4 liter in the grand am? I heard alot of horror stories with intake gasket failure with that engine and blown head gaskets. anyone clue me in here? I do have a GM card that I need to use up the points with in two years. hope they have a 3.5 Liter honda engine available. LOL

dindak

I think it's at leat similar, I'm not sure if it's identical. Apparently the engines are coming from China of all places.

3.5L is exclusive to the VUE for the next 5 years only when he exchange with Honda is done.

joey2brix

Since the CAMI plant built Trackers from Suzuki with imported engines, I'm sure it was an easy place to experiment with more "globalized" parts without any CAW complaints. It seems that it's impossible for GM to make money building a car/SUV/truck that bases for under 20K. So using the Vue platform with it's drum brakes and a low tech imported V6 is the only way to under price a Ford Escape. Maybe if the Equinox is a hit like the Vue, it will get the new 3.6 V6 as an option in '05! I'm thinking this engine was picked since the AWD system will be a version of Versatrack used in the Rendezvous/Aztek. Again, picking out of the old parts bin saves money.
At least the Nox should be several hundred pounds lighter then the Rendezvous, which should help prevent the poor performance reviews the Buick had.

dindak

Rendezvous has a 3.6L option this year, I'm sure it will be fully powered now for those that want it. Aztek is going into it's last year, should be interesting to see what replaces it.

As for the NOX, some of the parts are very tried and tested so I guess the upside is it should be very reliable out of the gate. I think it will be prices right in line with Escape, I don't expect it to undercut. Check out the updated details..

http://www.media.gm.com/

joey2brix

Interesting, I wonder who makes the
M45 Aisin AF33-5 5-speed automatic transmission that's listed for the Nox? Not using the 5 speed from the Vue V6. Also only one transmission is listed for both AWD and FWD models. This makes me believe the AWD system will be similar to Versatrak. On the Buick, both versions only use one transmission type. I see the Vue has separate transmissions for AWD and FWD.

dindak

No idea. 5 speed could be the same as the current Japanese made 5-speed in the VUE now. I would think if they were using a Versatrak. system they would say so.

joey2brix

Strange. The Vue's AWD system is a 100% front then shifts power to the rears when slippage is detected right? Just like the CRV's. There's no way to "lock" the Vue into AWD. The MediaOne web site has 2 5-speed automatic trannies for the V6 Vue: one for AWD one for FWD. The Nox only has one tranny listed, so it's AWD system will be a separate viscous coupling set up or a Versitrak system that allows each rear wheel to "lock up" when front wheel slip is detected. Another dumb move on GM's part: The new 3.6L V6 is being built in Ontario also! Why not just slip that puppy into the Nox! People could take the Nox and the Vue Red Line down to the drag strip for some Saturday night competition!

dindak

Who knows. 3.6L will not go in the NOX, it's a premium motor for Buick/Cadillac. The only reason the VUE is getting the 3.5L Honda is because Saturn scrapped the vehicle the motor was suppose to go in but had already swapped for them.

tgp1810

someone earlier wanted a picture of the nox dash...here is one from the center counsel
http://www.lynnchevroletbuick.com/images/eq-2.pdf

wheelz4

Overall, the 'Nox looks pretty impressive but by being larger and heavier than it's Vue sister, I bet it could make even better use of the Honda V6 that the Vue is getting. 185 hp for what is verging on a mid-size SUV just doesn't cut it.

joey2brix

GM has not list offical weights yet on the Nox but Edmunds lists 3740. A V6 Vue with AWD is listed at 3630 so they are very close. The old 4.3 has 210lb. of torque so it should be faster then a stock V6 Vue. I think the Honda 3.5L will probably be kept to Red Line units. I don't think the 3.0L was to be totally dropped. Dindak is right, Chevy's low end car lines, even the new malibu, doesn't get the new hot motors. The 4.3L import from China was an easy way to get a cheaper imported engine without any objections from the UAW/CAW by using the CAMI assembly plant.

regfootball

gotta give chevy lots of credit.

exterior styling is a winner. home run out of the park on exterior looks. interior dash and door panels a big time winner also (awaiting judgment on plastic quality) like the 2004 Malibu interior. Is chevy (ok, all of GM!) finally getting a real clue about how to style a modern dashboard and interior?

lows-heinous steering wheel. Better than the jiffy pop Ion steering wheel but still quite yucky.

big low-would much rather prefer to see a quality motor in the engine bay as an option. I would imagine most soccer toting moms don't care but I want a decent OHC mill under the hood like the competition has. A modified Citation motor built in China does nothing for me when you average Kias and Hyundais have more advanced mills.

