Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox Consumer Reviews
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Best Chevy I've Owned
Best value in small/midsize SUV category. Best Chevy I've owned. Very smooth transmission. Nice acceleration. Great looks (inside and out). AWD is wonderful in rain and snow. I got it loaded and couldn't be happier. I read all the ratings in here and most are on the mark. Cupholders are flimsy, but the rear headrests have not been an issue. I would highly recommend this SUV
Like my Nox
I have had my Nox for 7 months, and have had no problems at all. I am not overly excited about my gas mileage. I live in Pittsburgh with hills everywhere, and average about 17 mpg in city driving. As for the window controls on the center console that everyone complains about, my boss's Mercedes has its controls on the console also, and it costs about 3 times as much as my Nox. My only complaint is the turning radius seems to be way too big for the size of the vehicle. Besides this, I have not one bad thing to say about my Nox. I love it.
- LT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,495127 mi away
- LS 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995145 mi away
- LS 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,950221 mi away
Loving My Nox
I traded in my Blazer for the Equinox. Haven't had any problems whatsoever. It's so much fun to drive, and it has great features for the price I paid. I'm always getting stopped to ask how I like my Equinox., and I always say, it's the best car I've ever had.
Great vehicle!
This car is comfortable and fun to drive. Its gas mileage is decent, and my kids love how the back seat reclines. it was a very great price for this car.
Happy in Bama
This is my first Chevy and first SUV. I have owned several cars in the past, my last a Honda Accord in which I have been very pleased with. But with an increasing family, my wife and I started looking at SUVs. We spotted the Equinox. We were very impressed with its style and also the price, along with its mileage performance. I'm tall, so I wanted an SUV that would be very roomy, and the Equinox has it all and more. The interior could be a little nicer with plusher leather. A wheel bearing went bad in back right wheel, the window washer quit working, and most recently I heard a popping noise when making turns. It was left front strut that dealership recently replaced, I hope it's not an omen. Other than that, I'm very pleased. Chevy has replaced the Tracker with an awesome SUV. As of right now with 23,000 miles I am very happy with this vehicle.
Build Quality Questionable
The engine is just adequate for this size of SUV, and its performance is great so far. The dashboard design is okay but did not follow any ergonomics principles. The worst things are the locations of the power window switches and the gear shift display. The audio controls are horrible and you might want to get handle mounted controls. The stereo system itself is great. Right now the back door makes a terrible loud squeaking noise, which is a built in defect, and you have to push it hard to close the back doors.
I've had better
I've had the 'nox for about 3 months now and i've had a few problems like the visor fell off and the console screws came lose but nothing major yet. There is a bit of access noise in the cabin but not too bad. The ride is pretty good, and the gas mileage is OK. I guess my favorite feature would have to be the interior room for the size of the car. I'm 6'1 and it's no inconvenience for me to sit in it. It has pretty good take off for the 185 hp. The car is not a bad one in my eyes. I'm just saying there definitely are better ones out there. The stereo is pretty nice
Amazing Interior Space and a Fun SUV!
I have had my Equinox since Sept 04 and it has exceeded my expectations for an SUV! It isn't too big to drive and doesn't feel like you are driving a bus. It drives like a car and get gas mileage like a car also. I love it.
Good basic transportation
I'm graduating from a 2002 Subaru Outback. I needed AWD and the ability to fit 3 car seats across the back seat. The 2005 Equinox with cloth seats fits the bill. The back seat is cavernous and really easy for the kids to get in and out of their seats (Graco SnugRide, Radian 80, Graco Nautilus). The AWD is great, much superior to the FWD I was renting. I like the higher ride as compared to a car. I like the suspension as compared to a truck chassis like a Trail Blazer. The interior is cheap and basic, but I don't care about any of that and didn't want to pay up for it. The price is hard to beat. All in, this is just what I was looking for.
Sad Equinox customer
When I bought my Equinox, I was very satisfied but in the past couple of months I have had nothing but problems which the dealership and Chevrolet refuse to recognize as problems. I have been nothing but unsatisfied with Chevrolet for the past couple of month. The gas mileage does not even get what it is rated at.
Best mid size SUV available
This vehicle has received many comments regarding its design and overall looks. It is very peppy, handles easily, is easy to park and maintain. The rear seat slide feature adds more than enough room for passengers and groceries. I am looking forward to taking a long trip vacation in the near future. Because of its mileage capability, the trip should be inexpensive and great fun.
