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I did read your link. Thank you.
You've confirmed what's been written elsewhere that it IS the additives that make the difference between name brands.
As for me, 5,000 miles before changing additives will take forever. So far, I average around a 100 miles a month
As has been said in someonelse's signature tag line: "Your mileage will vary."
J K F
I called the dealer where it is being shipped to and they said they had no way to track it because my company ordered it through our fleet management company. The guy there actually seemed put off by the situation, as he said "I'd be able to help you more if you had ordered it through us directly." I work for a Fortune 500 company that has hundreds of lease vechicles, so that is not an option, as we have a fleet management company that handles this for us. I realize he won't make much $ on this deal, but my company sends quite a few vehicles to this dealer, so you'd think he would want to be a little more helpful.
I thought there might be a website where I could put the VIN number into and see the status. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Talk about it in the Pontiac Torrent discussion.
Steve, Host
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The RAV 4 and Honda CRV looks outdated when parked next to our Equinox.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!
Sales are topping 17,000 Equinoxes a month!!!
"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.
Luv my Nox
I just sold my Cougar last year in May when I bought this car. I had 72,000 miles on it. That car gave me absoulutely no problems. It was a 1987. The reason I sold is was obvious I WANTED A NEW ONE . LOL LOL .
My husband drives a GMC Yukon. He loves that too. Mine has the moon roof also and a 6 cd player along with the heated seats and leather. I do not think I could ever go back to a reg. car again after driving this. By the way mine is an AWD. I had alot of fun with it this winter .
I just love this SUV
05 AWD FWD/AWD: 19/25..........06 FWD:19/24 AWD: 18/23.
Maybe GM decided to lower the ratings due to the uproar over actual mileage customers were getting on the '05's were mid teens.
I checked the gear ratios on both years, yup the same? Is this fair to everyone that bought an '05?
I realize AWD will always get lower mileage (due to more wheels being powered), but who am I to disagree when Chevy/EPA says either drivetrain option would result in 19city 25highway. Well reality showed it's ugly face and it proves that original theory right, 18/23! maybe I'll check out the Saturn Vue (So long as their fuel economy doesn't change!)
Fuel Economy Guide
Steve, Host
J K F
My father's `98 Chevy Lumina (Betsy) likes to have her dash patted after having a hard time.
If she's contrary about starting; she gets called "Ford". Talk about Betsy starting promptly at the next key turn! LOL
I also Internet researched Saturn's VUE vs Chevrolet Equinox. However, I don't really "need" 250 horses for stop and go city driving in my neighborhood.
`Am enjoying my easy ingress and egress seating.
J K F
If you have, please reply to pr@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, September 27, 2005 with your daytime contact information and a brief description of your recent crossover/sport wagon purchase experience.
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Share your vehicle reviews
tidester, host
P.S. Thanks to all who posted. I read them all and enjoyed and learned. I hope to contribute again.
I also notice no '05's left on the lots.
Not a whole lot of changes to the it other than the way options and price is structured.
Two things that stood out were change in color of the front dash panels from grey to black and fan, heating & A/C controls.
I think that the original grey panels gave the dash a better look and the original center counsol was better laid out.
The black panels make the dash look too dark.
I also didn' see the leather shifter on '06 either.
The Equinox is still a nice overall looking vehicle even for 2006.
but, I think I'll keep my ' 05 Nox.
Let us know your fuel economy.
I have a FWD Silver LT.
I've been getting 20 mpg combined (50/50) and 26 mpg on the highway.
Thats a nice touch on the mirrors.
I also noticed a difference in the rocker panels too.
JD
1) Why the Equinox? Well, I just boat a 16 foot, 1500 lb. fishing boat and my 1999 Subby outback 4 cyl wasn’t cutting it. Was really straining to pull it on the hiways. So I needed a 6 cyl. I really loved my Subby but Subaru America simply priced me out of that model. Nothing below 30K! What a dumb move on their part.
So my buddy, who researches everything, told me how much he liked his new Equinox (though he did warn of bad blind spots). I Test drove a 1 year old used 2005 with 14k miles on. The dealer, a family friend gave me a GREAT trade value on my Subby so I had to do the deal. It drove fine, room enough for the kids in back, same (or very close) MPG as my aging Subby, and a great deal. What’s not to like
2) Well....there is apparently a lot not to like. I though I would transition better to the difference in creature comforts and layout but so far, not so good.
a) Trunk: The cargo space is considerably smaller than the Subby, surprising since it’s nearly the same dimensions. The wheel wells consume a lot of cargo area.
