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Used 2005 Chevrolet Equinox SUV Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
734 reviews

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Last GM vehicle

disappointed, 03/13/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At 11,000 miles it needed a new wheel bearing. At 16,000 the caliper on the same wheel assembly literally fell off. There is a trough where the recessed windshield wipers rest. It looks nice but is ridiculous if you live where it snows. The washer outlets are also in this trough rather than on the hood aimed at the windshield so they are useless when it snows. Snow packs tight into that trough, and it has to be dug out constantly. Too many blind spots to list. The drink holders are a joke, one is on the floor, 2 others are on a cheap slide out from the center console, and there is no way they hold anything other than a standard size cup. It has a very poor resale value.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

Dave, 03/19/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this 2005 because of its low miles. It is very quiet to respond in steering and has great handling. We really like the AWD. I would like to see a little better gas mileage. The headlight system is a little confusing and it could use better lighting on the floor by your feet. Also on the highway there is some wind noise at the mirrors.

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4 out of 5 stars

Back to American

Charlie Crosby, 08/03/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very nice SUV. Great paint job. Wife likes as much as her BMW. Only complaint I have are the front brakes, in 36000 miles we have had to have the brakes done twice. I have never had brake problem with any other vehicle that we have owned.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

I think I got a Lemon

Jennifer Knauer, 08/09/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At 70,000 km, and on a vehicle only 2 years old a wheel bearing went along with the drive shaft bearing Dealership got GM to cover the parts but I had to pay for labor - not bad. Now at 79,000 km, another wheel bearing has gone. Not impressed - this shouldn't be happening on a 2 year old vehicle. GM is going to cover parts again at least. As for the other points of this vehicle - blind spot really bad at front windows near doors and towards the windshield due to the very large frame. Paint on console chips very easily. Trough at windshield collects a lot of snow, as well as the wheels and you are digging out both areas. Gas mileage could be better for the size of the vehicle.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Nox 05

CaddyLady, 09/04/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My husband gave me this car as a birthday gift. No problems. Don't particularly like the back window wash system, but love the way the car handles, and I get about 18 mpg in the city. I have no problem with odors in the car, no water leakage, just occassionally a gas smell in the oil, but I found out that is caused by the synthetic oil used by my mechanic. My next will be Caddy SRX. All my other cars were Fleetwoods. Wanted a small SUV. Ironically, they are both built in the same plant in Canada. But I chose the leather, no OnStar, and no Sirius radio. I like to listen to my cd's and books on disc. Maintenance is a key issue. No problems with the original tires, but I took the 17 in rims.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

05 Equinox Review - thumbs down

Rick, 09/30/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Poor mileage but plenty of power, small gas tank, small cramped interior, emergency brake handle hits cup holder, bumps are very rough, pcv valve riveted in, front seats are small, interior has too much plastic, awkward center console, window buttons very confusing, pinch fingers on shift button

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Needs Some Improvement

JLW, 09/25/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this vehicle for almost 3 years and 85K miles. Overall, I been pleased so far. I like the ride and the stylish exterior. Things I don't like: I have had the radio/CD player replaced 6 times, sometimes I have problems with it starting (it's never actually not started just a little hesitant), silver interior on doors and around radio chipping off, awkward placement of cupholders, gas mileage not what I was expecting, small gas tank, and placement of window controls. I've decided to keep and see how long it will lasts since it's almost paid for. Overall, a good car for the money, but could definitely use some improvement.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

I hate this SUV!

Annoyed, 09/25/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When we bought this car we loved it. Now we hate it and I am seriously just waiting for it to die on us. This car has been to the Shop 5 times for the same problems. And we get the same response every time, "can't duplicate the problem on site - can't fix it" My husband and I were starting to think we were insane. I don't know how many people we have told not to but an Equinox. Now were are turned off from Chevys and american made cars all together after this junk box.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Not so great