Gas Mileage
I love my Equinox so far. Except for the gas mileage. It's far from the rated 25 mpg. Although it only has 600 miles on it, I am only getting 17 - 18 mgp after 3 tanks. I drive highway 93% of the time usually between 70 - 75 mph.
EQI-NOT
At 30,000 miles a rear wheel bearing had to be replaced. The front brake rotors showed serious warping at 30,000 miles. The standard tires were substandard. The vehicle overall has bad gas mileage. It is a very handy vehicle for shopping, hauling. I have always been a GM man even when they rusted out in 3 years. Thank God the Japanese introduced their line. Even though I accumulate GM dollars, I will go foreign the next time around.
Was okay until...
I drive about 80 miles a day plus trips and really had no probs until now. Driveshaft bearing went out and supposedly damaged the CV joint. Still in the shop because apparently this is common. Was great thru Cleveland winter, even got me up the drive in 6" of snow with new Yoko tires. Still too many recurring and issues from the posts I've read. Maybe I'll trade in & get a Buick. I'll not by foreign.
05 Nox
I do like my 05 Equinox, but on a long trip my family took, the comfort wasn't the best. There was plenty of room, but I have always had passenger cars which have the seats mounted lower to the floor. I am sure this is the reason for my discomfort on our long trip. The motor could use a bit more power. Even on local highways, the transmission downshifts when going up hills.
Great Vehicle
I truly enjoy driving this vehicle. Everything about the SUV, from style to performance, is great. Would buy another one.
Overall a good SUV
I had a Montero, and this SUV is a lot more fun to drive. It's not been too long since I got it, but so far so good. Only problem is the stereo is too complicated. GM should do something about it..
Awesome car
This is the best midsized SUV I've ever had. It is way better than the Escape, Vue, Trailblazer, and Envoy. It is sporty. It almost looks like a Lexus/Mercedes I've been told. It has a lot of power and room. It drives great. It's very quiet and comfortable. It's very sharp looking. I love my new Equinox LT.
My awesome car
My Chevy Equinox is the best car I've ever owned. It's fun to drive and a very safe, reliable automobile. I look forward to many years with my car.
Good to Go
Our LT is fun to drive. I have been getting 16.5 MPH in all around driving.
Shari's Equinox
Very happy with the purchase. Flaws? Only 2 - the coffee holders stink and the vehicle needs handholds; otherwise it is a great vehicle
I will buy another Equinox
This is one of the most comfortable vehicles I have owned. I usually trade every 3 yrs. This equinox has me sold. I've had foreign cars & trucks. They all seem to have a rough ride & outside noise. This equinox is quiet & takes bumps smoothly. I used it in a courier service for the first 2 years. I routinely take it on long trips. 10 months ago I drove it from Sacramento to LA down I-40 to Amarillo up to Pueblo and back to Sac via hwy 50. Temps outside ranged from 5 to 80 degrees depending on location. Plenty of power for the mountains. Not one problem with this vehicle. I don't work for GM and I'm not being paid to write this. Never had a problem. My next car will be an Equinox or Terrain.
2006 Equinox LT
We just picked up our 2006 Equinox LT, Laser Blue, and are much MUCH happier with the 2006 LT model, than we were with the 2005 LS model, because the LS doesn't come with cruise, plus we had silver with black bumpers, now we have painted blue bumpers, and are going to get the sunroof too. The 06 LT drives a LOT smoother than the LS, with AWD, traction control etc, plus, is much quieter and steers more solidly than the LS, which tended to be finicky and jump around a lot. Plus the cheesy faux "alloy looking" hubcaps with the black rims showing underneath. We are very very happy with the new model. Happy enough to take the big hit on depreciation after having the 05 model just one month!
Good for the traveller
This car is great for those who need to travel. It has room, but gets pretty good gas milage (20 mpg). Rides well and is loaded with convenience.
I LOVE MY NOX!!!!