b) Cargo shelf. What seemed like a good idea, turned out to be useless. When the shelf is up (highest setting) I logically place things on it. However, those things slide to the back when driving. Because of a gap between the rear of the shelf and the tailgate, when you open the gate, everything falls out! It takes plastic man to reach under with one hand to prevent falling, while lifting the gate with the other. And if your cargo is heavy, close the door, squeeze into the back seat and pull the load off the door, other wise it’s all over the ground
Also, the cargo area is small when compared to the Subby. Who would have thunk?
c) Shelf - part II: When the shelf is up, there is no light under the shelf so you can’t see anything. Simply a dumb design. Put a light under there GM
d) Passenger handles: above-the-window grips. How much could it possibly cost to install these? $10 each. C’mon GM, get on the ball GM. And why no floor mats. Please a little respect for us.
e) Center console. Nice to have to large cup holders in the Console. However, because the holders are on the flip-up arm rest, you can’t flip it up to get to your stuff (wallet, directions, purse etc) with full drinks. Duh.
f) Site lines: I live in the city and do A LOT of parallel parking. I am not too proud to say I am very good at it. However the site lines on this Equinox, make it v difficult to park this car. Example: the rear/cargo side windows are 1) obstructed by the second row head rests and 2) are not large enough so that you can see the tail of the car on which you’re basing your “cut”. It’s pure guess work.
g) Radio: What’s the deal with always reverting to the ROCK equalizer setting. I prefer the brighter JAZZ preset, yet every time I change stations, it reverts to the bloated rock sound. And the general design of the unit is awkward. It amazes me that after about 60 years of putting radios in cars, we haven’t arrived at radio interface that at the very least is logical?
h) Headlights: What’s with these Day Light Running Lights. What an awful idea, because I can never turn my lights off. At the risk of sounding creepy, there are times where I want my headlights off while I am pulling over (e.g. maybe I have to pee on the road side, or I don’t want the light blaring in my mothers face when I pull up to her house.)
k) Door Locks: why, when I use my key to open the door, does the car start beeping and pinging louder & louder until the horn starts blaring? After all I used the key to enter the car, not a sledge hammer. I thought I turned off this “feature” but it always comes back on. I have to hurry and start the car to avoid the noise.. Who does this benefit.
l) beeps, boings & bings: I can’t find a pattern in the sounds the car makes when the drive door is open. Sometimes silent, sometime noisy. Doesn’t matter if key is in ignition, or lights are on, or neither. It has a mind of its own. Again, an over-engineered “feature”
m) Headlights: You mean to tell me the headlights don’t turn off when the car is off. WTF?
n) Minor point. Does any one really use the nickel & dime holders? What parking meter takes nickels and dimes? Make them all quarter-holders.
o) No navigation lights. If I need inside light, there is only the over head light, which when on waked my sleeping children.
p) Sun visors: you can not push them all the way fwd to be against the windshield, they flop down, thus greatly * dangerously limiting your view. I have to slouch down when I use them because they cut off too much of the horizon.
q) Brake pedal is too high. Cant drive barefoot because only my big toe reach the brake pedal, and I am a size 12 ½
THE GOOD
a) very decent gas mileage for a SUV. Both Hwy & City are in the 20 mpg
b) roomy in the front
c) decent power, no issues pulling the boat.
anyhow, thanks for listening
I get 20/25 with 50/50 mix of driving with my AWD.
Oh, by the way, there is a navigation light. Try pressing on the lights above the center console.
b) Cargo Shelf - I agree this is somewhat useless, but GM did something smart in making one side carpeted and flat, while the other is plastic and has raised edges. My wife drives the Nox 90% of the time, but she seems to put things on the shelf, plastic side up, and does not have problems with cargo sliding off. Is your shelf on the "right side"?
d) Oh Sh*t Handles - I agree. Would be nice to have. Real surprised not too see them in an suv, as most cars these days even have them. Not sure if the 06 has them or not.
f) Site Lines - The wife's 05 has the big headrests that make for terrible lines. However, for the 06, GM reverted back to MUCH smaller headrests that pretty much eliminate the problem. I would bet that 05 and 06 headrests are interchangable. I bet you could go to dealer or most likely online to get smaller headrests. For a few bucks it would make a big difference.
g) Radio - When you set the preset, it also saves the equ setting. So set to the Equalizer setting you want, then hold the preset button to save.
i) Door Locks - I believe the keyless entry system is also a very basic alarm. If you lock the car with the remote, it expects to be unlocked with the remote. Not to nitpick, but why would you use a key when you can just press the remote button to unlock?
m) Headlights - I agree. I hate DRL and the fact that they are always on. I was waiting to pick up food last night, and since the lights would not turn off, I ended up lighting up the whole inside of Fridays.
n) Coin Holders - Pointless in my opinion. Especially since each one holds maybe 4 or 5 coins. That maybe gets you an hour of parking at the most, and you are right, nickel/dimes are worthless.
q) Brake Pedal - I agree, it is slightly high. To each their own. My wife doesnt notice it, because her feet are too small to drive most carswith her brake foot on the ground. I would bet many women have this problem.