Everything besides the engine looks to be a big winner. The thing should sell like hotcakes. About time Chevy gets a desirable model in the showroom besides corvette. They better not slit their own throats with high msrp.

there are now some really good photos of the equinox on the public portion of wieck.com

zapcat

The 3.0L will be dropped. All V6 VUEs get the 3.5

regfootball

too bad the equinox doesn't get it also.

dindak

Thanx for the link, great info on that page.

It will be interesting to see mileage numbers compared to the competion.

Reg : Only thing I don't care for are the rear tail lights. I could live with them though, the truck is a real winner.

regfootball

i can forgive the lame tailights considering the basic package was a good job. The engnie choices (or lack of) would deter me from buying it.

tgp1810

I kinda like the tail lights. Give it some time, maybe they'll grow on you. I just wish that there were more interior pics floating around the web.

dindak

If the engine is nicely re-engineered and refined like the 3.5L in new 04 Bu, it should be just fine.

joey2brix

I just finished reading the C&D review of the Chevy SSR and thought here's another GM mistake.
This $40K+ retro El Camino is getting all the hype and will probably sell 10K units in 2 years. Just as Ford will drop the Thunderbird after '05 for a lack of sales, I see another wasted effort on a proto-type retro model. Gets a lot of press but in the practical sense nobody buys these things. Why isn't the Equinox getting as much press? Even the new Malibu looks like a dog.
Probably have $2K cash back the day it goes on sale. The Nox could be a 100K unit for GM like the Envoy line, but no new news or previews yet.
They don't get the point seeing the Vue is the only selling model in the whole Saturn line: THE MINI-UTE MARKET IS THE ONLY MARKET GROWING!
I keep getting survey email from some ad agency doing demographic hype work for the Equinox since I put my email name on the chevy web site.
Chevy, get the damn car out there already before updated Escape, Vues, and CR-V's come out. I would gladly become a pre-release real world tester (for free of course).

logic1

early 2004. GM, with so many divisions to support, has always been reluctant to do too much marketing leading up to a product launch. They would rather you buy a VUE now than wait for a Nox.

The SSR is a halo product for the truck set. I do not see what it has to do with the Nox.

joey2brix

do nothing for the bottom line. I would rather see reviews in car rags about the Nox rather then wasted magazine print on a pickup that will out of production in 2 years anyway. You would think GM would start to play up a poterntial high volume model rather then let Ford cover the air waves with their luxo model Escape.

dindak

The SSR is a limited production vehicle much like the Viper. It's not going to boost Chevy sales but it creates a little excitement among collectors and enthusiasts and Chevy needs some buzz.

Corvette, Malibu, Colorado, Nox and Cobalt are all out within the next year or so. Chevy needs some hot models and I think the Nox will be that. I only wish it was coming sooner. Don't expect to see any advertising till the new year, probably around Superbowl.

joey2brix

Check out the web site: http://www.chevrolet.com/fullthrottle/media/main_equ_give.htm They have a link to sign up for the GM card. They're giving you a $250 credit towards purchase of the new chevy Malibu, Colorado or Equinox if taken from dealer stock before 12/31/04! Now if they could just promise me 0%
financing or $3K cash back now! LOL!

dindak

I think you will see a lot of resistance to 0% for these new 04 models. The auto makers are trying hard to cut them back a bit and if the NOX is as hot as I think it will be, you won't likely get 0%. Might see something like 1.9 or 2.9% though which is still decent.

joey2brix

You're right. 0% and large cash back deals are only available on models that are not moving. The GM zero financing deal across the board is gone unless there's a major jump in gas prices or the economy really takes a dive. I read that Chevy's market share slipped while Honda and Toyota have increased. GM does not want to depend only on truck sales and looks for Chevy to increase sales percentages for '04. There's suppose to be more Equinox info on the Chevy web site next month according to the email I got from the Equinox marketing company Chevy hired.

dindak

Have you seen anything more? I'm thinking we should start seeing more info soon.