I love my Equinox. I read a lot of reviews about it and decided I needed to go find out for myself. Once I drove it.......I loved it! I thought with all of the bad reviews out there that this car was awful, but looked good. I test drove it on a Friday night and was there Saturday afternoon to pick it up! I've only had it for 3 days, but I haven't had any problems. I also chose to buy the demo because it was already "broken in". Due to this, I get great gas mileage! :-) My family loves it but couldn't believe I got rid of my sports car for a SUV!!! I would highly recommend everyone to buy one, but don't because I enjoy not seeing too many on the road. I like the looks I get! :-)
Still New
Have Equinox for several weeks, plenty of room for seating five. Pickup is good and handles excellent in the snow. Exterior looks got me in, pricing and room sold me. The mileage on the sticker needs to be recalculated, I am averaging 15 mpg. Don't lie about this data, comsumers will pick up on this
Overall Good Performer
I went from a European car that gave me nothing but problems to an American car that I'm actually looking forward to driving. Gas mileage a little less than perfect but overall, great power, good handling and so much space and comfort.
Never again GM!
I was so looking forward to buying this vehicle. Then I did. I had to tell the salesman the specs on the Equinox. GM's SmartBuy program is a joke. You have to pay them to take the vehicle back if you decide you don't want it! The tires went bald at 15k miles. Then it took 3 months to find tires! The service engine soon light comes on every 4-5 starts and Chevy says just to ignore it, rather than figure out what causes it. They want $13k after 4 years for the vehicle when it goes straight to auction for $5k. Gas mileage is not what they advertised! I get 11-16 mpg. It's supposed to get 19-25. I'll never buy another GM since I can get a much better vehicle for less than what I paid on this one
Equinox-bad gas mileage
Everthing is fine except for the mileage 14.8 to 15.4 in the city have not had it on the highway yet.Will take it to the dealer to see if what they can do if not will complain to the highest levels, Why do some get excellent mileage and others do not?
Great Ride
The Equinox is great on gas. Coming out of a Blazer I feel like I ride forever before filling up again. With automatic 4-wheel drive I no longer worry about when is the right time to engage 4-wheel drive, although it takes some getting used to the first few times it kicks in. My only complaint - the headrests on the back seat are too high, making it difficult to see out of the rear window.
Good Gas Mileage!
Just checked my mileage for "city driving" and I get 20 mpg. I drive up and down a mountain twice a day - and I am thrilled with the mileage. I can't believe the leg room front and rear. The radio and window controls are user friendly - especially like the radio controls on the steering wheel. Rides and handles with comfort and ease of a sedan - not like most SUVs.
Good Reliable 4-Wheel Drive Security
When you get out of this car you look at it and say, "That car is much smaller than the one I was driving". The Equinox is roomy, quiet, and peppy enough, gets good mileage and is comfortable for four big adults. It misses grab handles, lighted vanity mirrors, built in garage remote control, under hood light and opening rear window. It is a good buy and a winner among many similar competitors.
Stay away
Stay away...this gas eating machine will not come close to dealer specs. My car has been in 7 times in 3 months for things falling apart and shifting issues. Software updates have not changed a thing. So, be cautious with this one.
Hope it gets stolen
I hate this vehicle. Rear bearings went out at 42K miles. Now front bearings are going out. Complained to Chevy and they wouldn't back it up because I bought it used and a local mechanic did the work. The fact it was poor quality didn't play into it. GM and Chevy have lost me forever.
Love My Equinox
Altho my mileage hasn't been as good as I would like - it is getting better as the engine gets broken in - I do love this car. I is particularly fun to drive, while having plenty of room and remaining comfortable.
Great American Made
We shopped all the competition. Honda, Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Hyundai and others. We were most impressed by the Chevy. Price, features and after 6 months Quality! We have never had one problem. The vehicile is comfortable and has many options the imports missed and the ride is better! The fuel economy improved after 3,000 miles and the vehicile is superb on fit an finish. We have owned everything from all US made to Japan and European Imports and this car rocks! Easy entry & exit, flat floor, performance and quality have us thinking the US car makers are passing the imports and no premium price & we don't deal attitude of the imports.
Love this vehicle!
I have been extremely pleased with my purchase of the Equinox. It drives like a luxury vehicle. It has plenty of leg room in the second seat and a 6'4" person can ride very comfortable in the back seat. It is great on gas mileage too. Very pleased and highly recommend.
Chevy hits it big with Equinox
We bought the AWD Equinox in June 2004. It is a solid vehicle and a joy to drive. My wife needed a vehicle that she could depend on as she drives across a mountain to work. The Equinox has met and surpassed our expectations, expecially in snow and bad weather. I was driving a 4 wheel drive Chevy Tracker behind my wife in the Equinox and I was sliding more than she. Now we find out the Equinox has a 5 star impact rating for front and side collions. We are very happy with the SUV!
So Far So Good
So far so good. Our first major test was a vacation trip from Ohio to South Dakota. Nice.