Steve, 07/06/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this 2005 with only 12,000 miles on it. I have it up to 24000 now. I just brought it into the shop this morning. When braking hard, the steering wheel shimmys uncontrolably. The transmission is worthless. It gives a lag and then shifts hard when you slow down to 15 mph and then accelerate again. Other times it revs up to 6000 rpm before it upshifts from 4th to 5th. When not moving and you try to turn the steering wheel, it feels like there is no power steering. The check oil light seems to stay on too long when you first start out. It has the turning radius of an aircraft carrier. Just pulling into a parking spot is a challenge. Blind spots galore.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Looks good, if you could only push it

Christy , 08/29/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my Chevy for two years now and it has a whopping 23K on it. Apparently, this is the same as 200K for other cars based upon my problems with this loser vehicle! I am currently looking to get-rid of it soon before the warranty runs out. I told the dealership today, as my car was being repaired for the sixth time, that I could not afford to do all the work it need monthly. So, I am currently looking to unload it before I have to start paying big money out my pocket. Two weeks after I bought “it” the starter went out. I took a picture as it was being towed back to the dealer. Then a stylish feature is the check engine light - it stays on all the time, which will no doubt become an

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3.63 out of 5 stars

It's OK for the price

Won't do this again, 06/06/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The down side is the interior noise level. If I don't play the radio it sounds like I'm in a wind tunnel. The door seals are also a bit cheap. I have to wipe inside the door frame after I have the car washed or a heavy rain. Some time you have to slam the door to get it to catch. And, the interior floor is thin. The heal of my shoe has gone through the floor. Also, redesign the headlight assembly. You have to take most of the front end off to change the headlight bulb.But the most shocking is the resale value. I owe $4000 more than what the car is currenty worth.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Poor Quality

CB, 06/30/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded Suburban for Equinox looking for better gas mileage and smaller size. Poor decision. This car is cheaply made. In windy conditions car blows all over the road. Akward interior, window controls should be on the doors. Horrible road noise in the interior cabin. Leather seats are hard, and backseat feels like a wooden bench. Gas mileage should be better considering the size. I traded it in for a new Yukon, couldnt have made a better choice getting rid of it.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Poor gas mileage

Steve, 07/14/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Only got 14 mpg in town and 17 mpg highway. GM said some cars have this problem, but no solution. Drove for 6000 miles, and traded for a Mercury Mariner. Very dissatisfied with Chevrolet, their excuses as to the bad mileage, etc. My recommendation is to stay away from a Chevy Equinox.

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4 out of 5 stars

I probably will trade it in

Peggy, 07/19/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My sharp LT has many upgrades and I was thrilled when I bought it. Unfortunately, I have had several problems with it; it probably would have been wise for Chevrolet to buy it back from me after the first or second problem to maintain brand loyalty. It has been back to the shop for electrical problems, a mystery problem with the catalytic converter and, most recently, it could not maintain power to get out of the parking lot at work (a 5% grade on dry pavement). It recovered spontaneously the next morning, but that did not help me get home! I have not yet taken it to the shop for an investigation of this latest problem, but it struck out as far as I'm concerned. I cannot recommend it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Replacing 1989 Chev wagon

Kairos, 11/14/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have enjoyed driving this car. Excellent results when towing boats and trailers with 3500 rated hitch. 21 mpg traveling to Florida from New England.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Don't buy a 2005 - you will regret it

Brandy Duffield, 10/26/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car looks great, however, I have had nothing but problems, I owned the car a month and the rear differential had to be completely replaced. The AWD still doesn't work correctly and is always engaged, so if it's raining it's like driving on ice, literally! The gas mileage was supposed be 25+ mpg, it's more like 16 or 17 mpg. I will not even put my daughters in the car with me anymore because I feel so unsafe when driving it, I should just sell it but I worry about a person safety that would buy it. I have contacted GMC with no response on their end.

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5 out of 5 stars

Cherie's pick

cherie, 10/28/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was pulled between this suv and the Nissan Murano and decided that for the price and the difference in fuel economy this was the smarter choice. I don't believe I have made a smarter choice in the last 3 years of ownership. When it is time for a new car I will most definitely look at the Equinox as my first choice again, and I must say if something is going to beat the Equinox it will have to be just the most awsome car of all time,and I don't see that happening.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Disgusted

John Kelly, 10/27/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this new and drive about 35000 miles a year. First 100000 miles fine. Since then, I have replaced one front wheel bearing, one of the 2 fuel pumps, brakes, the exhaust manifold. It has been a constant, very expensive headache this past year. Paint on the console has worn off. Turning radius is awful. Sell yours before you reach 100000 miles. This vehicle won't help the reputation of American car manufacturers.