I like what I have seen in the 04 VUE. The revised interior is good and the 3.5L mileage is more than acceptable.

joey2brix

I'm getting sick of looking at those silver marketing photos. (Another color would be nice!)
What's up with you Cunuck's? I hope it wouldn't take you guys this long to figure out how to screw on sheet metal panels to a VUE frame for a few samples for the automove press. LOL. I think they only sold 2 Trackers and maybe a dozen Vitara's this year. Shut down the old line, no one will notice!

Saturn needs a hit seller to keep afloat, I think the Vue is the only model selling. The Honda motor is probably the best engine GM's got other then the Northstar V8's. I'd still take a Nox even over a RedLine Vue. Sorry, but Saturn still has the worst interior materials. The steering wheel still uses that giant air bag center hub and the vinyl feels like cheap rubber. Maybe they can do better with leather. I'll need to stop by a Saturn dealer just to sit in a loaded Vue to see if I can change my mind.

dindak

Actually, ION sales have picked up fast. L is dead though.

I have not seen the new interior, but it looks great in pictures and the new wheel with leather is suppose to be pretty decent.

jchan2

in Canada maybe they've picked up fast. But in the states, at my dealer I see a lot of VUEs driving around with Temporary Tags (And I don't live in Michigan either) alongside a few L300 with Temp Tags. There's been a couple of ION's running around on those Temporary Tags. My Chevy dealer has only 1 or 2 Trackers and one of those is one built in January 2003. Both are destined for a Rental Fleet, as both are completely stripped except for 4WD and Air. I rented a Tracker once- it was a horrible car even though it was fairly loaded for a rental car. It had Alloy Wheels, a CD player, Power Windows (I understand they're optional in the base Tracker)Cruise, 4WD, and a nice fat Avis Rent A Car sign in the window.

dindak

Small cars are popular around here (Toronto area) so yes, IONs seem to be selling well with them. See a few Ls, not many. Tons of VUEs.

Trackers are great for off roading, probably the best small SUV for that. Unfortunately they aren't refined for daily use. NOX production should be 10x Tracker production. Good for the local economy, the Nox / Tracker plant is about an hour from here.

shanian

I actually saw the new 'Nox in Cleveland, yesterday. The one they had was silver. Very tough looking Cute Ute. The engine bay was open, so couldn't tell how the front looked. The biggest selling point will be the adjustable rear seats. Now you do not have to buy a TB/Envoy/Pilot/HL. They will sell loads of these. Good looking, Adjustable interior space, push it back when hauling people, pull it forward when haulin stuff. What's not to like.

jchan2

I see a lot of VUEs around here. Oh yeah, my local dealer got another Tracker. This one a loaded LT with Leather and everything in Silver.

wheelz4

The current generation CR-V has had adjustable rear seats since it's inception, so the Nox's are hardly a "first". They do travel about an inch an a half more then the 'RV's, though. Also see MPV, Sienna , XL-7 etc. for other examples of sliding rear seats (+ the new Highlander too).

dindak

Obviously the other makers aren't pushing the feature much, first I have heard of it in any other vehicle. Maybe it's not a big deal to most people, who knows.

joey2brix

I think you're confusing an adjustable seat back, which many SUV/wagon/minivans have probably had for a long time. The Nox has a track on the seat bottom as does the front seat. The whole bench slides. As said, if another maker had this, it was never advertised. Of course, the Nox was unveiled in Jan. This option could have been easily put into anyones '04 model. Seeing that the Malibu won't hit the streets until December, I guess it will take GM until April before they figure out out to screw sheet metal panels onto a VUE sub-structure.

tgp1810

Check out http://www.chevy.com/equinox - it no longer sends you to the Full Throtal site.

joey2brix

I just looked at that boring full throttle yesterday! Same lack of info, just a nicer web package. Could they maybe show the Nox in another color? I'd never buy silver since I'm sick of looking at these same pre-production shots for a year now!

dindak

The 360-3D interior mode is excellent. It really gives you a good feel for the vehicle.

The LS looks like it will be "value" priced as it's missing a lot of stuff I would want but has everything many people are happy with. LT looks like the model I would want for the ABS, alloys, cruise and roof rails. I thought the roof rails were standard on all models though?

joey2brix

Dindak: it will probably be expensive to get certain options (like most GM's) since they will have packaged groups that require you to take many gizmos just to get what you want. One thing I didn't like about all the higher end Trailblaizers: If you want a sunroof, you always have to take a 6CD sound system with OnStar. They'll probably stick XM radios in every model now.