Bum Equinox
I loved my car from the moment I bought it but shortly after the problems started. It would start about 50% of the time and I had it in the shop several times before it was discovered that the fuel pump system had faulty parts. Recently the wiring system has become faulty and is blowing fuses to the point that my car literally dies! The trade in value is horrible and the gas mileage is nothing to brag about.
Country Girl
I went from a Grand Caravan to an Equinox and enjoy the smaller size. The turning radius is longer than the van, which is odd. So far, I am enjoying it. Am getting 20+ in mixed driving and will probably get more on a trip. The cup holders are inconvenient. I think the shift mechanism should trade places with cup holders so the cups are comfortable to reach. Need a dome (reading) light between visors, front is dark at night. A/C cools well, SUV handles nicely. Has 80,000 (fleet vehicle) on it, but is trouble free so far. My son-in-law found it for me on e-bay - driving it home my daughter liked it so much, they got one for her.
Three years down the road.
We came from my second-hand 1996 Geo Metro 3-door hatchback dying from a major oil leak & my dad's 1998 Chevy Malibu to my 2005 lazer blue with dealer installed gray pin-stripping `Nox LT. I'd been lurking for year(s)searching for a vehicle to haul my WWII VFW dad & any future walking aids he'd have. Regular oil changes, tire rotations & annual car wash is all it has needed (garaged for the last 2 years). The MPG was 14 in 2005 and I expect it to still be low; since it only gets to run to the doctors, groceries, church and senior citizens club in a small town with 20 to 35 mph speed limits. It got a compliment this summer after its annual carwash about how pretty it was...is it new?
Sexy Red Equinox
Vehicle really looks sharp. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Handling and acceleration are very good. Lots of legroom in rear when seat is all the way back. Sound system (premium sound with 6 disc CD changer) is terrific.
Best Mid-Size SUV for the Money
Great all around SUV. Good looking exterior, clean interior design, plenty of seating room, V6, drives smooth, and good saftety ratings. For the money it's far superior to the Honda CRV.
Equinox...Luxury for $30K!
I bought my Equinox in August and it was the best thing I have done in a long time. I began looking at just the LT Base packages, but when I saw the Summit White with the LT 1SE package, I couldn't resist. It had everything that my BMW had, but for $10K less. The tan leather with the Summit White clearcoat is a beautiful combo. The power and fuel economy is outstanding. I just graduated High School and I drive to college and I get close to 30 MPG with 185 HP...WOW!!!
Soaked
The car has problems with water leaks. Had problems with brakes. Needed new windshield. Gas mileage poor. Comfort leaves much to be desired. Very disatisfied with the car and also GM. If they ever get the leak fixed and it drys out I can get rid of it. That will be the happiest day with my Equinox.
Luv my Nox
We just purchased our New LT FWD Equinox Jan 31, came right off the truck, still with the wrappers. MFG date: 1/05. Equipped with Sunroof and Leather. After 650 miles and about 1 month I am happy to report no problems. I looked it over, top and bottom, and was impressed with the paint, build, fit and finish. It is a nice looking vehicle. My wife loves it. I've driven it in the rain and snow. I'm impressed with the ride, handling, and acceleration. Transmission is smooth and responsive. Wife and I love the vehicle and its universal features.
Roomy but a gas guzzle
I've had my Equinox for just over a year now. It's great for road trips in that it's comfortable and holds a ton. BUT, I get horrible gas mileage. I am also starting to have clanking engine sounds and I've always had odd grinding sounds when I'm sitting at a light on the brake. Mileage, the best city I get is around 16 (no a/c and not foot heavy). Hwy the best has been 21. For basic city driving, I'm filling up on empty having driven at most 230 miles. Not what I was expecting. All in all, a good family car if you need an SUV. Good horsepower, comfy ride, nice features, horrible cup holder placement. I like it better than others in it's class, but I'm going back to a sedan.
Utility
Living in the snow belt I love this thing. Kinda plain but has all the essentials. 7.5k no problems knock knock.
Just Purchased
Reason: cars are a challenge for my knees, getting in and out. Also we (mom and son) are 6'2 and 6'5, so we needed leg room. It drives nicely and I spoke with other Equinox owners who had nothing but nice things to say. Everybody's experience is different, but so far I've driven to work and back and the ride is smooth. I will have good gas mileage since my travel to work is mainly highway. Time will tell if I made a good decision.