GOOD
a) The gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV. Alot of people complain because they get 18-20, and those in CRV or RAV get 25 or so. What most dont realize, is the NOX is much bigger than either (18 inches longer than RAV, 8 longer than CRV). A NOX is about the same size as a late 1990's Explorer, so cut it a little slack.
b) Lots of room for passengers, both front and back. While trunk space is compromised a bit by the struts, I would trade that off for the extra space for the second row and front row. I dont have kids (yet) but would bet that the extra space in the second row makes everyone happier on long trips. I am 6 foot 2, and this is one of the few cars that I dont have to move the driver seat as far back as it goes.
Just my .02, take it for what its worth. BTW, 10k miles in 5 months, no problems to report, getting about 20mpg overall (50/50). Enjoy
J K F
I admit NOX has great style appearance that's why he still holding on in my list.
So far I like it a lot more than I thought I would. When I accepted this job I was told I would have a choice of company cars between the Chrysler 300, Pontaic Grand Prix, Ford 500, and Chevy Impala. I was pretty disappointed when we changed lease companies and my only options were GM cars. After renting an Equinox LS, I decided to go with the Equniox.
It's the perfect company car. It doesn't look like every other company car on the road (Impala and Taurus), has lots of room in the back seat and the storage area. It has a very refined ride and feels great on the interstate. It rides much better than my wife's Ford 2002 The V-6 seems to have enough power for my particular use. My coworkers wish they could trade their Impalas on one.
It is quite stylish and looks a lot like the Lexus and Acura SUVs. Not near the features of them, but it looks great.
The stereo is suprisingly good and the audio controls on the steering wheel is a nice touch. The cruise is smoother than previous GM models that seemed quite jerky. The sunroof works well and I actually like the window buttons on the console. I've read several complaints about the coin holder. There aren't many toll roads in my area, but lots of drive through windows. The ability to quickly access quarters, nickels, and pennies is pretty nice when you go grab that large diet coke during road trips.
Not all is perfect with the 'nox. The electric assisted power steering is sluggish and takes some time to get used to. The turning radius reminds me of my old 95 Nissan Pathfinder, entirely too wide and hard to park in tight spaces.
While I like the interior a lot, there are a couple of things I don't like. The cupholders stink. The ones that pull out from the center console are flimsy and are hard to put larger cups into and out of. The larger one on the floor of the console is hard to reach while driving. The emergency brake can't be used while the pull out cup holders are being used. Come on GM, you did such a nice job on this car, finish the deal and make the cup holders more user friendly.
While there is a huge amount of leg room in the back seat, there should be a fold down arm rest in the rear seat to make it more comfortable for the two rear passengers. Rear air vents would be a nice touch.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the Equinox and glad I was able to get this as my company car.
If you decide to get one, be sure to get the LT model, as it is considerably nicer than the LS model.
When the automatic headlamp system is in daytime mode, you can turn off the daytime running lights when the engine is idleing and vehicle is not moving by placing the shift lever in park.
My 04 Malibu has a position on the light switch at the end of the turn signal lever that lets you completely disable the entire automatic light system at any time. Automatic mode returns the next time you restart the car. I like this much better.
Regarding your comment "m", on my Nox, when headlight switch is set to automatic and system is in nighttime mode, the headlights go off as soon as I turn the key to off position. If this vehicle has a delayed off feature, I have not been able to get it to work.
I seriously considered OnStar before purchasing my 2005 Chevy Equinox. However; with the analog to digital signal + Verzion cell phone requirement and the ambiguity that surrounded the issue, I decided not to option for OnStar.
J K F
Check out the interior on the 06 VUE. It's VERY nice, hugh upgrade over the 05s.
I leave the dealer, then a few monthes later am attracted by the exteriors good looks again, go to the dealer, then decide I cannot live with the cheap (and ugly) seat material.
I understand for 2006 there have been some changes. Does anyone know if they have changed the cloth seat material, or upgraded the quality of the leather?
If the Rav-4 really will come with the 264hp v6 for the same price as the equinox (even with the upgrade) 184-200hp v6 then the rav4 will eat the equinox.
The only thing i can think of is that the actual transaction prices will be much lower for the equinox and higher for the rav4.
The 3.5L will be a nice upgrade, but indeed GM needs to take that expensive 3.6L 255hp V6 and put it into EVERYTHING it makes, from a Malibu to a CTS, and get rid of that POS 2.8L V6, and give us more power from your 3.6 with a new VVT or meybe DOD or a new fuel injection system.
Even the Honda 3.5L in the Vue is only a SOHC.
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