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3 out of 5 stars

Maybe I had a Lemon

Price0909, 11/17/2007
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car itself is sporty and the funtionability of the seating and space is great. The quality of material is not good, seat fabric stains when it rains, steering wheel material is ruff, radio back plate or whatever you want to call it is all warn off making the car look very very used. My car broke down since the first 500 miles I pick it up, and still is broken ever since then. Get stuck a lot. One more payment. Cant wait to give it back!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

So far so good

gmm, 03/10/2008
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have read the other reviews, and find I share some experiences. The interior paint chips easily, but a dealership employee suggested I use a sharpie to fill in the gaps (thanks). The front tires wore out quickly, but it is a front wheel drive vehicle. The gas mileage is between 20 and 25, no complaints there. I do agree that the windshield is a bad deisgn in snowy conditions. All in all I like the Equinox. The resale value doesn't look that good, so I will be driving this car into the ground. My biggest complaint is that I found out that the motor was made in China. I have always bought American, and I bought the Equinox thinking I was doing just that. I may have bought my last US car

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Love at First sight ended in heartbreak

arwriggs, 01/04/2011
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my 05 nox 6/1/04. Had recall within 2 weeks that was fixed. Had to carry it back to replace pass. interior door panel & shifter (under warr). Paint started chipping bad. Had problems w/ ignition switch. At 2 years it started going downhill. Driver power window motor/regulator, CD player, scrubbing noise which is the AWD apparently. The AC compressor went out, the interior stains with a single drop of water, the quality of materials is poor, paint chips, buttons fade. Now water pump went out & cracked heads in motor. I'm out a few thousand dollars over this. I love my Nox & am extremely heartbroken to lose her. But I should have seen this coming, these are common problems w/ this car.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Good, but needs improvements

rms492, 03/31/2008
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought an '05 Equinox, used at CarMax. Had about 26,000 miles, I put about 15K a year. Now approaching 60K. The Equinox is an average SUV, nothing remarkable about it. It goes about its business well. I replaced the front brakes (rotors and pads) at about 35K, the cheap rotors they came with were warped. I bought Bendex rotors, great rotors! Also, the usual starting problem, the engine will not fully turn over, without pressing the gas (appears to happen to many people, according to here). Also, high beam light flickers on and off when you use turn signals. Overall an okay SUV, but cheap interior.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Trouble since i got it

bosslady443, 01/23/2012
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my chevy from a local dealership here in Sumter, South Carolina..from the day that i picked it up from the dealership a week after i purchased it. Well problem 1. check engine light keeps appearing 2. the temperature gage keep fluctating 3. when shifted into reverse it rattles... I am so ready to take this vehicle back to the dealership..i do believe that it will only get worse. Please HELP if there is anyone else out there who have been experiencing these issues, your assistance is greatly appreciated

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Satisfied

amaira, 04/29/2008
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For the money I believe I made the best possible choice. For 52,000 miles it has run well performed well and carted a lot of personal belongings. It looks good is roomy and mileage is good for a vehicle this size.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Last Chevy I'd Buy!

NOT HAPPY, 05/22/2008
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I fell in love with the appearance of the Equinox, and still find it to be a good looking car both inside and out. Unfortunately since I have bought the vehicle it has been one headache after another. I had consistent problems with a broken gas guage that Chevy finally fixed. The icing on the cake though is the never ending problems I have with the cooling system of the vehicle. My Equinox constantly overheats, a problem Chevy knows about, and has repeatedly tried to fix the issue. Now that my warranty is up, and the issue is still taking place, I am fighting with Chevy because I refuse to pay for repairs on an issue that has taken place since the car was 1 1/2 years old (its 3 1/2 now).

