2005 Chevy Equinox Review
2005 Chevy Equinox Review





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Used Equinox for sale
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*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.
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2005 Chevrolet Equinox appraisal values can range from $800 - $1,857.
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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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.85 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$244/mo
Equinox LS
vs
$236/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
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2022 Equinox
LT, LT Fleet, LS, LS Fleet, Premier and RS
$25,800starting MSRP
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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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox.
5 star(63%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(2%)
734 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
My equinox
Jared,09/10/2015
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
4.13 out of 5 stars
Starting problems
mudskipper,09/14/2011
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?
2.88 out of 5 stars
Buyer beware...
bocakin12,04/13/2012
LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
I fell in love with how pretty this car was immediately.
It came with all the bells and whistles, and after years of driving a straight forward Focus, I had to have it.
Even after reading the reviews on this site about how sketchy the Equinox could be, I thought "that won't be me."
Ohhhh but it is.
Two weeks after I bought it the check engine light was one, never to leave.
The airbag … light quickly followed.
Followed by two brake jobs, the starter issue mentioned so many times by other users, and who knows what is next.
Cannot wait to trade it in after paid off.
Such a shame because it still is so pretty...
5 out of 5 stars
Going Strong at 197,000 Miles
Celtic,10/05/2017
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.
Safety
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.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestNot Tested
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More about the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
More About This Model
Executives from the domestic automakers are often asked why they've been getting walloped by the growing popularity of imported brands. They invariably launch into complicated answers involving labor costs, exchange rates and other similarly incomprehensible business-speak.
On the flip side, when consumers are asked why they don't buy domestic vehicles as often as they used to the answers are a little more straightforward. Quality and reliability are still up there along with resale value and customer service, but above and beyond those practical concerns, there's the all-important matter of style. In the eyes of many American consumers the imports have it, the domestics don't.
Chevrolet hasn't done itself any favors over the years with its lineup of tired, uninspiring designs, but the tide is starting to turn, and there's no better example of that than the new 2005 Equinox compact SUV. Its styling is decidedly more L.A. than Detroit, and it boasts a competitive spec sheet that includes a standard V6, numerous standard features and an interior with more room than many midsizers. But are Americans really ready for Chevrolets that don't look like, well Chevrolets?
The Equinox makes for an easy transition. It's not only sharp-looking on the outside, it sports an interior that's equally fresh in its appearance. Silver metallic dash trim, a two-tone color scheme and backlit gauges give the Equinox a more upscale look than most of its competitors while the well-bolstered driver seat offers solid comfort and standard height adjustment. Although the center console houses the stereo, climate controls, central vents and shifter, it cants away from the driver to maintain a comfortable level of personal space. Aside from a few glaring lapses in materials quality on the dash and door panels, the Equinox ranks right up there with the Jeep Liberty for best-in-class interior honors.
As stylish as it is, however, the Equinox doesn't give up much in the way of functionality to attain its polished appearance. The shifter's placement in the middle of the center console keeps it within easy reach while at the same time freeing up space between the seats for bulky purses or briefcases. Designers even carved out some usable space around the shifter itself for smaller items like keys or cell phones a nice touch. The flip-up armrest also provides out-of-sight storage as well as a soft-touch lid for resting your elbow. Additional details like rubberized climate control knobs and an available premium sound system are two more features that contribute to the upscale feel of the Equinox.
Sit in the backseat and you would think you're in a midsize SUV thanks to the generous passenger room in back. Although the Equinox shares its basic structure with the Saturn Vue, it uses a longer wheelbase and wider track to open up even more interior room. A sliding rear seat with eight inches of travel makes the most out of the available room whether you need maximum cargo or passenger space. The cargo area itself is a little on the narrow side, but a multiposition shelf similar to that found in the PT Cruiser gives you a few options as to how the space can be utilized.
There are two trim levels offered, base LS and upscale LT, with either front- or all-wheel drive. Base LS models are well equipped with standard features like a CD stereo; keyless entry; power windows, mirrors and locks; and 16-inch wheels. Upgrading to the LT adds antilock brakes (also standard on AWD LS models), upgraded cloth upholstery, cruise control and alloy wheels. Available options include heated leather seats, a premium sound system, side curtain airbags and 17-inch wheels.
Although it's generally well executed throughout, the Equinox isn't without a few flaws. Not only are the door panels average-looking in appearance, the lack of soft-touch material on the upper portion makes them poor armrests on longer trips. The doors also feature flimsy door handles and slim storage bins with no bottle holders. Up front, we could do without the centrally located window switches, overly busy radio layout and small pop-out cupholders that won't do well with oversized drinks.
Such complaints are admittedly minor, but when you're competing against strong entries from Ford, Honda and Toyota among others, there's not much room for error. Chevrolet figured as much when it stocked the Equinox with a 3.4-liter V6 engine as standard equipment. Delivering 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, the six-cylinder power plant offers less horsepower than the Ford Escape (200) but more torque (193), while the Kia Sorento bests the Equinox in both categories with 192 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque.
The trump card for the Equinox, however, is its five-speed automatic. With an extra gear at its disposal, the transmission is able to keep the V6 planted firmly in its sweet spot for solid acceleration at nearly any speed. Its shifts come quickly and smoothly, giving the Equinox a satisfying level of performance on par with most of its peers. The old-tech V6 gets a bit thrashy at high rpm, but it makes up for it in efficiency with mileage estimates of 19 city/25 highway.
When it comes to ride and handling, the Equinox loses a bit of its luster. Although it uses a wider track than its Saturn Vue cousin, the Chevy still exhibits considerable body roll in corners. Its over-the-road comfort is admirable, but it lacks the nimble feel you might expect in a smaller SUV. Much of the problem stems from the electric steering system that's used to allow for more precise tuning and increased efficiency. Unfortunately, it never seems to get it right, as there's a constant feeling of detachment between the steering wheel and the suspension below.
Keep the Equinox pointed straight ahead and the steering deficiencies fall further into the background. There's very little road and engine noise at speed and even the moderate wind buffeting from the tops of the side windows barely disturbs the quiet cabin. It makes for a fine cruiser just don't expect to have much fun if you find a twisty shortcut.
Given that most SUV buyers don't expect sharp handling in the first place, the flaccid underpinnings of the Equinox shouldn't be seen as a fatal flaw. It's got too many other things going for it to get blackballed for wobbly steering, especially given its otherwise competent driving characteristics. Factor in the expansive interior that looks as good as it works and the Equinox doesn't offer much to complain about. It's not likely to go down in history as the vehicle that turned Chevrolet around, but after years of watching one Chevy after another fail to impress, the Equinox is a welcome change of pace.
Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox Overview
The Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in the following submodels: Equinox SUV. Available styles include LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A), LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A), LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A), and LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A). Pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox models are available with a 3.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 185 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic. The Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2005 Chevrolet Equinoxes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2005 Chevrolet Equinox for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox.
Can't find a used 2005 Chevrolet Equinoxs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Chevrolet Equinox for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials
Check out Chevrolet Equinox lease specials
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