2005 Chevy Equinox Review
Price Estimate: $663 - $1,075
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Average price: $4,612
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard V6 engine, long wheelbase affords plenty of interior room, fore/aft-adjustable rear seats, available side curtain airbags.
Cons
- Costs as much as the more powerful Saturn Vue, limited drivetrain choices, confusing stereo controls.
What’s new
The Equinox is an all-new compact SUV from Chevrolet. It shares a platform with the Saturn Vue and offers similar levels of space and versatility for buyers seeking practical suburban transportation.
Edmunds says
A superior successor to the aged Tracker, the Equinox offers flexible interior space, a strong engine and modern styling.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
33 listings
- New ListingPhotos not available$4,287fair price$407 below market
- 143,999 miles
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Norris Honda (55 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Baltimore, MD
*****2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT***** LOW PRICED SUV HERE NOW CALL-410-285-0600. CLEAN CARFAX, ONE OWNER, 16" x 6.5" Cast Aluminum Wheels, CD player, Po...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2CNDL63F156123151
Stock: TB057394A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-04-2026 - $6,495fair price$321 below market
- 52,062 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Iron Horse Auto Sales (137 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
Close
Located in Sewell, NJ
This is a 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LT AWD 4 DOOR SUV. It is silver and has only 52,062 ORIGINAL MILES! Options include: 3.4L V6, AUTO, PS, PB, COLD AC, ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2CNDL73FX56079723
Stock: 079723
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-28-2025
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Build Your 2026 Equinox

- 6 Colors
- 3 Trims
- 3 Packages
- $28,700starting MSRP

Build & Buy Chevrolet.com
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox consistently appreciate its reliability when it comes to general maintenance and fuel efficiency. Several drivers have found that the Equinox performs admirably with regular care, such as oil changes and standard upkeep, making it a vehicle that doesn't demand constant attention under the hood. The Equinox has been noted for maintaining a steady fuel consumption level, often achieving over 25 MPG, which is a notable benefit for those with long commutes or frequent trips. Its overall comfort, especially the generous legroom in the rear seats, makes it a pleasant ride for drivers and passengers alike. The vehicle's ability to navigate wintry conditions and handle on snow-covered roads is another praised aspect, providing confidence to those living in colder climates. The V6 engine, while not the most powerful, offers a smooth driving experience, particularly on highways where it delivers a surprisingly comfortable and quiet ride. Additionally, some owners highlight the aesthetic appeal of the Equinox, noting that the exterior design still garners compliments even years after purchase.
Common Issues
The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox is frequently criticized for a range of mechanical and design issues that have frustrated many drivers. Engine troubles, particularly related to the head gasket, seem to be a recurring problem, with some drivers experiencing significant overheating that leads to costly repairs. The vehicle's transmission can also be a source of headaches, with reports of difficult access for maintenance and outright failures in some cases. Electrical issues, such as malfunctioning window controls and faulty ignition systems, add to the list of owner woes, sometimes leaving drivers stranded or unable to start their vehicles. The interior materials and layout also receive negative feedback; the seats are prone to staining easily, even from water, and inconvenient placement of window controls has left many passengers perplexed. Poor visibility due to blind spots and limited turning radius make maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. Finally, several drivers have voiced concerns regarding unusual noises and vibrations, such as clunking during turns and an unsettling ride over uneven surfaces, which contribute to an overall lack of confidence in the vehicle's build quality.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox elicits mixed reactions from everyday drivers, with varying experiences of satisfaction and reliability. While some owners applaud the vehicle for its dependable nature when subject to regular maintenance, others recount instances where it feels like a never-ending series of repairs. Longtime owners appreciate that maintenance might often only involve routine upkeep, yet initial investments into replacing components like the radiator or spark plugs are common. The fuel economy often meets expectations, offering decent gas mileage for a compact SUV, which makes it more appealing for daily commuting. However, the frequent mechanical issues, notably with the head gasket and transmission, have left many drivers wary of its long-term reliability. Interior comfort wins points among some users for spaciousness, but the low durability of materials such as seat fabric and door panels is a recurring complaint. Despite the exterior's enduring appeal to some, ongoing mechanical problems and design flaws inside undermine what could otherwise be a well-regarded package.
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2026 Equinox
LT, ACTIV and RS
Starting MSRP$28,700
See All Trims
Chevrolet.com
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$180/mo for Equinox LS
Equinox LS
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 04V302000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 04044
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-04-01 to 2004-04-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 132
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' AN IGNITION KEY PARK LOCK CABLE END FITTING WAS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER NAIL HEAD DURING INSTALLATION.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS CAN PREVENT THE CABLE AUTO-SET FROM CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE CABLE. AN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED CABLE PREVENTS THE SHIFTER FROM LOCKING IN THE 'PARK' POSITION WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE KEY CYLINDER.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SHIFT LOCK WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED. DEALERS WILL REPAIR VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT THE SUBJECT CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Chevrolet Equinox Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(63%)
4(20%)
3(9%)
2(6%)
1(2%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
My equinox
4 out of 5 starsJared, 09/10/2015
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
I see many complaints of the equinox. I have owned mine for 7 yrs now bought it with 35000 mls now has 156000. I haven't had to do any major maintenance on it til now having to replace the head gasket. I put almost 700 mls a week on it and have had nothing but being happy with its performance and reliability. My wife also feels the same. So whether it be ppl not performing their own at … home maintenance of a vehicle, changing its oil and just learning their vehicle with its sound and handling and knowing when something is wrong is their fault. I love my Equinox and would not hesitate to buy another
Starting problems
4.13 out of 5 starsmudskipper, 09/14/2011
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
I recently bought a 2005 Equinox. I looked for over a month and thought I got a good deal.
I've had it for a week and I'm having starter problems.
It turns over but takes a long time to start.
This only happens about half the time.
As I'm reading reviews I'm seeing this is a common problem.
I would like to get it fixed while under warranty so I'm curious to know what exactly the problem … is.
Seeing all of these bad reviews and potential problems I am now wondering if I was wrong in buying an Equinox.
Any ideas on the starting problem?
Brake Issues
4 out of 5 starschevy_lady, 02/19/2013
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased my 2005 chevy equinox and havent had any troubles other than the ABS light and TC light coming on and staying on. My brakes now pump against me when i am trying to stop and also I have to give it gas to help it start up. The ABS sensor has to be replaced.
Going Strong at 197,000 Miles
5 out of 5 starsCeltic, 10/05/2017
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
I have used nothing but Mobil 1 Full Synthetic since the first oil change. The original spark plugs lasted 150,000 miles. This has been a maintenance only (oil, filters, brakes, tires, muffler) vehicle for the past twelve years. There is still no change in oil consumption since new and it still gets 25+ MPG.
2005 Equinox Features & Specs
LS
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,320 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $180/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.2 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Equinox include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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