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3 out of 5 stars

Don't have the funds to fix

Regina, 09/25/2019
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It runs hot but still runs

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1.25 out of 5 stars

Was red in color-should have been YELLOW

Mike, 06/19/2009
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought this on 2/7/09, traded on 6/14/09. Worse care I ever bought. HAd less than 50,000 miles when I bought it and 6 weeks after purchase was hit with a $2700 repair bill. Dealership said sorry, but nothing we can do for you. I know it was a used car but this was ridiculous. Anyone considering an Equinox...think again. Traded for a 2003 Santa Fe GLS with more miles. Runs better and looks better.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A Woman's SUV Dream

Cynthia, 08/19/2006
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I always wanted an SUV. One not too high to get into, or to big to park. And along came the Equinox. I had a Tracker, but that was just a starter of a SUV. I think I bought the first one in Syracuse, NY. If GMAC were to check their records I'm sure they could verify that. It is rated as an SUV but it rides almost like a Cadillac, smooth as pie. If I had more time to purchase my vehicle, I would have gotten a sun roof and a black one. But due to the rush of purchase I had to get one off the lot. Nevertheless, I still love it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Kickin Equinox

jessirose, 09/15/2004
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I LOVE this vehicle. It's my first SUV and I chose it over the Trailblazer or Blazer because it's more economical, has better gas mileage AND it has more head and leg room inside. It is unbelievable how much leg room you have in the back seats, easily enough to cross your legs and sit comfortably without touching the seat in front. Nice amount of rear trunk space for carrying cargo and seats go down easily to allow for even more cargo when not using the rear seats for passengers. I give it an A+ after shopping for several months and looking at many different SUVs. It's the most for my money AND has a peppy engine with lots of power.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good First Run-Needs Tweeking

planbforme, 11/06/2004
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought the Equinox after an accident left me an amputee. It's a great height to sit in. Interior is very roomy. I almost bought a Hyundai Sante Fe but this car gave me more room. It's got great pick up and is fun to drive. The interior could use a few more features like grab handles on the inside above the door entry. The stereo system is confusing to operate. Cup holders in front and back are good. Folding seats are great - I've already transported a dresser. The back door is sometimes tough to get closed correctly. And - unfortunately, I've had a fender bender - driver stopped suddenly in front of me - the bumper cracked from slightest impact. Ignition sticks intermittently.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

DON'T DO IT!!!!

jones1124, 05/19/2012
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

This was the worst car I have ever owned. After 68k my serpentine went, the gas mileage was awful, the all-wheel drive in the snow was garbage,and I went through six headlights. Now, my car was paid free and clear after approx 2 1/2 yrs of ownership, but I still traded in for an '09 Honda Civic,and I could not be happier so far!! Bottom line is stay away from this vehicle. The Equinox, and my previous Chevy, have made me swear off American originated cars period

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5 out of 5 stars

Wow love it!

Tina, 08/24/2008
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Well, this is one vehicle I won't trade in. I love the way it drives, I feel like i'm driving a fast car. I love the way it makes me feel that it is a SUV. But it dosen't feel like it.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Im affraid of driving my NOX

Isaura, 12/19/2009
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

My Nox was my 16 birthday gift, i was so thrilled but not now!! since two months of purchased it started having problems: 1) The start engine switch was awfully bad had two different keys by now 2) I have drifted three times and have crash it because of the front traction. 3) Has horrible electric problems i have got my way home in a flat bed shuts down because a short circuit, 4) have burned twice the power steering fussiles 5) The interior is BIG trash! nmbers had fade, the arm rest has peeled off 6) The emergency Brake conflicts with the cup holders if you are using them and from all the stuff even the cd player doesn't work since like 2 years now! A/C does not work right now !

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3.13 out of 5 stars

I Regret the day I Got this Car!

equinoxhater, 07/21/2011
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 14 people found this review helpful

I should have seen this car was cursed when the tire went flat at the dealer ship but no i had to get rid of my 2002 Doge Neon. That was a good little car but i needed more space. the Equinox seemed like a good choice. I regret the day i brought this car because i have only had it for 2 years and i have been in over 20 accidents and my car has been attempted to be broken into and over and over with hit and runs... also most recently there is a 5inch crack in my front bumper. I hate this car because it uses so much technology i wish i just got a 65 corvete chery bom red. These cars are crazy and are confusing i want good quality old craftmanship.

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